BCBS backs new retail industry qualification

Retail property organisation BCSC has linked with the City Academy Bristol and Skillsmart Retail to develop a new, industry-wide qualification designed to meet the employment needs of the rapidly changing retail industry.

The new Retail Upskills programme will offer individuals the opportunity to develop practical skills and experience in addition to theoretical knowledge about the retail sector. The programme brings together key elements of existing qualifications from two national awarding bodies, OCR1 and NCFE1.

The course will provide students with an OCR Level 2 National Certificate in Business, which will be complemented by a series of NCFE Level 2 Awards and Certificates covering areas such as customer service, product knowledge and handling, security and display. The course will be offered on a full-time basis for new entrants and part-time for existing employees and those seeking employment.

Ray Priest, Principle of the City Academy in Bristol commented:

ìThe retail industry currently suffers a labour turnover rate of 40% with an estimated 50% of employees holding no nationally recognised qualifications. This new award is designed to motivate staff and encourage retention.î

Michael Green, Chief Executive of BCSC said:

ìBCSC is delighted to be involved in launching an innovative retail course that will provide the industry with much needed practically trained and experienced staff. Itís imperative that we encourage people to see retail as a career ñ not just as a job in passing on the way to something else. Retail Upskills will also raise the bar in terms of staff capabilities and customers service levels. In an industry where customer service is an important part of the customer experience, this is crucial.î

The Retail Upskills programme is due to be piloted in Bristol in Autumn 2007 where Bristol Alliance will work with retailers in the new Cabot Circus to train potential staff; the programme will then be extended to the South West and Wales in 2008 and rolled out nationally in 2009. It will be delivered from City Academy Bristol.

Bob De Barr, Development Director for Land Securities and Bristol Alliance board member, said: ìWith many UK cities currently undergoing regeneration, the programme will equip employees with the necessary skills to succeed in this evolving retail environment. Cabot Circus is expected to create around 4,000 jobs in the city of Bristol, and we need to consider training now to ensure that the local workforce is adequately skilled in time for opening in Autumn 2008 and for many years into the futureî.