Al-Futtaim Group Learning and Organisational Development, a function of the Al-Futtaim Group’s Human Resources Division, has announced the launch of Al-Futtaim Retail Business College (AFRBC), a first-of-its-kind initiative.

Based in Dubai, AFRBC will provide Al-Futtaim Group employees with an opportunity to learn world-class retail, business, management and leadership practices, a statement from the company said.

The courses offered are based on a unique blend of competency frameworks designed in partnership with Kantar Retail, a renowned global best-practice retail consultancy group. AFRBC curriculum will feature 32 courses on various business management and retail topics, 18 of which are new to the Al-Futtaim learning and development portfolio.

Brett Preston, general manager, Al-Futtaim Group Learning and Development, said: “Al-Futtaim Group’s objective has always been to enhance business performance through the development of talent.”

“The AFRBC curricula will enable existing employees and new joiners to keep pace with the evolving world of business to enhance their career opportunities. Initially, the college will support all Al-Futtaim Group employees across 11 countries. However, we look forward to welcoming people with career aspirations from the GCC in the future as we strive to professionalise vocations and the retail industry.”

AFRBC is a unique concept that will empower employees with skills and provide them with opportunities for formal certification from the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM), Europe’s largest awarding organisation for leadership and management qualifications, he said.

Programme facilitators as well as learning and development consultants at the college are internationally qualified vocational workplace trainers and assessors; they are commercially focused practitioners who are set to complete certification in management consultancy through ILM in 2012.

“All trainers will utilise the latest business simulations in all their programmes while raising the standards and positioning AFRBC as a centre of excellence across the Mena region,” Preston said.  

“Al-Futtaim Group represents some of the world’s most prominent brands. AFRBC will ensure that all employees within our group develop the most advanced skill sets to become ambassadors of the brands they represent,” said John Harker, group director of human resources.

Since the setting up of Al-Futtaim Training Centre over 22 years ago, Al-Futtaim Group has been committed to investing in their people, especially Emiratis. The Al-Futtaim Automotive Academy launched earlier this week by the automotive division is further evidence of this commitment.  

AFRBC offers courses covering all segments of business and retailing, including procurement, financials, project management, merchandising, stock controls, sales and marketing and business operations, as well as other HR competencies which include personal leadership and leading change.

“Today’s launch has strengthened the Al-Futaim Group’s position as an employer of choice for retail business career minded individuals. We have been able to recruit and develop highly talented professionals from a wide variety of industries. AFRBC is a benchmark centre of excellence that will provide a quality contribution to the people and economies of the UAE and regional countries in which we operate,” Preston concluded. – TradeArabia News Service