Retail Management Trainee Programme
What is it?
Our Retail Management Trainee Programme (MTP) is tailor made for post A Level/equivalent students who are looking for exciting and rewarding positions in fashion.
As University is not suited to everyone, the MTP offers an attractive alternative for those looking for a career in the retail industry, learning and training while in full time employment.
The MTP begins with a fantastic national induction event where all new trainees are introduced to Arcadia's exciting business. Following this event trainees are based in a retail store to learn and develop through a variety of activities, including:
- A structured induction - learning about retail, the brand and store operations
- Development workshops focusing on the core skills needed for a successful management career, including team motivation and planning for future success
- Visiting other stores on placement to learn about store operations and meeting new people
Training
While learning the ropes and becoming a Retail Management Trainee, you'll find your training and development programme will enable you to become confident with managing your store, its profits and a team.
Some of your key responsibilities will include:
- Learning how to develop and manage your team
- Delivering excellent customer service
- Maximising sales
- Liaison with Head Office functions, e.g. Buying, Merchandising, Distribution and Finance
- Visual Merchandising - so your store is really the best on the high street
- Marketing, e.g. in-store promotions, special offers, card holder events l
- Networking and travelling to meet other Trainees and senior staff
Career Path
A typical career path for a school or college leaver joining Retail Management is as follows:
Profile
Alex Janes
Management Trainee - Joined Wallis in September 2006
My decision to pursue a career in retail was inspired by temporary Christmas employment in Topshop in Gloucestershire. Working at Topshop helped me to focus on the aspects of a job that are important to me. I really enjoyed the customer interaction, the fast paced nature of retail and of course I was passionate about fashion.
I decided to apply to the Arcadia Management Trainee scheme after I had finished my studies at the Fashion Retail Academy. Arcadia appealed to me not only as a result of my previous employment at Topshop but because of the variety of opportunities that were on offer to me. I worked really hard throughout the selection process and was delighted to hear I had been offered a place with the Wallis brand. I particularly liked the fact the recruitment team selected the brand for me as this meant my career development would be best suited to my skills and development areas.
I started on the programme in September 2006. My first day was at a national induction event, which was amazing. I got to meet all the other new Management Trainees and made some really great friends - it was also reassuring to know everyone one also was as nervous as me. I also got to meet Sir Philip Green and other members of the senior management team, which was an experience I will not forget.
My induction placement was in the Wallis store in Bluewater, this gave me an opportunity to gain a greater understanding of the brand and its customer profile. After three weeks there I moved to the Wallis store at Marble Arch. I have really enjoyed being exposed to all aspects of store management, from everyday challenges to visual merchandising and over-night store launches. The opportunity to progress and develop over the course of the programme gaining greater responsibilities has also been fantastic
I have reached the end of my first year on the Management Trainee scheme and can honestly say I have enjoyed every minute of it. I am in the process of securing my first management position and look forward to continually developing my skills and gaining increased responsibility.
I would really recommend this scheme to anyone who is looking for career development within the fashion retail industry.
Salary & Benefits
- From £13,350 to £15,350 per year (depending on location)
- 25 days paid holiday
- 25% discount on all Arcadia brands
- Participation in the Company Bonus Scheme
- Contributory Pension Scheme
- Business dress allowance
Our Retail Management positions are extremely sought after. In order to make your application as strong as possible, we suggest that you read the job profiles and the relevant information that is available on this website as well as each of our brand websites. What are our education requirements?
- You need to have achieved or be studying for at least 2 A-Levels/4 AS Levels or the equivalent
- 5 GCSEs (or equivalent) including Maths and English at grades A to C
We recommend that you fully research the role of Management Trainee before you submit your online application form. Our top tips include reading all the available information on the website and really stopping to think how your previous experiences will help you with the role of Management Trainee.
It is also a good idea to go and visit your local store to get a feel for what working for Arcadia may be like. You may also find it useful to speak to Careers Advisors, family, friends or College Tutor to identify your skills, strengths and development areas for the role.
As you are filling in the answers to the questions on your application form we would love to hear from you about any relevant experiences or skills you already possess.
Our application process involves the following steps:
- Completion of online application form
- Completion of online numerical ability test (provided by the SHL Group). We give you the chance to practice this before you have to do it for real!
- Telephone interview with a member of our Resourcing Team
- Attendance at Assessment Centre (in London)
If you have the right to work in the UK and you're confident that you fulfil all our requirements, please complete the application form by selecting 'Apply Now' at the top of the page. This could be the first step towards your future career. ***Please Note: Applications for this programme will be closing on 17th April 2008***
