Career Development
Retail Trust can help with funding for qualifications and courses. From GCSEs and NVQs right across the board to Masters Degrees, we support people in achieving their potential in a retail career.
Please call the Helpline on 0808 801 0808 to find out if we can help you with your career development. If funding is a problem, or there are other issues such as childcare, Retail Trust still might be able to help.
We provide scholarships every year for two courses run by British Shops and Stores Association (bssa):
bssa Summer School - 21 - 27 August 2010
This August will see the 80th anniversary of Oxford Summer School, the week-long residential Summer School, held at Oxford’s picturesque Keble College, prides itself on endeavouring to be the 'cutting edge' of retailing. Normally costing more than £1,550, Skillsmart Retail and Retail Trust are offering ten bursaries to up-and-coming managerial talent. To apply for one of the free places, please call the Retail Trust Helpline 0808 801 0808.
Skills include how to manage people, money, marketing, merchandise and retail space and include exercises, lectures and tutorials led by retail experts, presentations from leading retail figures, team-building events and social activities aimed at delivering an inspirational experience to help each delegate realise their potential.
Speakers are to be confirmed, but last year’s line-up included: Alec Grimsley, Managing Director, Vital GB; Charlie Mayfield Chairman, John Lewis Partnership; Nick Robertson, Chief Executive, ASOS; Dave Meckin, Managing Director, Insight Financial Consulting; Marigay McKee, Fashion and Beauty Director, Harrods; Darren Wilson , Chief Executive Officer, HSBC Merchant Services.
Read a press release about the Oxford Summer School here.
If you are interested in applying for a scholarship, please contact Marketing on the Contact page or for more information, please visit the Oxford Summer School website.
“Summer School helped me achieve my personal objectives through the combination of fantastic, uplifting, and inspiring lectures, and challenging but enjoyable exercises. A life changing experience.” Kate Campbell
Check out what other people have to say about attending the Oxford Summer School on a scholarship: Adam, Ellaine, Louise, Rachel, Rebecca and Raj
Fashion Retail Academy
The Fashion Retail Academy was the first National Skills Academy to be opened in the UK in September 2006 to educate and train young people aged 16+ to develop skills required for an exciting career in the fashion retail industry. The FRA is backed by the Arcadia Group, Marks & Spencer, Next and Tesco.
Located in a fantastic building just off London’s Oxford Street you will learn in an inspirational environment. With connections to over 70 retail leaders, the work placements that are offered on all courses provide a great opportunity to gain the skills and experience needed for a career in fashion retail. It really is the unique combination of retail business and fashion education that makes learning at the Fashion Retail Academy so rewarding and meaningful.
To find out more, visit the Fashion Retail Academy website.
"I was so excited to learn that you would fund my course. It was a surprise having been rejected for most of my life."
