What we do
The RETAIL skills academy improves the performance of individuals and businesses by developing retail skills and knowledge. Its services are designed specifically for the sector, addressing skills needs created by the changing retail environment and consumer demands. Training is delivered only by people with experience, expertise and success in the sector.
It offers training, qualifications, work experience, employment opportunities and business improvement services.
Training
Training is available for every rung of the career ladder, from pre-employment knowledge to advanced business skills for retail owners, managers and leaders. It covers a range of functions such as buying, customer service, selling and visual merchandising.
Some programmes are developed by well-known retail experts, such as Mary Portas, and others have international accreditation, such as WorldHost customer service and sales training.
Retailers can select bespoke staff training designed to address a business need, such as delivering change, launching a new product or channel, or dealing with changing trading conditions.
Training ranges from half day sessions, delivered around trading hours, to seven day programmes. It is delivered to groups or, for business improvement advice or coaching, on a one-to-one basis. Some training is available online to avoid any interruption to the working day.
Qualifications
A range of qualifications are available for both full time students and retailers who wish to learn while they earn.
If you are a student leaving school and want to continue full time study for a career in retail you can opt for a BTEC in Business with Retail. If you are interested in fashion retail you can opt for the Diploma in Fashion Retail.
There is a full range of qualifications for those joining or already working in the sector. One of the most valuable to career progression is the online Foundation Degree in Retail. Others include Retail Apprenticeships and Advanced Retail Apprenticeships.
The National Skills Academy for Retail provides a framework of qualifications recognised by the retail sector, available through the RETAIL skills academy.
Work Experience
The RETAIL skills academy at City College Norwich provides a unique opportunity for individuals to learn, develop and showcase a broad range of retail skills in a live trading environment.
ego is a buy and sell fashion boutique established specifically for people learning or improving their retail skills. They can learn a range of skills from customer service, selling, buying and visual merchandising to finance, supply chain management and marketing.
ego is in Chapelfield, a busy shopping centre in the heart of Norwich. After working with ego, individuals will be ready to add real value a retail employer or to set up their own retail business.
Employment Opportunities
The RETAIL skills academy is committed to matching talent with career opportunities within local retailers. Retail businesses registering for this service receive advance notice of trained retail talent ready to enter, return to or progress in the workplace.
Business Improvement
The academy has a wealth of retail talent to support the local sector. It employs retailers and ex-retailers from small independents to international, multi-channel multiples. This expertise and experience is available to local businesses and individuals. They offer a range of services from mystery shopping and training to consultancy, coaching and mentoring.
