Coventry University provides accreditation for retail qualification

STAFF at retailer House of Fraser can now achieve a university qualification by successfully completing the department store group’s management trainee programme.

House of Fraser’s programme for aspiring sales managers has been accredited with a Diploma in Professional Development through Acua Limited, the corporate development subsidiary of Coventry University.

The accreditation was awarded as part of House of Fraser undertaking a review of its management trainee programme with support from Acua.

The revised programme – which is already under way – is structured into four business-focused modules designed to equip sales advisors with the skills, knowledge and experience to become successful managers.

The modules are completed over a 12-month period of store placements with on-going assignments to consolidate the learning and achieve the diploma.

Robin Stirzaker, learning & development manager at House of Fraser, said: “The feedback and results have been extremely encouraging with new ideas being generated to improve business.

“The aim is for the trainees to have secured managerial roles upon completion of the programme and within the first six months, six have already been promoted to sales managers which is a fantastic achievement.”

Vicki Nee, client engagement manager at Acua, said: “House of Fraser recognise that success starts with people and we are delighted to be helping to develop its sales managers of the future to support the growth of the business.”