A new initiative is being launched to improve the skills and boost the number of Islanders working in retail management.
The Guernsey Retail Group (GRG), which represents and promotes the retail sector locally, is to provide funding for employers to facilitate staff attending part-time professional development courses at the College of Further Education. Aimed at small to medium businesses of all types and to develop their people, the initiative is designed to develop talent, enhance career paths and encourage a greater number of Islanders to enter the profession.
Kenny McDonald of the GRG said: “Our sector offers a variety of exciting opportunities, from salespersons to buyers, marketing to store management, merchandising, window dressing along with non-customer facing opportunities. It helps the individuals develop life skills plus is flexible, sociable and fun.
“The Guernsey Retail Group’s scheme provides funding to employers to cover the additional costs and overtime for either replacing a colleague on a course, or to recruit and train a replacement, so is intended to help businesses and employees alike.”
Two professional development courses run in retail management at the College of Further Education are being supported by the GRG. These are levels 2 and 3 which focus on retail skills, management and leadership. Each requires eight hours of tuition per week over 34 weeks and the courses also contribute to an individual’s continuous personal development.
Georgia Smale, who works as a Team Manager for a large, local retailer, achieved the Level 3 qualification earlier this year through the scheme.
She said: “I feel that the course really enhanced my skills and boosted my self-confidence plus it is great to be able to study and work at the same time, so I could apply the principles learnt in the classroom.
“I have also just been promoted to Team Manager which is really exciting and I know the training courses are helping my career development.”
The College of Further Education is hosting a breakfast meeting at the Route du Coutanchez Campus on Thursday 13 October at 08:00-09:00 for retail employers and employees on the courses available. For further information or to attend, contact Julie by email or on 227524.
For details, go to the Guernsey College of Further Education or contact Korinne Le Page of the GRG.
