There’s more in store from retail

VIEW Retail, the CD-Rom based learning resource is proving to be a winner with schools and learning providers across the UK.

Launched in October, the resource fills an important gap in the learning process for those undertaking business related courses. Tutors are turning to VIEW Retail as a means of providing young people with real experience of the business environment. Making use of the latest gaming technology, VIEW Retail allows users to explore House of Fraser’s Oxford Street store. Users can undertake a virtual walk around the store, interview staff, go through the induction process as well as viewing key documents and the systems used in the business. Importantly VIEW Retail is flexible, allowing the CD-Rom to be used either in support of lessons or as part of a programme of self-study.

This is good news according to John Coleman, Chief Executive of House of Fraser. It is John’s strong belief that retailers need to get involved in the education of our young people that led to his agreeing to the filming of the CD-Rom in their Oxford Street store. Retailers need to engage with the education sector if they are to deliver the skills that we need both now and in the future.

Nigel Broome, Skillsmart Retail Chief Executive supports this view. Retail is ideal for demonstrating the business concepts young people learn in the classroom. Coupled with a medium such as a CD-Rom, theories come to life in a business environment that everyone is able to relate to. Most of all VIEW Retail gives young people an insight into the skills they will need in the future and will help them in making longer-term career decisions by exposing them to the excellent opportunities available in retail.

It is our intention to develop more learning resources, which may reflect retail in general and more specific sub sectors of the industry such as grocery, fashion and DIY.

All schools throughout the UK are being provided their first copy of VIEW Retail free. Schools will be able to acquire additional copies and networked versions for a small charge, as will work-based learning providers, colleges and universities.