Summary report due in June 2008. Reserve your copy

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• Customer satisfaction
• Environmental performance
• Retailers
• Recruitment
• Training
• Transport

Many retailers suffer from skills gaps as well as a negative perception that it does not offer good career opportunities. The management teams at Meadowhall Shopping Centre and Glasgow Fort Shopping Park are working with retailers and education and training providers to offer nationally recognised retail qualifications to reduce skills gaps and improve the perception of retail as a career.

The Source at Meadowhall is helping to develop the Government's new flagship learning programme, the Diploma in Retail, which will be piloted in schools from 2010. This is one of 14 new Diplomas that will allow 14-19 year-olds to combine work experience with more traditional theoretical learning, giving them the opportunity to develop the skills and knowledge valued by employers. It will be the latest addition to The Source’s comprehensive retail training programme, which includes the Schools Retail Programme, the Apprenticeship Programme, the Retail Foundation Degree and a series of Retail Preparation Courses.

The Source at Meadowhall is playing an extremely important part in making sure that the Diploma in Retail meets the criteria required to make it a success for pupils, parents and retailers alike.

Anne Seaman, Chief Operating Officer, Skillsmart Retail

In 2007 Glasgow Fort Shopping Park worked with the Glasgow Fort Partnership to enable a record number of retailers to support their staff in achieving a retail-based Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ). Over 40 retailing staff from 20 stores embarked on the Determined to Succeed training programme. The programme provides learners with continuous assessment on a one to one basis, enhancing their skills and earnings potential. In turn this increases the attractiveness of retail employment and enhances the Park’s image, providing a good example of how community partnership working can directly benefit occupiers. Longer term it may also have positive impacts on retailers’ profitability by raising employee skill levels whilst reducing employee turnover and associated costs.

Early Learning Centre had two team members on the SVQ programme and this has really boosted their confidence. Since completing the course I have noticed that the girls are more focused, aware and prepared to take on tasks unsupervised, which is a noticeable benefit to the store.

Tamsin Gibb, Store Manager, Early Learning Centre, Glasgow Fort Shopping Park.

 

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