New retail diploma to kickstart careers

Posted May 21, 2012 |

The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) has helped design a new course aimed at assisting South Australian retailers adapt to changes in the market.

The ARA has partnered with the Department of Further Education, Employment, Science and Technology (DFEEST) to create the new ‘Diploma of Retail Management (multichannel)’. The course aims to educate retailers about changing consumer behaviour to help them prosper in a retail market in which ecommerce continues to grow.

“In identifying the need to respond to a shift in the retail industry, the Retail Institute has adjusted its accredited training accordingly,” ARA executive director Russell Zimmerman said in a statement. “For the first time, small to medium South Australian retailers have the opportunity to gain vital support in delivering a seamless brand experience across all channels – online and offline - in the modern retail environment.”

He also said the course will help students build their online presence as well as manage their store more effectively.

“At the end of the diploma, participants will be equipped to develop a retail sales strategy, implement online marketing programs, improve buying processes, enhance team leadership and store operations, improve retail financial understanding, select technology vendors and acquire and retain online customers,” he said.

Learning about and using new technologies will also be a focus of the new course, as well as close mentorship.

“A number of unprecedented initiatives will facilitate participant learning and confidence with technology,” Zimmerman said, “including delivery of the course in a Wi-Fi enabled classroom and every enrolled student will receive a tablet with course materials pre- loaded. In addition, each participant will be aligned to a highly skilled ARA mentor as well as have one-on-one coaching support from technology experts.”

Service Skills Australia, the SA Government, TAFE SA Adelaide North Institute, Australian Information Industry Association and the Australian Interactive Media Industry Association have all teamed up with the ARA to help make the course a reality.

Zimmerman told Jeweller that the ARA hope to expand the course to other states following the roll out of the South Australian diploma.

The course involves a monthly seminar day and takes a year to complete.

The ARA Retail Institute is inviting all South Australian retailers to an information session on 4 June 2012 to find out more on how they can benefit from the Diploma of Retail Management (multichannel). Email training@retail.org.au or call 1300 368 041 for more information.

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