Retail Employment Pathways

What is ARA Retail Employment Pathways?

The program is about providing opportunities for selected jobseekers to experience formal job preparation skills and targeted specifically within the retail sector. The program requires that jobseekers are referred to ARA Retail Institute by a participating Job Services Australia office.

The program involves ARA providing formal "off the job" training, coupled with retailer host sponsored ‘on the job" work placement and supported by an ARA retail mentor with the expectation that the participants may be offered the opportunity to be employed within the retail sector at the completion of the program.

What will Retail Employment Pathways provide?

It is anticipated that the program will achieve the following objectives:

At the completion of program, participants would have been given opportunities to:

1. Contribute positively in creating an effective work environment
2. Identify a work environment and job specification to best suit their strengths
3. Identify and display the importance of good customer service
4. Communicate clearly with customers and other staff members
5. Use effective techniques to handle conflict
6. Be employed in an ongoing manner by their work placement employer
7. Continue further training to enhance their potential for employment
8. Participants to achieve successful completion to obtain Statement of Attainment

Who is Retail Employment Pathways target group or groups?

The proposed project's target group will include:

• Parents returning to the work force
• Mature age people looking to enter the retail sector
• People with mild disabilities
• Sectors of the long term unemployed

How will be project build in flexible workplace arrangements to cater for the target group or groups?

The Retail Employment Pathways will give the target groups a comprehensive training and work placement program that will prepare them for employment in the retail sector. The training methodology includes practical training in life skills and retail principles. The ARA works with host employers and Job Services Australia to arrange suitable work experience placements for each participant, this will give the participants the optimum opportunity for ongoing employment in the retail sector.

For further information on Retail Employment Pathways, please contact;

Ross Valentine
Phone: 1300 368 041
Email: ross.valentine@retail.org.au