|
|
|
What’s in Store: Retail Training
|
Business New Haven
10/15/2001
By: Anne-Marie Brungard
|
As part of its ultimately unsuccessful bid to sell the public on the need for a large retail mall at Long Wharf, the city administration proposed a so-called “retail training academy,” perhaps to be housed in the former Pirelli building. The fact that the mall came a-cropper doesn't mean that low-skilled workers can't benefit from training in the local retail trades, of course.
Although hiring for entry-level retail positions has been slowing locally, there is still a strong need for such training. With welfare-to-work initiatives in full swing (some 200 area families received reduced benefits on October 1) and more people looking for work, Easter Seals Goodwill Industries of New Haven, with funding from the Regional Workforce Development Board and the Enterprise Community, has launched its own new retail training program. The nine-week program has a curriculum based on the retail skills standards outlined by the National Retail Federation.
The course integrates classroom training with internship experiences at area retailers. Classes run continuously, and students attend classes for 20 hours each week while pursuing internships for experience and skill development.
“Our partnering retail companies like Heidi's Uniforms [in New Haven], Filene's and Sears have not only assisted in developing the program, giving input about training needs and standards, but have opened up opportunities for employment,” says Jennifer Kelley, Easter Seals' director of employment and training. To date 15 students have completed the program, and another class will be graduated shortly. Five students were placed and retained employment from the first graduating class.
The program's advisory committee includes area retailers and small business professionals. Easter Seals staff are able to draw on the experience of committee members for guest speakers, internship and employment opportunities.
“This direct connection is critical,” says Kelley. “This level of commitment and support from the employers reduces the need for us to search for leads. They are familiar with our students and know that we will provide a high level of wrap-around services to support the placements.”
Recruiting students for the program has presented a challenge, however. Efforts have focused primarily on the six Empowerment Zone areas in New Haven, targeting individuals who are underemployed or unemployed and facing challenges such as lack of work experience or mental-health issues. Outreach efforts are in full swing to boost participation.
The program, while teaching important skills such cashiering, communication, sales, loss-prevention and customer-service skills, must at the same time address personal development areas to improve each student's chances of long-term success in the workplace. Work ethic, attitude/motivation, personal appearance and self-esteem workshops are combined with functional skills training (e.g., child-care planning, financial management, transportation) to help an individual get the job first and then have a strong enough foundation so that the employee is later capable of being promoted and increasing their income.
But it isn't enough to expect that a few weeks of training and support services are enough for everyone to be successful on the job. The program also provides support to employers by being available for on-site job coaching where necessary, and working with the employer to directly address any issues that may negatively affect the employee's work performance. Six months of retention services are included in the program.
Those familiar with Easter Seals Goodwill Industries know that the agency is no stranger to vocational training and workforce development. With more than 30 years' experience training individuals, providing job coaching and placement services for those with emotional and physical challenges, the agency is equipped to address the changing needs of students while adapting to the evolving needs of the workplace.
The training program is supported by Easter Seals' extensive network and placement experience. Says Kelley, “We are currently considering expanding our efforts to develop the customer-service side of the training a little more. We recognize that there is an opportunity to meet the workforce needs of other industries if we broaden the training.” Customer service skills are essential in any employment setting and are of course transferable across job positions.
Easter Seals' retail training program is seeking additional advisory committee members, guest speakers, internship and employment opportunities. Contact 203-777-2000 to learn more.
|
Go FirstGo PreviousGo
NextGo LastGo
to Index
|
|
