College News
Press releases 2010
Staff at retail giant Debenhams head back to class with Solihull College
A group of staff at the Redditch based department store are among the first retail workers in the country to complete the new Retail Skills Diploma thanks to Solihull College.
The Redditch site is one of only ten selected from 157 Debenhams stores nationwide – and the only one in the West Midlands, to pilot the new Diploma which has been developed by the National Skills Academy to equip retail workers with an industry recognised qualification.
The group has been taking part in the programme through the Greater Birmingham Skills Shop (GBSS) - Solihull College’s unique retail training academy, since September 2009 with College Assessor Sophie Bridge visiting them in store on a weekly basis to monitor their progress. Out of the ten selected stores, Redditch is the first to complete the pilot programme.
A recent graduation ceremony held at Redditch Town Hall marked the successful completion of the Level Two Diploma, which covers everything from credit card handling and window dressing to health and safety and team work. The group are now set to progress onto the Level Three Diploma.
Debenhams Redditch Store Manager Sam Zeen comments: “This initiative is a great way to give our staff the recognition they deserve and reward their hard work. We’re delighted that out of 157 stores nationwide, ours was chosen to pilot this unique training scheme, it’s a real boost to team moral. The service that Solihull College has provided has been brilliant.”
The College’s Retail Assessor Sophie Bridge adds: “ This programme is about developing staff and helping to enhance the skills that they already use in their day to day role. Retail is an ever expanding industry which offers a wealth of career opportunities for people of all ages. It’s been a pleasure to work with the team at Redditch and I look forward to seeing them progress even further.”
Solihull College offers a range of training opportunities to retail employers and employees as well as those looking to start a career in the industry.
