Retail Skills (Diploma) Level 2 Full Time
| Course Code | Start Date | Location | Costs: 16-18 | Costs: 19+ | Costs: 19+ (con.) | 24+ Loan | Enquire | Apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SGL2FQ0091 | 20/05/2014 | Lansdowne | £0 | £0 | £0 | £N/A | ||
| SGL2FQ009F | 10/09/2013 | Lansdowne | £0 | £1,856 | £256 | £N/A | Apply Online |
Hours of attendance and start date will be confirmed at interview or enrolment.
Retail is one of the most important business sectors in the UK, employing over 10% of the country's workforce. This programme has been designed for people who want a retail career and are looking for a college- based, vocational qualification in the fundamentals of retail work. It covers the key retail areas of teamwork, customer service, stock control and display - ensuring that you have the skills and knowledge you need to be an effective and valuable retail professional at the "sharp end" of the industry.
The main part of this programme concentrates on developing your skills and knowledge as a retail professional, both in the College and in the workplace. The units covered will be relevant to the widest range of retail businesses, no matter what size they are or what customer profile or type of merchandise they deal with.
- Working effectively in your retail team
- Personal presentation and image
- Customer service
- Visual merchandising and display
- Processing payments
- Product handling
- Sales promotion
- Storage and stock control
- Security and loss prevention
- Consumer rights
- Health and Safety
Retailing is a major user of new business technology so you will also develop IT skills.
IT User Skills Units include:
Word processing software
Spreadsheet software
Drawing and planning software
The third element to this programme will be the Certificate in Retail Knowledge which is a variety of modules that will test your knowledge and understanding of the retail industry. You will also study a functional skill appropriate to your lebvel of achievement.
During the programme you will visit retail operations and in the past these have included Westfield Shopping Centre in London, The Clothes Show Live at the NEC as well as local retailer outlets. There are also opportunities to try out your sales skills on fellow students and staff through our College Market Stall activities.
A minimum of 3 GCSEs at Grades A* - D (one of which should be English) or a level 1 Business or Retail Diploma or equivalent. Equally important is a real interest in working in the retail sector.
Assessment for both Retail and IT User Skills is mainly through a portfolio of work. Retail Knowledge is achieved through on line multiple choices tests. Much of the evidence in your portfolio will be based on practical observation. Equally important are written or voice-recorded statements showing your understanding of the processes and the theory behind your actions. Short, multiple choice PC based assessments will help confirm your knowedge. You could also include product evidence such as photographs or plans of displays you have made or stock control paperwork you have used. Everyone's portfolio will be different and your assessors will work with you when deciding what to include.
This programme is an excellent basis for a range of work or learning options. Some students will progress directly into retail employment and mayu build on their vocational qualifications in the workplace or through an Advanced Apprenticeship. Others may take a more academic route through a business related Level 3 course at The College, possibly leading to a place at University.
A key feature of this programme is workplace observation within a retail business. Some students find their own retail work, but more usually The College arranges placements for students on the programme. The placement not only lets you put your skills into practice, but provides you with much of the evidence needed to achieve the qualification. You cannot complete this programme without evidence from a real retail environment.