AIMS & ACTIVITIES

The Aim of the Retail Skills Network:

To increase the competitiveness of the West of England's retail industry by increasing the skill levels of those employed in it and by attracting better skilled entrants to careers in retail.

This will be achieved by:
* Co-ordinating research into the training and development needs of retail businesses in the West of England, ranging from national chains to smaller owner managed businesses. The network will develop strategies and a training and development plan to meet these needs.


*Supporting businesses in the recruitment of skilled personnel.

*Encouraging employers to share good practice and up-skill their employees, therefore increasing their competitiveness within the retail market.

*Influencing the development of industry specific training that is cost-effective, relevant and accessible; ensuring that the content of vocational courses more accurately reflects the skills needs of the industry.

*Promoting retail as a first choice career at events and job fairs.

*Opening up of employment and training opportunities in the local retail industry to individuals who have particular difficulties in gaining employment.

*Promoting good employment and development practice, to improve retention and performance of personnel.

*Bringing education and industry together to form sustainable partnerships, in order to achieve increased vocational input into the curriculum.

*Strengthening links and working in partnership with support organisations such as Skillsmart, JobCentre Plus and Connexions to share information and best practice and to collaborate to achieve goals together.