Solent launches retail diploma

The course - which is the first of its kind - was designed in partnership with the Revo Educational Trust, and was developed to support those who are looking to progress in their retail/leisure role to management level.

We caught up with Davinder Jhamat, Head of Research and Education at Revo to find out more about the qualification, and who it is suited to.

Hi Davinder, can you tell us who the Revo Diploma is aimed at?

Anyone working, or interested in working in the management of retail and leisure places which encompass a breadth of disciplines ranging from retailing, marketing, finance, facilities management, security, retail parks, commercialisation, legal, and so much more.  It’s a great foundation to build a rewarding career in a raft of subject areas, and in assets which sit at the heart of our communities.

Why would someone study the Diploma?

As an industry we are constantly being challenged to get the best out of our assets in driving performance and value. We recognise the need to keep our industry upskilled and relevant, to confidently tackle the challenges that lie ahead for our industry, particularly as the role of the traditional centre manager has changed to one of a commercial manager. Our new Diploma in Retail and Leisure Place Management, developed in partnership with Solent University, addresses the core competencies required to do this job in this new retail landscape.  It seeks to enhance the abilities of our professionals, giving them a foundation to develop and progress their careers with confidence and flair.

What will students study whilst on the Diploma?

Students will study a range of areas which address the core competencies required to work within senior management. The course has created a unique blended way of learning, embedding practical skills and ways of learning to enhance the learning experience – and best of all there are no exams! Units on the course include: Principles of Property Law, Marketing Principles and Operations and Critical Risk Management - further units can be seen on the course page. 

Why did Revo decide to develop this programme?

Our retail assets of today and of the future are not what they used to be. They are more than just retailing, now encompassing food and beverage, leisure, online retailing, keeping the customer engaged, the wider community piece and so much more. The retail sector is such a dynamic industry which is being challenged in so many directions, and we needed an industry educational standard that is fit for purpose, would keep up with this pace of change, and allow our professionals to manage their assets with confidence. 

How can interested students apply for the Diploma?

Visit the course page, or contact me directly at davinder@revocommunity.org – and don’t miss the first start date of January 2019.