Driving workforce excellence in the retail sector

JD Group has always taken pride in nurturing talent. Operating over 3,400 stores in 38 territories, the global sports fashion and outdoor retailer recognises the need to continuously evolve to remain competitive in a fast-changing sector. 

Since 2017, JD Group has worked closely with us to develop tailored programmes that tackle key business challenges, from addressing critical skills gaps to building a robust talent pipeline.

Tailored programmes to bridge skills gaps

We provide the Bury-headquartered organisation with more degree apprenticeship programmes than any other university, equipping employees with industry-relevant skills that address specific operational needs, from enhancing leadership capabilities to tackling digital transformation challenges.

“JD Group’s focus is on its existing employees who want to gain new knowledge and develop their careers,” says Sherry Ndala, Group Apprenticeships Manager. She continues, “Manchester Met’s degree apprenticeships ensure we help colleagues to grow professionally in a way which is customised to our needs and fills the skills gaps within the business, whether that’s in head office, retail or distribution.”

Apprentices gain cutting-edge academic learning, allowing them to bring immediate value and fresh perspectives into the business. “Feedback from our apprentices has been overwhelmingly positive,” says Sherry. “They appreciate learning from industry experts, and they’re able to apply that knowledge directly to their work, sharing it with their teams and creating a ripple effect of learning.”

The tailored approach of our degree apprenticeship programmes ensures that the learning is aligned with their operational goals. “The fact that employers have the chance to provide input on the relevance of the learning and materials is one of the big standouts for us.” She adds, “It gives us faith and confidence that our colleagues are being taught the most current and practical skills for their roles.”

Supporting employees to thrive 

One of the most significant outcomes of the partnership has been its impact on employee loyalty and career advancement. JD Group has achieved an outstanding retention rate of 93%, highlighting the sense of value and opportunity these programmes create.

“Our colleagues gain a high level of confidence from doing their degree apprenticeships,” says Sherry. “They feel that they are much more well-rounded afterwards and are constantly applying their learning into their day-to-day roles. For us to see them grow in those roles and their careers because of this is just spectacular. Several degree-level apprentices have been promoted following completion of their apprenticeship, which shows how much their skills are being recognised.”

For some employees, apprenticeships represent opportunities they never thought they’d have, providing the chance to advance their careers while staying within a company they know and trust. Gemma Palmer, Head of Early Careers and Apprenticeships says, “It’s incredibly rewarding to see colleagues who didn’t pursue a university education thrive through degree apprenticeships.” 

She continues, “Many find degree apprenticeships attractive because they can earn a qualification while continuing in their roles. We’ve had some great success stories of individuals starting at entry level and rising through the ranks. Supporting that kind of growth is a cornerstone of what we aim to achieve at JD Group.”

Developing a future-ready talent pipeline

Having access to high-calibre students and graduates from aligned degree disciplines ensures JD Group capitalises on the local talent pool. They have had 13 placement students and 74 graduates transitioning into full-time roles since the partnership began. “It’s a great university. The students that come to us from Manchester Met are really high-calibre, and the quality is amazing,” says Gemma.

“As well as getting insight and learning they can use in their degree, placement students build up a knowledge of our brand and an understanding of the way we work. This puts them in a strong position to compete for vacancies once they complete their studies. Also, this gives us a pipeline of talent for entry-level roles where not only is minimal marketing required, but we also don’t need to wait for notice periods to be completed.”

The accompanying cost savings from this streamlined recruitment process have been significant, with the JD Group saving approximately £4,000 per early-career hire in 2023 alone.

Additional collaborative initiatives

The business has also engaged with us through a variety of degree apprenticeships and careers and employability initiatives that further strengthen the partnership:

Live briefs 

Apprentices have worked on real-world projects devised by our academics and JD Group, maximising tangible business benefits.

Apprenticeship employer advisory boards

On-site drop-in sessions with our Apprenticeship Development Manager help employees discover pathways for growth and develop clear plans for advancing their careers.

Insight day

Over 70 of our students benefited from a visit to JD Group’s head office and a site tour of the distribution centre, receiving first-hand experience into operational intricacies and potential career pathways. 

Careers fairs

JD Group showcases itself as a leading local employer and to highlight exciting opportunities within the company, they connect directly with our students at career events.