CEO of Retail Excellence Ireland Lorraine Higgins recently addressed a group of learners attending the GRETB Training Centres retail sales course on the importance of the retail industry in Ireland today.
As the retail sector currently contributes €7 billion per annum to the exchequer Ms Higgins outlined the challenges facing this sector, challenges such as online sales, cheap imports, rising business costs, and a shortage of suitably qualified staff.
The GRETB Training Centre is addressing this skills shortage by providing training to learners wishing to gain employment within the retail sector in Galway.
The retails skills and pharmacy sales course gives learners the up to date skills, knowledge, and competencies required to work in a busy retail selling environment.
During the course learners study product knowledge, sales techniques, stock control, payment procedures, and IT skills. They receive training in team working, customer service, grooming, and skin care, and will also be trained by a pharmacist to sell over-the-counter pharmaceuticals. Learners receive expert support in career planning and job seeking skills, leading to a level of competence that will enable them to operate independently in the pharmacy sector.
The course is 40 weeks’ duration, inclusive of 10 weeks’ work placement. This work placement programme has seen many learners gain full or part-time employment after the course.
To apply for the course www.gretbtrainingcentre.ie or www.fetchcourses.ie You can also call GRETB Training Centre on 091 706200.