Skillsmart Retail has worked with a number of employers to create an initial strategy document which aims to assert retail as an achievable and rewarding, long-term career choice. 
In a recent survey 12 out of 17 students cited retail as the least attractive industry to work in, despite its significance in their daily lives. This perception comes largely from a limited understanding from outside the sector of the variety of fascinating career choices in this dynamic and evolving industry.
It may be hard to believe, for industry leaders like Charles Dunstone, CEO of Carphone Warehouse, but many teachers, parents and careers advisors still think of retail as a profession of ësales assistantsí. In being unaware of the range of top careers in the sector, and thereby unable to promote the industry in the same light as other professions, these influential groups are denying some people rewarding careers in retail merchandising; buying; visual display; finance; human resources and management.
The Careers Strategy document will benefit all current and future retail employees by instigating a plan of action to clarify career routes, identify influential awards and qualifications and recognise competent training providers.
Importantly, the strategy will go a long way towards addressing the UK wide misconception that retail is not a ërealí career of choice. Skillsmart Retail, Sector Skills Council for retail, aims to fully support the skills issue for the sector and, in so doing, attract quality employees to the industry.
Retail justs gets in the way of a real career
All UK retailers, large and small, are invited to comment on a careers strategy document aimed at putting an end to retail career misconceptions
