Aurora develops fashion retail qualification

In partnership with University of Derby Corporate (UDC), Aurora Fashions, the owner of fashion brands Coast, Oasis and Warehouse, has launched an academically accredited retail talent programme for employees working in its stores across the UK and Ireland.

The Aspire2Accelerate training programme, believed to be the first of its kind in fashion retail, will comprise of three higher education level qualifications targeted at career stages from sales advisor through to area manager. Each completed phase of work-based learning will contribute credits towards the achievement of a full university degree in retail management.

The programme will also enable Aurora to create a visible career path for front-line retail teams both within the brands and across the group as well as identifying and nurturing a talent pool ready for critical management roles.

Commenting on the initiative, Meg Lustman, managing director of Warehouse, says, “Against a backdrop of youth unemployment and significant industry job losses, we hope Aspire2Accelerate will inspire existing staff, and those considering entering the industry, to be ambitious about a long-term career in the fast paced world of fashion retail.”