Member Article

Manchester Metropolitan University and Asda launch new retail-focused degree apprenticeship

Manchester Metropolitan University and Asda have launched a Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship in Retail.

Asda is a long-term supporter of apprenticeships, with programmes to help young people take the first steps in their careers. Now the retailer is offering colleagues the chance to study for a degree apprenticeship, a bespoke programme designed to build the skills and knowledge for a successful retail management career in Asda.

Participants in the four-year degree apprenticeship programme have the opportunity to complete a full honours degree alongside their role with the retailer.

Alison Lockwood, Apprenticeship Adviser at Asda said: “We are very passionate about apprenticeships and giving our colleagues an opportunity to develop. We have a great relationship with Manchester Met, who have been invaluable in helping us to establish this new programme.”

The new programme is the result of an intensive period of consultation between Asda and University academics and apprenticeship experts. The curriculum covers core areas of management theory such as managing and leading people, finance and accounting, sales and marketing, and operations. Successful apprentices will also have the opportunity to achieve Chartered Manager (CMgr) status, the gold standard for the profession.

Andrew Lewis, Senior Lecturer in Retail Operations said: “We have a long history of collaboration with Industry partners, so we are delighted to be working with Asda on this tailored retail management degree apprenticeship. We’ve had a great first week and are looking forward to working with this group of motivated and ambitious Asda colleagues.”

Manchester Metropolitan University is the UK’s leading provider of management degree apprenticeships, and is part of an elite group of AACSB-accredited global business schools. According to latest Department for Education statistics from July 2017, 1 in 7 of all Degree Apprentices in the UK study with Manchester Met. More than 600 degree apprentices are enrolled on the university’s Digital & Technology Solutions Degree Apprenticeships and other programmes, such as the Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship and the Laboratory Scientist programme.

The university is also playing an important role in the development of new programmes, including a new MBA Degree Apprenticeship, which is set to launch in 2018.

Further information: apprenticeships@mmu.ac.uk 0161 247 3919

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Manchester Metropolitan University Centre for Enterprise .