From learning to doing: participants put retail skills into practice

Designed for jobseekers, the program combines practical retail learning with opportunities to build the knowledge and confidence needed for employment.

Over the five days, participants learned about customer service, merchandising and product placement, inventory management, marketing, digital technology, communication and workplace health and safety. They also gained practical experience using point-of-sale equipment, including operating a cash register, managing a till, using a live EFTPOS machine and completing customer transactions.

The course incorporates three nationally accredited units covering customer service, customer interaction and processing financial transactions. Successful participants also receive a Statement of Attainment and a recognised genU Training U For Work microcredential that can be added to their resume and verified by an employer.

The course culminated in an opportunity to put those skills into practice, with participants setting up and running a pop-up stall at a local shopping centre. Selling a range of jams, participants had the opportunity to serve customers and draw on the skills they had developed during the course in a genuine retail setting. The jams were produced through a genU initiative that provides employment opportunities for people living with challenges, adding another great social impact dimension to the experience.

Rather than simply learning about retail in the classroom, the pop-up gave participants the chance to experience the customer interactions and practical tasks involved in running a retail stall. It also provided an opportunity to build confidence using their new skills in a public-facing environment.

Combining recognised learning with practical experience gives participants something tangible they can take into their job search: new skills, experience and greater confidence in what they can offer an employer.For the Workways participants involved, completing the course and successfully putting their learning into practice represents another positive step towards achieving their employment goals.