Training and development

We want every Partner at every level of the business to be able to fulfil their potential at work, by taking on new challenges or developing a management career.
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Training to give the best customer service

The Partnership aims to offer every customer the best possible experience, so we help all our Partners gain the skills and knowledge they need to perform to the best of their ability. This starts with a comprehensive induction programme, and continues during Partners careers through a range of vocational training opportunities, appraisals and access to a variety of learning resources. Customer service skills are our first priority because only through delivering excellent service can we maintain our position as a leading retailer. Partners receive regular feedback on performance, and are appraised formally each year against a framework of behaviours.

Promotion and career development

The Partnership wants to provide long-term satisfying careers for Partners. Partners are encouraged to fulfil their potential by taking on new challenges or developing a career in management. To achieve this the Partnership:

  • promotes suitably qualified Partners into vacancies rather than recruiting newcomers
  • encourages changes of responsibility on a trial basis if necessary
  • helps Partners to learn as much as they can about the Partnership and our activities
  • provides knowledge and training to help Partners carry out their responsibilities better
  • encourages Partners general education and interests in fields not directly related to their work.
     

Management Training Schemes

Across the Partnership, high-calibre managers are crucial to maintaining our position as one of the UK's leading retailers.

Our managers come from a wide variety of backgrounds – school and college leavers, graduates, experienced retailers, career switchers and those returning to work after a break. We aim to have a training scheme that will suit everyone.

In September 2011 the Partnership was placed number 11 in the Times Top 100 Graduate Employers rankings, our best result ever. We were also voted the best graduate employer for opportunities within sales and retailing.

Related

  • The Partnership Spirit
    The Partnership is a very special place to work. We believe our distinctive culture – our spirit – lies at the heart of this feeling.

  • The Partnership
    The Partnership's unique ownership structure helps us achieve commercial success.

  • Our employees
    The Partnership believes there is more to a job than just work and pay.