Youngsters can Get Into retail with new scheme

Published on Monday 22 December 2008 08:54

DOZENS of youngsters from disadvantaged backgrounds have been signed up for a new retail academy in Edinburgh to learn how to be shop workers.

The training programme, Get Into Retail, aims to help those who have faced barriers to employment because of homelessness, family trouble, lack of confidence or long-term unemployment.

The St James Shopping Centre, is running the not-for-profit academy in partnership with the Prince's Trust Scotland.

It aims to offer the course to 120 16-25 year olds. Around 45 people will then be chosen to undertake the six-week sessions, which will take place throughout next year.

Based on a similar scheme devised by TopShop owner Sir Philip Green, the academy provides six weeks of intensive skills training, as well as work experience and recognised certificates.

Among the stores working with the scheme are New Look, Sportsworld, Debenhams, Internacionale, Hawkins Bazaar, Mountain Warehouse, Wallis, Quiz and HMV.

Rochelle Weir, general manager at the St James Centre, said: "It is aimed at people who struggle to find employment, whether it is because they have left school early and don't have qualifications or they're from backgrounds that have maybe had a bit of a struggle and need something to get their lives back on track.

"This gives them a real opportunity because it is a formal qualification and a good chance to get into employment.

"Over the years, retail has not been seen as having much of a career path but there are so many opportunities to climb the ladder, whether it be in buying, design or shopping centre management, for example."

She insisted that the scheme could have advantages for retailers as well as those who take part.

"These people are getting a good grounding here and after the five or six weeks they will really know what is expected of them.

"Once someone has had a few knocks in life, or applied for a few jobs and not got anywhere, you find that when they get this kind of opportunity they grab it with both hands."

An initial pilot run throughout October and November saw ten people take part, with seven having already been offered retail employment as a result.

Among classes offered are introduction to retail and customer services, sales pitch and product knowledge skills, work on CVs and interview skills, job searches and placements.

Geraldine Gammell, director of The Prince's Trust in Scotland, said: "The Get Into programme has once again proven to be hugely successful in getting young lives back on track."

PERFECT SALES TECHNIQUE

Tips to make the perfect retail worker, by Rochelle Weir, of the St James Shopping Centre.

&#149 Know the product you're selling and be passionate about it. If you're not enthusiastic, why should the customer be?

&#149 Work as a team with your colleagues. A good atmosphere can increase sales.

&#149 Always be alert. Listen to the customer's questions and give them the right change.

&#149 Do not chat to your colleagues or play with your mobile phone if a customer wants your attention. The customer always comes first.

&#149 Try to demonstrate good body language and always smile. Chewing gum does not give a good impression.

&#149 If you are busy with a customer, always acknowledge the other customer and apologise when you are finished.

&#149 Be innovative. If you don't have a certain product, recommend a similar one to the customer.

&#149 Know your regular customers. They will enjoy shopping at your store if you remember what they like and what they have been up to.

&#149 Learn from your own experiences with customer service. If something annoyed you, it will no doubt annoy the people you are serving.