What is certain is that the retail sector needs people - talented people - to fuel growth and that keeping and developing people is proven to deliver competitive advantage.
However, retail generally has a poor reputation in what is a crowded career market and contracting labour pool. Promoting the scope and scale of retail careers to those considering their career options is vital if the sector is going to continue to be world class and is instrumental in recruiting tomorrow's generation of talent.
So, how can we help?
RETAIL AMBASSADOR PROGRAMME
Anyone working in retail knows how varied the career options in retail are, but the industry needs to get this message across to school leavers, college students and careers influencers. This is where the Skillsmart Retail Amabassador Programme comes in, facilitating a much-needed dialogue between those working in the industry and those deciding on their career paths. Designed to make retail come alive, it gives young people a unique and engaging experience.
The benefits of the Retail Ambassador Programme for businesses are wide-ranging, and taking part will help fulfil some aspects of corporate social responsibility. However, the benefits are felt most amongst the Ambassadors themselves, not only through the satisfaction of inspiring others, but also with marked improvements in communication and presentation skills. Email Juliet.loughnane@skillsmartretail.com for further information.
DIPLOMA IN RETAIL BUSINESS
Recruiting young people with business insight and academic learning applied in a work context has long been the Holy Grail for retail employers. Thanks to the Diploma in Retail Business, this will be a reality for retail from September 2010.
The new qualification for 14 to 19-year-olds will provide the skills, understanding and motivation that employers need in new recruits placing retail and its supply chain on the educational map, with every young person in England being entitled to study the qualification from 2013. Taught in schools and colleges alongside GCSEs and A levels, it combines retail skills and knowledge with practical on-the-job work experience with employers like Tesco and House of Fraser, meaning students can join the retail sector with the skills and experience to immediately add value.
SKILLSMART RETAIL WORKS
Getting young people working is not merely a political imperative, but the responsibility of a productive society. Retail, with 3 million employees, has a vital role to play in achieving this goal. Over 12% of people working in the sector are aged between 16 and 19. For many it is the first opportunity of work and can lead to a long and successful career. For others, retailing is a stepping-stone to a career in other sectors. Either way, it is a vital first step. The Skillsmart Retail Works programme helps young people with little or no work experience onto the first rung of the retail career ladder. Accessed through Job Centre Plus, this nationwide scheme prepares young people to work in retail by giving them the essential retail knowledge to join a business and hit the ground running.
To see how it works and find out more contact gemma.behan@skillsmartretail.com.
RETAIL THERAPY MAGAZINE
Overall, 25,000 copies of the flagship publication created by Skillsmart Retail and the National Skills Academy for Retail are now produced in conjunction with Emap which has introduced a new, professional and engaging format that is already drawing praise from the sector.
