Retail

This department gives practical training in a wide variety of retail work in a vocational setting, from deliveries, merchandising and display to money handling and customer service. The layout and design of the large sales area, different stockrooms, the vocational area and teaching rooms have been carefully planned, developed and adapted for accessibility to both formal and experiential learning. The department also has a Karten Centre for computer-aided training, education and communication that aims to equip users with the latest IT skills suitable for a wide range of retail, industry and commercial environments. The centre also provides video conferencing facilities.

Retail students spend much of their time learning on the job in Young’s Farm Shop, the flagship of the department, and also have the opportunity to work in sales in the Garden Centre and in the coffee bar in the Social Centre. There is regular contact with the general public, which helps the students to develop confidence and communication and social skills whilst gaining competence in all areas. Appropriate qualifications up to Level One are accessible to all learners through structured sessions and the development of internal work experience Customer Service sessions.

The Team Enterprise programme is a unique opportunity for students with a range of learning support requirements to share and succeed in an activity which allows them to take responsibility for the management, production, sales marketing and financial roles of running a real company. It offers students practical experience of running their own company. Students elect a board of directors from amongst their peers, raise share capital, and market and finance a product or service of their own choice.

The retail department has formed links with various companies and businesses outside college which provide retail students with external work experience opportunities.

Students also have the opportunity to gain the Basic Food Hygiene Certificate and Foundation Certificate Health & Safety at Work and, through a link with the Practical Skills department, the Foundation Certificate in Environmental Awareness.

The Retail Department offers Foundation Learning Tier accredited qualifications relating to the retail industry leading to a destination of supported employment.