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Starting out in retail
Through quality training and work experience at some of the best retailers in the country, we develop people for retail. Have a look at the resources we have available and contact us for more information on the range of pre-employment programmes we run to help you find your next job in retail.
Current vacancies
We have provided a list of industries who may be recruiting and a link to their career pages.
How to get a job in retail
Joanne Mackie, HR Director of Superdrug, shares some top interview preparation tips for people wanting to get a job in retail.
Working as the head of online performance
Head of Online Performance Paula Bobbett loves her fast-paced role at Dixons Carphone and enjoys the variety the job offers. If you have great data, commercial, creative, interpersonal and digital skills, this could be the ideal role for you.
Working as an emerging talent manager
Jonny Bevan has been working in retail since he was 16 years old, and is currently the Emerging Talent Manager at Dixons Carphone. Jonny reveals that this is one of the most rewarding jobs in the business because he gets a chance to recruit our future retail leaders and watch them develop in their roles.
Working as an ecommerce visual merchandising manager
Ecommerce Visual Merchandising Manager Elinor desribes why it is important to be customer-obsessed. Retail is a growing sector for ecommerce, and this role is a great way to drive revenue while looking at the bigger picture.
Working as a product manager for mobile apps
Product Manager Szilvia manages the mobile apps at New Look. Szilvia explains that if you are a go-getter with superb organisation skills, and you love both fashion and digital, this is the ideal job for you.
Working as a product designer
Product Designer Christina works in the digital team at New Look. Christina highlights how significant continued learning is for an exciting and ever-changing career in the digital space.
Working as a senior social media, content and PR manager
With over 14 years of experience in brand marketing, Katie Gritt tells us about her role at The Entertainer. The essential skills needed for a senior social media, content and PR manager include creativity, flexibility, and the courage to try new ideas and technology.
Working as an online trading manager
Online Trading Manager Scott talks about his role at The Entertainer. The key skills and attributes required for this job include excellent analytical skills, and the ability to build effective working relationships with other departments.
Working as a retail marketing manager
With a fun and rewarding role at The Entertainer, Retail Marketing Manager Mark advises on never giving up on an opportunity. Key attributes for this job include enthusiasm, motivation, and excellent project management skills.
Working as a regional manager
From starting her retail career delivering newspapers, Camelia is now Regional Manager at Paul Smith Retail covering the UK, Copenhagen and Australia.
Working as a buying manager
Buying Manager Patrick explains why being analytical, results-oriented, and able to handle a range of demands across multiple timezones is key to his role at Paul Smith Retail.
Working as a merchandising manager
Dan tells us about his role as Merchandising Manager at Paul Smith Retail. Some of the key skills and attributes for this job include being methodical, analytical and seeing the world from other people’s perspective.
How to get more customers into your retail store
Filmed in Leeds city centre, this video from ’The PopUp Business School’ talks about five new ways to get more customers into your store to generate more revenue.
The opportunities of online retail and ecommerce
Watch this interview with Harley Finkelstein, the Chief Platform Officer at Shopify, talking about the online retail revolution and the opportunities to reach new customers.
The story of a retail start-up
Katie McCarthy draws from her experience to provide five tips you should keep in mind when starting a retail business.
The best job search websites
Techboomers talks about the best places to look online when you’re trying to find a new job, change careers, or get started in the work, sharing tips to help you get hired.
How to find your first job with no experience
If you’re looking for a job with no experience, this video is for you. Linda Raynier explains how you can get a job without experience once you know what makes you valuable, and how you are able to articulate this to employers.
Our previous participants have found success everywhere, from food retailers to fashion retailers, contact centres and distribution warehouses. As part of the programme we will support you with developing the vital skills required for the workplace. These newly developed skills will then be put into practice through a work placement with a leading retailer.
Create your personalised toolkit
Personalise your experience by telling us what interests you. Simply select from the list of subjects available.
Change your mind? You can easily update your preferences at any time. Your information is kept safe and confidential at all times.
Here are some of the subjects we cover:
- Managing stress
- Giving up smoking
- Core skills to help you at work
- CV and interview support
- Redundancy
- Loss and bereavement