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Retail manager: Training

Many of the larger retail companies have dedicated training stores. Graduate schemes are often well structured and cover all areas of retailing within the store. You may be assigned a mentor who is an experienced manager and will oversee your training, offering support and guidance. Some retailers offer support to successful candidates even before they have started; Marks & Spencer have a new recruits section of the website allowing new graduates and business placement students to discuss their expectations and worries before they start.  

Training programmes are normally in-house and combine practical on-the-job or work shadowing experience with supplementary courses and workshops.

Short courses may offer:

• technical aspects, such as accounts;
• interpersonal training, such as coaching and mentoring;
• structured behavioural training in influencing or facilitation skills.

Training programmes aim to give you an overview of the company through exposure to the various retailing areas. The length of training varies between nine months and three years. Many training programmes are flexible and can be tailored to your requirements; you will be expected to drive your own future in accordance with the needs of the business.

Companies may also support trainees in gaining further professional qualifications related to specific disciplines.

AGCAS

Written by Lorraine Pitman, Robert Gordon University

Last updated:

August 2009

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