October 2009

Black Country Bags Place on UK's Retail Map

Retail workers in the Black Country will benefit from top-quality training and qualifications after Business Skills Stourbridge had its application to join the National Skills Academy for Retail accepted.

In January 2010, Business Skills Stourbridge, the employer training arm of Stourbridge College, will launch the new Black Country Skills Shop, dedicated to increasing the skills of retail workers across the region.

More than ten per cent of the UK’s workforce is employed in retail, and the Black Country Skills Shop will provide a one-stop, walk-in hub offering free advice by trained staff on retail courses and training opportunities across the region. There are currently only 24 retail skills shops which are members of the National Skills Academy for Retail and only one other in the West Midlands, based in Solihull.

Once open, the Black Country Skills Shop will give people employed within retail, as well as those hoping to enter the sector, the opportunity to access nationally-recognised training and qualifications, including pre-employment training, Apprenticeships and management programmes. They will also have access to careers advice from trained professionals. Employers will benefit by being able to enrol their employees on courses, many of which will be subsidised.

Kim Babb, Director at Business Skills Stourbridge, said: “Retail is the largest private sector employer in the UK and we are delighted that our application has been successful, meaning that we can now promote retail in the area as a career. There is only one other retail skills shop in the region so this is a real bonus for the Black Country. We will provide support in relation to pre-employment learning, store management programmes and general advice and guidance on how to get ahead in retail.”

Lynette Cutting, Principal at Stourbridge College, added: “This is great news for the Black Country. Following on from the success of our partnership with Westfield at the Merry Hill Centre with our Retail and Hospitality Academy, this is yet another avenue whereby we can continue to help support and train local people for local jobs. We are again working with partners Dudley College, Future Skills Dudley and Jobcentre Plus on this new venture.

Jane Rexworthy, Head of the National Skills Academy for Retail, said: “The National Skills Academy for Retail provides access to consistent, high quality training for retail businesses, their employees and the future workforce delivered through a network of quality marked retail skills shops. There are 24 currently operating at key locations across the country, from Devon to Newcastle, which offer core services and we aim to meet a target of supporting 165,000 people over the first five years - that’s six per cent of the retail sector.”

The National Skills Academy for Retail was set up with the help of big name retailers including John Lewis Partnership, Debenhams, Marks & Spencer and Boots and is supported by high-profile champions such as Ryman Stationery Chairman and Dragons’ Den star Theo Paphitis.

Mr Paphitis said: “The National Skills Academy for Retail’s skills shop members will be able to help both employees and employers find the right training, whether it is an apprenticeships scheme, retail customer service programme or work experience programme.”

 

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