Skillsmart Retail Works

Overview:

Skillsmart Retail Works is the industry standard pre-employment programme for the retail sector. It is a flexible training scheme which prepares learners new to the sector by giving them the knowledge to progress through interviews and to start a career in retail. It has been designed to provide those who may be out of work, or who work in a different sector, with the vital skills they need to confidently apply for and secure a job in retail. Skillsmart Retail Works provides retailers with employees with the skills, commitment and basic knowledge to work in retail, right from the start.

 

Approved for retailers

Skillsmart Retail Works was originally developed in 2007 in association with Jobcentre Plus and in consultation with four large retail employers, as well as training and recruitment experts from the retail sector. Since then Skillsmart Retail Works has been continuously improved following feedback from its users to ensure it is fit-for-purpose.

Who is it aimed at?

The programme is flexible to meet the needs of many learner groups including lone parents, the long- term unemployed, young people not in education or employment and career changers.

“90% of Skillsmart Retail Works’ learners we recruited for our new John Lewis Department store at Highcross, Leicester are still in employment with us 18 months later.”  Store Manager, John Lewis, Leicester

 

Key topics covered

Learners experience a large range of subjects through taking course:

  • What retail is
  • First impressions count
  • Personal effectiveness and teamwork
  • Effective customer service and communication
  • Product knowledge
  • Effective selling skills
  • Health and safety
  • Security
  • Job search and interview techniques, online assessments and assessment centres
Benefits of pre-employment training
  • Fits into existing pre-employment training programmes with Jobcentre plus
  • Free recruitment pool of work-ready candidates who have a willingness, genuine desire and passion to work in retail
  • Helps reduce staff turnover and potential recruitment costs
  • Lowers recruitment costs when used as a pre-employment selection tool
  • Aids corporate social responsibility, by facilitating the recruitment of socially diverse staff

For further information