The Arcadia Group is the UK’s largest privately owned clothing retailer with seven of the high street’s best-known fashion brands including Dorothy Perkins, Miss Selfridge, Topman, Topshop and Wallis. 

Arcadia have opportunities for students, who are studying towards a fashion related qualification and interested in ethical sourcing, to join the Logistics and Supply Chain department and work with the Brand Buying & Merchandising teams and the Brand Technologists for a 4 week unpaid work placement in June or July.

The Logistics and Supply Chain department are central to the success of the Group, in managing the inbound delivery of the huge volume of Arcadia products from worldwide suppliers to distribution centres, stores and homes. They are also responsible for the pursuit of ethically sourced products. When customers buy our goods, we want them to be confident that they have been produced under acceptable conditions. That means the goods must have been produced:lawfully, through fair and honest dealing; without exploiting the people who make them; in decent working conditions and without damaging the environment

During the placements students will be given the opportunity to work on specific projects under the supervision of the Supplier Management Team. By the end of the placement students will have a thorough overview of the company and an understanding of the work the company does in relation to ethical sourcing.

To apply forward your CV and cover letter to: group.hr@arcadiagroup.co.uk

Closing date: 30th May 2008 for placements starting in July

To help students understand the complexities and obstacles surrounding ethical sourcing in the fashion industry, FEI circulates information about placements in companies and organisations working on this issue.  Though these may be described by companies as placements in ‘ethical' or ‘sustainable' sourcing, this should not be understood as FEI's endorsement of a company or its sourcing practices.