Learning for Living and Work: Preparation for Retail

General information

The Retail Preparation course is a one year programme designed for students who need to develop their skills for retail employment.

Course content

The course:

• Builds close links with local retail businesses
• Develops confidence and work skills needed for gaining and sustaining employment
• Delivers experience of the retail environment through work experience
• Develops functional skills in line with what is needed in the workplace
• Reaffirms the standards and work expectations required for employment
• Encourages social interaction by working as a team member

Each student will have an individual learning targets set for the work place during October and February. Each target will be reviewed and reported on during the review periods in December and April. The College will work with each business to facilitate targeting and reviewing progress.

Teaching and assessment

Functional Skills exams are taken in ICT at the level that is achievable by the learner. Course work for the EDI Retail Skills Certificate is completed at College and during the work placement whilst course work for the ASDAN Employability Award is completed at College.

Review of learner progress to occur at Christmas and Easter breaks. Learners will not be expected to attend work during these dates unless the business is willing to have the learners at work during these busy periods. It is advisable that learners do not attend work over the Easter period in order to plan future progression and evaluate successes.

Entry requirements

There are no formal entry requirements, but all potential learners will must attend an interview to determine the suitability of the course for their needs.

Progression

Placement providers will work with the College and learner at the end of the course, providing the ‘next steps’ towards employment or progression to a suitable agency.

Dates and times

Students will work Tuesdays and Wednesdays at their work placement and will attend College on Thursdays at our Orpington Campus.