The Channel Islands Coop has celebrated another successful year of its Project Retail education programme, engaging Year 9 students in both Jersey and Guernsey.
The initiative offers first-hand experience of the retail industry across four engaging modules and aims to provide young people with meaningful insights into the world of work.
In Jersey, students from Haute Vallée School took part in this year’s programme, which builds on the pilot initiative delivered last year. In Guernsey, nineteen students from La Mare de Carteret and St Sampson’s High School participated in the 2025 edition—marking the first time the programme has been delivered on the island.
Designed in collaboration with local educators, Project Retail provides a behind-the-scenes look at the skills, teams, and systems that power the Channel Islands’ largest community retailer. Through hands-on experiences, students learn about everything from customer service to supply chains, linking classroom learning with real-life business practice.
Oyindamola Odekunle, Learning and Development Officer at CI Coop, said: “Project Retail is a brilliant example of how our community values come to life. It gives Year 9 students a practical, behind-the-scenes look at how we operate as a purpose-led business. At CI Coop, we’re proud to support local young people and give back to the community by helping students gain meaningful insight and experience that could shape their future.”
Vicki Hewlett, Learning & Development Officer for CI Coop, added: “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 the opportunity to learn all about the retail sector. It also emphasises 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.”
Emma McCartan, Assistant Head Teacher at Haute Vallée School, commented: “Project Retail offers students a meaningful introduction to the world of work, helping them build vital skills and explore a range of career options in retail. It’s a brilliant way to boost confidence and help young people make more informed choices about their future careers.”
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. The modules have been informative, interesting, and well organised. The pupils gained a strong understanding of how all aspects of retail work—from the Coop’s values to supplier visits—and were eager to present their learning to stakeholders.”
Pictured: Students from Haute Vallee at Three Oaks Vineries
