Retail was established as a vocational department when follow-up studies of former Derwen College students showed that many obtained employment in retail outlets, even though they had not followed a retail course. Specialist retail training increases the employment prospects for many students in an area of work where Derwen students have been successful.

The Retail Department involves practical training in the Derwen Shop, which sells a wide range of goods, from newspapers and magazines to groceries and confectionery. The shop is open to both students and members of the public. Retail students follow the training programme, which includes stock control, maintaining a healthy, safe and secure work place and customer services. Modern technology records sales and the students use bar-code techniques and digital equipment.

Work-based training is provided within the real work environment of the Garden Centre shop. This training promotes the transfer of skills from one area to another and provides a valuable stepping stone towards external work experience.

The Team Enterprise programme is a unique opportunity for students to share and succeed in an activity that allows them to take responsibility for the management, production, sales marketing and financial roles of running a real company. It offers students the practical experience of setting up and running their own company, electing a board of directors from amongst their peers, raising share capital, and marketing and financing a product or service of their own choice.

There is continuous contact with the general public and students develop confidence and competence in key skills.

The department is actively involved in the promotion of healthy living and eating.

The Retail Department offers certification in:

• NPTC Skills for Working Life Entry Level 2 & 3
• NVQ Distributive Operations Level 1
• NVQ Retail Operations Level 2
  

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