Skillsmart Retail has welcomed Morrisons’ announcement that 100,000 of their employees will achieve the new (formerly NVQ) level 2 in Retail Skills by next year.
The announcement follows the news that retail skills are on the up across the sector, as Skillsmart Retail released the new Skills Trends data for July 2010.
The report highlights that retail skills have risen across the board. The number of retail workers with no recognised qualification has dropped from 17% in 2002 to 11% in 2010 (to date). This means that almost 2.2m (2009 figure) retail workers have qualifications under their belts, reflecting an increase in training across the sector. Managers are increasing their skills too, with 31% having level 4 or higher standard qualification in 2010, compared to only 20% in 2002.
Skillsmart Retail, reformed the qualifications working in partnership with Morrisons and a wealth of other leading UK retailers to ensure skills and training meet business needs and that qualifications are fit-for-purpose for businesses and learners alike.
Beverley Paddey, head of standards and qualifications at Skillsmart Retail, said: “With one in five 16 to 24-year-olds out of work, the UK is realising that vocational qualifications are the way to improve the economy.
“Ensuring that learners are switched on by their courses, that the qualifications hold currency and that they add real value to UK retailers is the key to driving up retail skills.”
Source: Skillsmart Retail
