Recently Movehut News reported that university applications for the approaching academic year have fallen by 8.9 per cent. The article highlighted the fact that this could be bad news for retail and leisure commercial properties in areas where student spending contributes to the local economy.
Given this backdrop it is interesting to learn that Aurora Fashions, which owns leading high street brands Coast, Oasis and Warehouse, is set to launch a 12 month course for its staff which will contribute towards a full degree. It is open to all employees and covers every aspect of fashion retail management.
The scheme, which is being administered in partnership with the University of Derby, is indicative of a growing trend among major employers to provide education and training rather than recruiting from universities. This is seen as a method of ensuring that employees gain skills tailored to the needs of a specific industry.
A pilot scheme, involving an initial 150 employees, begins later this month and will be delivered via a combination of practical and online training. Aurora Fashions hopes it will encourage more young people to view retail as a career rather than a short term employment option.
Meg Lustman, Managing Director of Warehouse explains; “We hope to inspire existing staff, and those entering the industry, to be ambitious about a long-term career in the fast paced world of fashion retail.”
Among the benefits on offer is the opportunity for students to work alongside Warehouse’s design team, gaining hands-on experience of creating a fashion collection. The greatest reward will be the chance to see their designs on sale in Warehouse’s 300 UK retail commercial properties.
The Aurora Fashions scheme coincides with a survey which reveals that 70 per cent of young people believe that work experience should be mandatory for school pupils. The survey also found that many of the 500 plus youngsters taking part thought that it should be compulsory for large employers to provide work experience opportunities.
Do you think employers providing industry specific courses is the way forward given rising tuition fees, or is a more rounded university education still a better option? Share your opinions with us below.
Interesting idea ! It depends on the individual I think. Education is never wasted but some people benefit more from practical experience so schemes like this could bridge the gap for many young people.
Exactly Ben, some people prefer to combine education with practical experience like apprenticeships.