Co-op Connections: The next generation need YOU worker-co-ops!

Thanks @irenap for the reply. I won't be able to attend this because I'm limited to the amount of free work that I can do (I try to keep this to as little as possible, I'm sure you can understand why).
I do think this is worthwhile and wonder if Co-ops UK would create a budget to pay co-operators to do this? It's definitely 'work' and it's valuable to the movement...but I don't know who would be responsible for paying it.
Thanks - I hope this comes across as a polite and respectful message because that's my intention.

Thanks @craigm after we see how this one goes maybe we can approach other closer colleges/unis for co-op specific careers fairs ...

Sadly we're not able to pay (or be paid by Oldham College, it's not our project but theirs). We'll still do it because of the reciprocal benefits i.e they provide a ready (important) audience to us who have the potential to grow the co-op sector. And we provide the education that their college can't. Both sides get something out of it. What about worker co-ops, is there a reciprocal benefit for you doing this? It's a useful discussion. I see it as our chance to show college students an alternative careers path that bears no resemblance to standard careers fairs (i.e. overrun with the corporate sector and potential corporate exploitation). We'll be telling students earlier they can grow their own jobs and not have to rely on employers to realise their career interests. I sense there is an unction to do this so thank you @kayleighwalsh and others for the interest. It would be a shame not to have you on board due to funds - students want to hear from those in the detail (you) and not just from those in the overall (i.e Co-ops UK). But I'm struggling to know what the reciprocal benefit is that would better-enable worker co-ops to undertake the free promotion of the sector. Any views please discuss here. Thanks.

Happy to be involved in this, either holding space or as example worker co-op. Have done similar work before and used to work in FE. My reciprocal angle would be the possibility of funded work if co-ops emerge that need formal support thru something like the Hive. For the Worker Co-ops, there might be a similar relationship as mentors thru the Hive or even as a "Barefoot" Co-op advisor as an associate of an existing Co-operative Development Body (CDB).

Thanks @marksimmonds I'll be in touch soon... and thanks for the reciprocal info - really useful insight.

Hey, is it too late for us to be involved? Suma would love to help out :-)

It's not too late @emilyharwood thanks so much for responding. We have a good group of us starting to form now and Suma would be an ace addition! Would it be you taking the workshop?

I'm not sure yet, I'll have to check dates etc. Could you email me on [email protected] with the details, please? And we'll take it from there :-)

Will do :thumbsup:

I will be very interested to hear how this goes as something I might replicate locally. I would emphasise the model from an entrepreneurial perspective, not just in terms of employment. The sector needs a bucket load of startups.