Timberland provides staff with online study

Leading outdoor clothing brand, Timberland, is collaborating with Angela Ruskin University to provide online management training leading to an FDA degree for its staff. The US founded, globally recognised company joins existing clients including Volvo,

Barclays, UPS, Ridgeons and Harrods in recognising the benefits of the work-based degrees offered by Anglia Ruskin’s Ashcroft International Business School. Initially 10 Timberland staff from across the country will this month begin studying the FdA in Management, which is a two-year work-based online learning degree course. The degree is designed to equip managers and aspiring managers with the skills and knowledge required to succeed in today’s challenging business climate.

Timberland staff will have no need to leave their work place whilst studying as Anglia Ruskin’s online Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) will connect the retail store staff who are based at various locations around the UK. The key idea behind the course is to transfer staff learning directly to their workplace – marketing, leadership, change and project management are all covered. Jane Maher, Timberland’s HR manager – UK Retail and Global Distributors, said: “The majority taking part are team leaders or sales associates, who either volunteered for the course or were approached to take part. What struck me was how many of our staff were willing to invest time to develop their long-term career potential.”

Tony Howard, the university's head of higher skills at work, said: “We are delighted that Timberland have chosen our online work-based management degree to up-skill staff and provide
retail career progression opportunities."

He continued: “The nature and delivery of our work-based courses are proving especially attractive to our clients in the retail sector because, without leaving the shop floor, students and their employers are able to enjoy the benefits of tutor-supported learning, while developing their skills and abilities.”