The Channel Islands Co-op has brought its retail education programme to students in Guernsey after a successful pilot in Jersey last year.

The programme offers first-hand experience of the retail industry by providing a behind-the-scenes look at the skills, teams and systems that power the Channel Islands’ largest community retailer.

There are four modules and nineteen students from La Mare de Carteret and St Sampson’s High schools took part in the 2025 programme, working in collaboration with local educators.

Vicki Hewlett, Learning & Development Officer for the CI Co- op said: “We’re so excited that we were able to deliver Project Retail for the first time here in Guernsey.  This fantastic initiative provided Year 9 students with valuable knowledge, and opportunity to learn all about the retail sector. It also emphasises on the importance of CI Coop’s value of putting purpose before profit.  One of our priorities as a local business is giving back to the community, and we are thrilled to be supporting local schools and their students with this experience.”

The programme includes an introduction to the CI Co- op, a guided store visit, and a visit to local supplier Langlois Farm.

The programme ended with the students giving a presentation at the Annual Members’ Meeting in May, sharing their learnings with members, shareholders, and directors.

Jonny Breedt, Head of Year 9 at La Mare de Carteret said: “It has been such a positive experience for the pupils. Before and after each module they have been buzzing. Vicki and all the staff behind the scenes have been brilliant with the pupils. The modules have been informative, interesting, and well organised. I can honestly say that the pupils have gained an understanding of how all aspects of retail work, from getting to know the values of the Coop and how integral they are to the community of our tiny Island to visiting one of the local suppliers. The pupils couldn’t wait to present what they learnt to the stake holders of the Coop, and they worked hard on their presentation.”

Following strong praise from educators involved and pupils in 2024, the project is set to become a regular fixture in CI Co-op’s education and community engagement calendar.