Companies partnering with universities to develop bespoke degree-level qualifications will grow increasingly more popular, according to Nick Worthington, CEO of bed retailer Dreams.

Speaking at the launch event of the Dreams and Buckinghamshire New University foundation degree in retail management, Worthington said he believed Dreams will be the first of many to take such steps to upskill the workforce.

Were confident it will help us attract and retain talent, and it wont be very long before other organisations start thinking in the same way, Worthington told HR magazine.

Buckinghamshire New University said the move will help provide a blueprint for other companies to follow suit, and says the degree the first of its kind is as important to the retail sector as a whole, as it is to Dreams as a company. Dreams says it is considering sending staff on MBA courses in the future.

It is a fantastic way of giving staff recognition for their work, says Worthington. In return we will: reap the benefits of increased skills and ability; maximise retention; and allow our future stars to shine.

Dreams staff have been specially selected to fast-track through the Government-backed qualification. Employees spend one day in the working week studying, as well as evenings and weekends. The course was designed in accordance with Foundation Degree Forward requirements, the national body that supports foundation degrees, as well as Skillsmart Retail guidelines.

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