Bringing Degree Skills to Work

Manchester business sponsors employees through GMSA Advance

Employers who cooperate with their staff reap the rewards. One business taking advantage of the unique GMSA Advance offer is The Cooperative Society, who are sponsoring four employees through a series of university courses while they work – starting with a Retail and Logistics Foundation Degree module at The University of Bolton. The opportunity to access university level training was unmissable, for both business and staff.

Supply Chain Project Manager, Bill Foster, is mentoring the employees:  “The Society is willing to pay for this because we feel we will see a difference in their work.  Through a university education they are able to look at areas of the business in a more enlightened way.  We are a business and we are about making a profit - this is all part of that.”

Ranging Team Leader, Petrina Higgins, is responsible for the product range at Cooperative Retail. As one of the employees taking the module, she said: “I’m 52-years old and have years of work experience but I’m new to the retail sector. Starting with this module, I can build up and progress, eventually achieving a university qualification which will give me credibility in this sector, as well as the skills to excel in my job.” Another employee to benefit is Promotions Assistant Natalie Hall, who said: “It will definitely help me in my job. This course ties into the workplace, it’s based on what I do at work. It’s a golden opportunity.”