Retail Development Programme Trainee Review

The programme requires participants to work full-time for 3 years while studying in parallel for a full time degree that is sponsored by the business. Your role in the business requires you to undertake a series of rotations around the business to gain a breadth of experience while giving you opportunities to tie your academic learning back to real world business problems for mutual benefit.

As well as obtaining a BA (Hons) in Management & Leadership from Anglia Ruskin University, I also had the opportunity through both my academic & work-based development to upskill in areas such as communication, teamwork & networking that have proved to be valuable post-programme.

While it was challenging to complete a degree around work, it was great working with a group of like-minded people towards a common set of goals so I really enjoyed my time on the programme.

Being selected for the programme was really satisfying and those on the course were supported well both academically and professionally throughout.

The programme has a great mix of academic study, work-based development and chances to network and develop your inter-personal skills.

Anglia Ruskin representatives were really supportive throughout my time on the programme, which was invaluable to the programme being successful.

Alongside academic support, the buy-in from business stakeholders was crucial for both the programme and its participants to be successful and get the most out of the programme.

While having had the studies funded was fantastic, there were times where it was challenging to be self-sufficient across the 3 year period based on the salary on offer during my time on the programme although this may have evolved over time so I cannot comment on the current position. That said, all business expenses outside of day to day living were covered by the business.

Throughout the programme there were a number of opportunities to bring the cohort together, these were organised by the group themselves as well as by the business and the university.

Yes

A great opportunity to develop a successful career and achieve academic success in an affordable way if you are prepared to put in the hard work to be successful.

Do it! While it is challenging to juggle both work and academic study, the benefit of finishing your degree with no debt and 3 years work experience makes you really well placed to drive your career forward.