BRC & Skillsmart offer support to raise retail skills

31 Jan '08

3 min read

Anne Seaman of Skillsmart Retail said: “It is clear that companies wishing to set up as awarding bodies will have to carefully consider the implications, including being open to external scrutiny.

Employers should be aware that there are a wide range of options available. We have been working very successfully with the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority and existing awarding bodies on ways for retailers to offer formal qualifications to their staff and this has worked very well for a range of companies.

There are now a number of options available to retailers who wish to have their in-house training recognised and we would be happy to talk to them about potential solutions.”

On the Apprenticeship plan, Jane Milne of the BRC said: “While we are supportive of measures to increase the number of apprenticeships available, the Government must not sacrifice quality.

Apprenticeships must be relevant and structured to ensure they are genuinely viewed as a useful alternative to traditional “academic” qualifications. It is also imperative that businesses are able to adapt their apprenticeship programmes to suit changing business needs.”

Anne Seaman added: “The proposed threshold for 'suitably qualified' entrants to a level 2 or level 3 Apprenticeship could create barriers to recruitment within the retail sector.

Although some retail Apprentices join the programme with low academic achievement, they thrive in a supportive working environment and many go on to progress to higher level positions within their companies.

We would also seek to set our own requirements for a realistic minimum off-workstation learning time and not have a minimum imposed upon the sector.”

British Retail Consortium

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