Retail Modern Apprenticeship framework sets example to others

Skillsmart Retailís revised Retail Modern Apprenticeship framework received high praise from the Scottish Modern Apprenticeship Implementation Group, which approved it outright.

Commenting on the framework, the Group noted the high quality of the submission and specifically the Proposal Template, ìwhich will serve as an excellent exemplar for other sector skills councils and sector bodiesî.

Skillsmart Retail completed the review of its Retail Modern Apprenticeship in April 2006. This took into account employer and provider views about the programme and the changes that would affect the framework as a result of the review of the Retail National Occupational Standards and the introduction of new Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs).

Judith Meyrick, Programmes Manager at Skillsmart Retail, says: ìAlthough the submission process was demanding, it helped us to plan the review more thoroughly and to reflect more deeply on the need for a Modern Apprenticeship in the sectorî.

The revised framework takes effect from 1 September 2006. Through changes to the SVQ, it will offer greater flexibility and choice for retail apprentices via three separate pathways, namely Sales Professional, Retail Management and Visual Merchandising.