Co-op Live Welcomes Over 1,500 Students as part of Community Education Programme

Working closely with constructors BAM, Co-op Live have welcomed more than 1,500 students from 46 local schools to the Co-op Live site for educational visits and careers fairs, as part of the venue's commitment to supporting the Manchester community.

Participating students have attended workshops and mentoring sessions at the venue, where they were able to explore what it takes to build the UK’s largest arena and learn about a career in the entertainment industry. During their visit, students also participated in mock interviews with Co-op Live and BAM staff, and attended personal development sessions to support their preparation for life after school. 

In addition to facilitating educational visits, Co-op Live has also invited 23 student jobseekers, all aged 18 or under, to participate in work experience placements at the venue. 13 additional work experience placements and four volunteering opportunities have also been offered to those over the age of 18 to further support Manchester’s student community, ranging across skilled trades, business and marketing.

 
Gary Roden, Executive Director and General Manager, said:

“It has been a pleasure to welcome so many students to the venue over the last few months. Supporting the community is at the heart of everything we do at Co-op Live, so to have the opportunity to welcome so many local young people to our venue and give them a flavour of what it is like to be part of a team that is constructing the world’s largest live entertainment venue, has been an absolute pleasure. We look forward to welcoming many more young learners as we gear up to opening.” 

In line with and supporting the convenience retailer Co-op’s core brand values, the venue’s ‘Gigs that Give Back’ will generate at least £1 million annually for the Co-op Foundation to support causes on a local and national scale, including delivering on its new youth-led strategy.