PROJECT AIMS
Project Aims:
Increase the engagement of SME retail employers in skills development within Gloucestershire.
Identify the specific skills needs of the retail sector – mapping existing provision and highlighting gaps where the development of short, industry led courses is required
Increase the skills and qualification levels of the retail workforce through access to relevant provision (either existing or developed through this project) of basic skills, vocational and managerial training and development. The project will particularly encourage the take-up of NVQs at levels 2 and 3.
The Objectives of the Network are to:
*Work with existing (and newly formed) retail networks to create a co-ordinated approach to the identification and resolving of skills issues for the sector within Gloucestershire.
*Improve retail business performance through the development of a skilled workforce.
*Improve the individual skills and aspirations of the local retail workforce through achievement of skills qualification and participation in other skills development activities.
*Increase the number of employees achieving a Level 2 or Level 3 Retail NVQ.
*Encourage SME’s (small/medium size enterprises) to become engaged in training and development activities including the provision of specific skills training for retail owner/managers.
*Support retail businesses in Gloucestershire to use sector specific tools to identify business, consumer and individual needs in order to highlight skills issues.
*Provide a single point of contact for employers and learners re skills development.
*Liase with schools, connexions, Job Centre Plus and IAG partnerships in order to attract young adults, unemployed and non-traditional entrants to work in the sector.
*Influence the quality and relevance of the local training provision, through uniting industry training and education providers.
*Develop additional, industry-focused short-courses to respond to specific skills needs identified and which promote access to learning
