Many of us can say we've had a gig in retail at one point in our lives, whether it was a part-time spot at a clothing store or a position as a barista at the local coffee shop. Regardless of what the role was or the length of your stay at the job, we all learned a thing or two about customer service and what it took to succeed in retail'but the learning doesn't stop there.

For those retail-savvy individuals who aspire to take their careers to the next level, many companies have integrated management training programs into their training systems which help to ensure they foster the best-of-the-best employees and future team leaders. Our internal leadership development programs benefit the organization in many ways, says Amanda Ley, senior HR manager, learning delivery and execution at the Home Depot. Offering continuous development throughout an individual's career helps us to attract and retain the best talent possible.

At the start of any job, newly hired employees learn about the company's mission and are trained on how to succeed in their roles. Management training programs are not only designed to train staff in-store, but also to formally mentor and coach through workshops and instruction within the company's training period.

Enterprise Rent-A-Car, for example, has incorporated a management training program that is designed to be completed in as early as six months; however, its employees are encouraged to work at a pace that suits their learning.

What they're doing during that training period is really learning everything there is to know about running one of our branch operations, says Tara Brooks, talent acquisitions, training, and development manager at Enterprise Rent-A-Car. Trainees touch upon various departments within the company, from sales and customer service to marketing and human resources.

Sarah Machacek took her retail career to the next level after completing a management training program with Contempo Casuals, (now called Wet Seal), in the 1990s. The program took her from sales associate to co-manager while still in her late teen years. I grew up really fast when it came to being a leader. At 19, I wanted to be a manager, she says. The formal training program taught me to walk in a straight line. It gave me a focus instead of just working at a job and not working towards something else.

Through the management training program, Machacek acquired invaluable skills she has now taken into her career as a personal trainer, life coach, and business owner. When you have your own business, it's different from working for somebody because you have to hustle, she says. So that whole experience working at the retail shop to working in the fitness industry for six years in management'I don't regret one moment.

Ultimately, management training programs are structured to develop leadership skills in individuals. We're looking for that leadership that's emerging by the time they complete the program, says Brooks. That's what's readying them to become a part of our [Enterprise] management team.

At the Home Depot, the learning never stops, says Ley. They would continue to gain experience within their role and hopefully expand their knowledge to other departments within the store or at our Store Support Centre.  As their career advances, they can look forward to ongoing learning with every role.

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