Retail careers get boost with new scholarship

A new scholarship is set to provide aspiring retail professionals with financial support, industry experience and career-boosting opportunities.

The University of Sunderland has launched The Futures Fund: Chancellor’s Scholarship, backed by chancellor and Bravissimo chief executive Leanne Cahill. 

The initiative offers a £5,000 bursary, a paid summer internship, work-shadowing at Bravissimo headquarters and mentoring to help students break into the retail sector and “equip them with the skills they need to make their mark”.

Students will also gain a fully funded customer service qualification from the Institute of Customer Service and additional funding for extra training and opportunities. 

Leanne, who is a Sunderland University alumna, said: “I was born in Sunderland, I graduated from the university in 2000 and had the honour of becoming chancellor in 2023. 

“I’ve seen in action how this university produces confident, work-ready graduates who have the skills we need to grow our economy.

“I’ve been inspired to fund a new retail scholarship that includes mentoring opportunities from industry leaders.

“The scholarship will give students a unique insight into the breadth of roles and opportunities available in one of the UK’s most important sectors and equip them with the skills they need to make their mark.” 

Facilitated by the university’s Centre for Graduate Prospects, the programme will give students hands-on experience in merchandising, marketing, operations and management, addressing the retail industry’s demand for skilled graduate managers.

Sir David Bell, vice-chancellor and chief executive at the university, added: “We’re delighted to be able to work with Leanne to offer this incredible opportunity to our students. 

“Retail is an exciting, varied and expanding sector with a wide range of career opportunities in Sunderland and beyond.  

“The fast-moving retail sector in the UK is critical to the economy. 

“This scholarship demonstrates our professions-facing ethos, producing work-ready graduates with the skills needed to grow our economy.”

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