Training and Development
The NRA training and development team help retailers of all sizes access specialised knowledge and industry-specific expertise in order to grow their business. Combining our specialist skills in vocational education and development with extensive retail industry experience, our trainers provide relevant and practical training solutions. Our experience and commitment to quality has helped us to become a leading Registered Training Organisation (RTO) for the retail sector. We develop flexible and tailored training for employers and deliver accredited and non-accredited training in capital cities and regional locations throughout Australia.
Below are just a few examples of how we have partnered with our members throughout Australia to deliver training for their organisations.
Traineeships
A casual job in a local pet shop led Emily to a Certificate III in Retail Operations after her manager noticed her dedication and suggested a traineeship with the business. Her employer approached a local Australian Apprenticeship Support Network who met with them, and gave them all the information they needed. They helped the pet shop to complete the paperwork, and helped to choose the NRA as their training provider, as the NRA is a national training provider and delivers to trainees in all states. The employer could also access a $4 000 financial incentive from the Commonwealth Government, as Emily had not been employed for over three months. The traineeship has helped Emily to gain valuable building blocks for her future career, and for her employer to have a valuable full time, skilled and loyal employee.
Industry Skills Fund
A great casual worker at a South Australian fast food outlet, was made permanent and given supervisory duties as she showed potential and maturity beyond her years. Her manager resigned and she was temporarily forced to jump into the role. She coped well but was definitely in need of some skills and knowledge especially around people management. The employer approached the NRA for advice, and because the worker did not have any other qualifications, she was able to put in an application for funding through Industry Skills Fund to the Commonwealth Government for training in Certificate IV in Retail Management. The NRA helped the employer with the application and the worker was notified within a matter of days that she was successful and that 80% of the $3 500 fee would be paid through the fund. The NRA delivers Certificate IV and Diploma qualifications in all states, so the worker was enrolled in the Certificate IV in Retail Management to give the skills and confidence to do her job. She has successfully completed the course and is performing at a higher level and has been able to handle the staff issues she was having without having to involve the business owner.
Ready for Retail
Karen had been unemployed since February 2013 and due to this lengthy period of unemployment her confidence had taken a hit. She enrolled in the Ready for Retail program to gain some current skills and as part of the program went to a local pharmacy for work experience placement. Karen’s new skill set and improved confidence enabled her to shine during her placement and ended in her host employer offering her a highly sought after role with the company. The host employer was impressed with Karen’s presentation, can do attitude and her ability to work effectively with the team. Working with NRA, the employer enrolled her in a traineeship and received a $4 000 incentive from the Government. In addition, because Karen was a part of the Ready for Retail program, proudly funded by the Queensland Governments Skilling Queenslanders for Work Program, the Queensland government paid the employer an additional $2 000 towards her training and wages.
The NRA Ready for Retail program can be delivered in all states. If a member is about to recruit a number of employees, the NRA can approach a local Job Active in their location to negotiate a group of ten referrals. Job seekers will be trained in a program customised for our members and undertake job placement in our members organisation. Members can then select suitable candidates for employment from this process. This is becoming a great recruitment strategy for many of our members.
Please note that the additional $2 000 incentive for employees who are employed as trainees is only available in Queensland.
One day workshops
Emily was working for a surf wear store in a casual capacity when she enrolled in our 1 day accredited customer service workshop. Emily found the training fresh and current and expressed her interest in completing a full Certificate III Retail Operations Certificate. With the assistance of her trainer they were able to determine that Emily would be eligible for Queensland Government funding. This enabled her to complete the qualification for the tiny contribution fee of $15, saving her almost $3000. Emily moved on to complete the Certificate III qualification and is now managing the very business she started in as a casual employee. Emily has now expressed an interest in continuing her training in the retail sector by completing a Certificate IV in Retail Management.
One day Customer Service workshops are delivered nationally to groups of 15 or more and cost our members $75 per participant. Many of our members are using this workshop as part of their new employee induction program. Training can be accredited or non-accredited.
School based Traineeships
A young high school student couldn’t decide if he wanted to stay at school or leave to begin a career in retail. It was suggested that he undertake a school based traineeship. This proved to be a good solution. The school based traineeship provided the student with an opportunity to remain at school while he decides if he was suited to a career in retail.
The school student was required to work one day a week in a local retail café. He soon discovered that this type of work genuinely suited him, and he was good at it. The employer also agreed. The outcome is that this has been a good arrangement for both the student and the business. The NRA has tailored training around the core strategies of the business, and the student has demonstrated more confidence and maturity. His commitment to customer service has seen an increase in building repeat business for the organisation, and the employer was eligible for a financial incentive from the government also.
Leadership Training
The NRA has a national member who has delivered a five day Leadership Program with the NRA Training team for six consecutive years. The employer flies to Brisbane managers and supervisors from every state, organises and pays for their accommodation and training fees. Training takes place at the NRA Brisbane office. The cost is set at $1 500 per head, regardless of numbers, with a minimum of five participants. The program is designed with members and is customised to suit their specific business needs. This program is a great feature of our members organisation and ensures that all new managers are on board with the company goals and vision.
For more information about how we can assist with Training in your organisation, please contact our Training Director Yvonne Williams.