St James Quarter funds new fashion course at Edinburgh College

Cash from the new shopping centre has allowed the college to offer a unique Retail Fashion, Marketing and Branding course starting Monday, January 25.

Edinburgh college students will benefit from a new course starting this year

The first of its kind in Scotland the course has been designed by the London Fashion Retail Academy.

This the first time in the course’s 15-years of existence that it will be taught outside London.

Described as the “quickest route to a career in fashion retail” by industry experts the course incorporates a range of topics including fashion retailing, branding and marketing, satisfying customer needs and digital retailing.

It will have a specific focus on the best ways to meet the needs of retailers, drawing on the most up-to-date research on the retail workforce and accounting for the acceleration of current trends brought about by the pandemic.

Edinburgh College Principal Audrey Cumberford said: “We are excited to be the first Scottish College to collaborate with the FRA in this way and we are looking forward to developing the partnership further to create a talent pipeline which will provide world-class customer service to the people of Edinburgh.”

Once completed, all students will achieve a SCQF Level 5 qualification in Retail Fashion, Branding and Marketing and will be supported by St James Quarter in helping to find work within the retail industry.

This course was launched as part of a long term plan to enhance Edinburgh’s talent pipeline for retail roles – both for within St James Quarter and beyond.

Marketing Director at St James Quarter Rochelle Burgess said: "This partnership has been years in the making and we’re delighted to finally bring this course to life and to Edinburgh for the first time.

“With all the leading brands coming to St James Quarter, there’s lots of amazing employment opportunities coming too – this is an incredible way to support our local graduates, nurture local talent and bring a globally recognised curriculum to our city.

“After a very challenging year, one of our key focuses is to boost the Scottish retail industry and help the next generation receive the opportunities and support they need to work within it.”

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