Latest news: University of John Lewis plans

The retailer, John Lewis, has announced plans to further develop its internal vocational qualifications programme through the 'University of John Lewis' 08/05/2013

This involves a range of work-based qualifications designed to offer all staff the chance to gain externally recognised qualifications and progress in their career.

As part of the offer, John Lewis plans to introduce a pilot Level 6 vocational qualification, equivalent to an honours degree, by the end of 2013, aimed at staff in senior management roles. This is in addition to the retailer's existing qualification programme, which allows staff to progress from entry-level qualifications up to Level 5.

The introduction of the 'University of John Lewis' builds on the retailer's ambition to professionalise the retail sector and provide its workforce with the skills they need to progress and stay competitive in the ever-changing retail environment.

Laura Whyte, personnel director at John Lewis, said, 'There is an old-fashioned view that retail doesn't offer people long-term career opportunities, but that is just no longer the case. Our staff give us our competitive edge, and if we want them to stay with us for the long term, we need to make sure that they have the right skills to meet the challenges we face in an evolving retail environment.

'The aspiration for the University of John Lewis is to provide choice to our workforce by matching them with the right level of qualification and helping them achieve their career goals. We want staff working at all levels of John Lewis, from selling assistants to branch managers, to have the opportunity to develop new skills and qualifications while still at work.'

As well as vocational qualifications, the 'University of John Lewis' offers a number of other training and development initiatives through its Skills Programme, including product knowledge, line management, and leadership training. The retailer's Leisure Learning programme also supports staff in developing skills outside of their day-to-day roles, such as learning a foreign language.