Paul Smith and House of Fraser back new retail leadership degree

Charity Retail Trust has worked with 12 UK retailers including Paul
Smith, Jigsaw, House of Fraser and JD Sports to develop a new Retail Leader
Apprenticeship programme which will begin next year.

The first in a series of supported degrees for retail, the level 6
programme will welcome at least 400 retail employees, and is the first
initiative of its kind to be approved for the retail sector. The programme
aims to widen the search for people who see the retail industry as a career
of choice, and will help organisations make the most of their
apprenticeship levy funds.

Apprentices will work full-time while studying towards a Bachelor of
Arts degree at their chosen university. The programme aims at developing
their strategic, technical, managerial and leadership retail skills. Over
the four-year programme, retailers will be able to claim back up to 22,000
pounds of their levy funds per student.

12 UK retailers back new Retail Leader Apprenticeship Degree

Academic learning is integrated with practical on-the-job experience. A
blended approach to learning combines face-to-face training days with
online learning, research and assessment activities. Business projects,
negotiated with employers, offer the apprentice the opportunity to apply
their learning directly to their organisation and its business context.

Commenting on the new degree in a statement, Amanda Cox, People and
Services Director at Dunelm Group plc, said: “This is a real legacy moment
for retail – showing through a work-based degree how important retail is as
a sector and the amazing careers that people can have within it.

“I look forward to seeing our first colleagues go through this programme
and the skills this gives them to fast track their careers, as well as
unlocking their true potential.”

Amy Prendergast, Head of People and Vocational Learning Services at
Retail Trust added: “We are thrilled that the brand new Retail Leader
Apprenticeship Degree has been approved for delivery next year. The
programme is the first of our supported degrees developed collaboratively
with the industry.

“We have 12 retailers on board and would encourage other businesses to
make the most of their levy funds and develop their next generation of
leaders.”