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ARA offers free retail training to address skill shortages

The ARA Retail Institute is offering free training to industry newcomers and canvassing host employers to provide on-the-job training under the Federal Government’s Productivity Places scheme in a bid to attract more people to the retail industry.

The Federal Government's Department of Education Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) has funded the ARA's Retail Employment Pathways program in response to industry cries for more
skilled workers. Under the initiative, DEEWR's job network partners recruit trainees to the program. The ARA Retail Institute then provides training and matches trainees up with host employers who sign up to the program. ARA Retail Institute Director Garry Terrill says the industry is experiencing a severe deficit in skilled talent and the program was needed to attract new blood to the industry.

"The Retail Employment Pathways program fills the void in the employment marketplace by matching trainees to host employers trying to attract good people into their businesses," Terrill explains. "By combining classroom and on-the-job training, the free eight week retail certificate course produces job-ready candidates for retail businesses signing up to the program as host employers. Host employers work together with ARA trainers to develop participants providing them with vital industry skills."

After the initial ten days of classroom training, participants commence their first week with their host employer. The focus then shifts to trainers obtaining feedback from host employers to refine the participant's skills in the classroom. Terrill says that participants go through the process three times before completing the course to address recurring performance issues. "Upon completion of the course, participants gain Certificate II qualifications and in many cases the training leads to ongoing employment," Terrill points out.

The ARA Retail Institute is a national registered training organisation (RTO) specialising in the retail sector. In its 16 years as a RTO, it has delivered professional development to retailers, shopping centres, and a number of government funded projects. Terrill says that its retail trainers, who are also well-seasoned retail professionals, have facilitated accredited training, workshops and seminars to over 10,000 participants. The training is progressively being rolled out nationally. Retail businesses wishing to sign up as host employer can contact the ARA Retail Institute at productivityplaces@retail.org.au.

The ARA Retail Institute is the training and education division of the Australian Retailers Association (ARA). The ARA Retail Institute provides excellence in retail consulting and education offering the latest in both training and professional development for members and non-members of the ARA. Retail consulting, education and training are available on a broad range of topics, including: retail buying, visual merchandising, store operations, marketing, management training, customer service, selling skills, loss prevention and consumer issues. Visit www.retail.org.au or call 1300 368 041.

For interview opportunities with ARA Retail Institute Director Garry Terrill contact: Terry Strates T: 1300 368 041 E: terry.strates@retail.org.au M: 0413 033 581

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