Young people in Portsmouth are now able to study a new retail and logistics qualification, the Diploma in Retail Business, as a result of a partnership between the Southern Co-operative, Admiral Lord Nelson School and Highbury College.
The Diploma, for 14-19 year olds, has been developed by Skillsmart Retail, Skills for Logistics, Automotive Skills and the Council for Administration. It combines essential skills and knowledge, hands on experience, and employer based learning, to prepare young people for employment or further study in the retail sector.
The nine students that make up the first intake in Portsmouth have now reached the end of their opening term. Their time on the course has been split between the school, the college and four Southern Co-operative stores at Copnor Road, Francis Avenue, Sultan Road and Elm Grove.
The Diploma includes three levels of learning and covers a broad range of subjects related to retail and its supply chain. Key activities from product sourcing through to sales across a range of retail channels are included, as well as the development of vital interpersonal skills such as effective communication and customer service. Students also learn about business principles and how retail interrelates with bigger issues such as globalisation, the environment and health.
They covered the theory in class, but with the Southern Co-operative’s help the theory has had some meaning every week. It made a huge difference to how they approached the course. They were positive and hungry to learn.
Scott Taviner, Head of Operational Performance at the Southern Co-operative commented: “We see working with Admiral Lord Nelson and Highbury College on the Diploma as a winning situation all round. The young people are benefiting from the practical guidance of the experienced colleagues in our stores and the retail sector is gaining through the development of the young people who will be the future champions in the field.”