Kyriacos Kyriacou - Assistant Manager, Beacon Bingo
Beacon understand their staff are the key to building market share in the gaming sector. The Advanced Diploma in Retail Management programme has been developed specifically by University of Derby Corporate for Beacon to provide a recognised route for professional development for their staff.
Kyriacos Kyriacou, 26, is Assistant Manager at Beacon Bingo in Cricklewood, London. He's successfully completed his Advanced Diploma in Retail Management.
He says 'I've been in bingo since 2003. It started as a part time job whilst I was at university. I then moved into online bingo for two years which was a great challenge, and then landed the job at Beacon Cricklewood, which is the biggest Bingo club in the UK.
An opportunity I couldn't miss
I was given the option to take the Applied Diploma in Retail Management when I first started at Beacon Cricklewood. I knew this was a great opportunity and one I couldn't afford to let go - I knew that I would increase and advance my knowledge when it came to dealing with customers, staff, and the running of the business as a whole.
We've studied a wide range of areas, from employment law, how to deal with staff, reviewing staff and moving the business forward, to how to improve various aspects of the club and the industry as a whole.
The work was enjoyable as it was related to what we do on a daily basis within our working life. We were also lucky enough to go to Derbyshire to enjoy a few days of outdoor activities during a residential session, which meant I met other Beacon staff who I wouldn't have met if it hadn't been for this course.
Returning to study
Getting back into studying was very difficult after five years out, but I quickly got in to a routine. As the lectures were enjoyable and so relevant to what we do, it was a lot easier then I had first expected. The final piece of work was challenging yet rewarding at the same time.
The mixture of lectures and practical work made the whole course enjoyable and varied. It was good to be able to take part in lectures away from work, and the lecturers were extremely knowledgeable and helpful.
How it's helped me
Overall, I now feel far more confident when it comes to helping my staff develop and advance their skills in work and life. My vision of the business and how it runs is now far more advanced, and I strongly believe that the course has helped me grow as a person.
I would recommend a work based learning course to both individuals and companies. Not only does it help staff to improve, but it also brings the various departments within a company together.
Before the course the staff at Beacon rarely met each other. Today we know each other and still contact each other if we need anything."
