Retail Business
Choosing
your options
The new Additional and Specialist Learning catalogue for the Diploma in
Retail Business provides a range of learning options. DanSelinger reports on new
advice for establishments unfamiliar with the sector to help them choose their options
he publicaTion of the With 50 per cent of all retail staff working development then this has to be a good
T
additional and Specialist on the shop floor, store operations is an thing.”
learning (aSl) catalogue for the obvious path to choose, with specialist Mr Thompson added that those learners
Diploma in Retail business marks qualifications in team leading or fashion concerned about jumping into aSl decisions
the latest step in the long awaited process of retail greatly assisting in this career route. in the first year could wait until the start of
getting retail and logistics offered as part of For students looking for something more year two to choose their options.
national entitlement for the first time. creative, such as visual merchandising, they “The advantage of this is that learners can
because of this new arrival to the can opt for qualification options in art and discover areas of the principal learning that
curriculum, many educationalists are not design or design and technology to develop interest them and go into them in more
familiar with the sectors involved – spurring their creativity. depth in the second year through their aSl
the Retail business Diploma Development More technically minded students could option. however, if aSl is studied alongside
partnership (DDp) to issue advice for opt for an iT-related qualification that the principal learning throughout the course,
consortia on choosing aSl options. develops their technology skills and those they can be integrated in delivery and provide
The catalogue has more than 2,000 who thrive on getting the products to the a coherent experience for the learner – it is
qualifications to choose from, most of which right place at the right time can choose really up to the consortia to decide what they
are classed as additional learning and provide qualifications in areas such as logistics and think will work best for their learners.”
an opportunity to broaden out a learner’s study. transport. Those concerned about not having
The DDp has selected around 60 For linda how, logistics lead on the the specialised skills to deliver their own
qualifications for each of the three Diploma DDp, logistics is a solid choice: “logistics specialist learning can contact their local
levels as specialist learning – ones which and the supply chain is an essential part of skills shop belonging to the national Skills
offer young people the chance to study in retail and its employers can see the benefit of academy for Retail or a Regional logistics
more depth one of the broad areas of retail attracting and growing young talent to their academy. These nationwide networks have
business, from iT or logistics to visual businesses,” she said. in-depth knowledge of the sector as well as
merchandising, and improve their chances of “i would urge any students interested in strong links with local retailers and logistics
moving into these areas of employment. this side of the industry to take a logistics employers. DD
The DDp recommends that advanced learning option as it will set them up for
level students wanting to go to university rewarding careers in a global industry.” • Dan Selinger is from Skillsmart, the Sector
follow the additional learning route – For DDp lead Richard Thompson, no Skills Council for the Retail Business Diploma.
ensuring their aSl options assist with entry matter what consortia decide to offer their
to their chosen course. students, the most important thing is that Further information
For those who are considering work-based they think outside the box. To find your nearest skills shop, go to
training routes, however, or are thinking “What we really want is for consortia to www.nsaforretail.com
of jumping straight into a career in a retail be creative in their aSl offer so learners To contact a Regional logistics academy,
business, one of the many specialist learning really do get the chance to tailor their course visit www.skillsforlogistics.org
options may be the best route. These options and increase their chances for progression Diploma in Retail business:
are split into 11 key areas, all relating to the in industry,” he said. “This may involve www.diplomainretailbusiness.com
various career routes in retail and its supply looking at qualifications they have never The aSl catalogue for the all the
chain, and they contain qualifications that offered before with awarding bodies that Diploma lines of learning, including
help learners develop relevant knowledge and they wouldn’t usually use, but if this means Retail business, can be found at: http://
skills for progression into any one or more of it provides young people with real choice www.accreditedqualifications.org.uk/
these areas. and the opportunity to access the right skills DiplomacatalogueSelection.aspx
42 Delivering Diplomas • Volume 2 No 1 Spring 2010
42-43 case study.indd 2 5/3/10 13:17:20
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