Q. What benefits will the Diploma in Retail Business bring to my business?
A. Backing the Diploma in Retail Business can bring many short and long term benefits to your business and bottom line. These will include a potential reduction in recruitment, training and staff turnover costs. Students will understand retailers’ needs having examined every aspect of the sector including logistics of its supply chain, sourcing and buying products, merchandising, consumer legislation, stock control, profit margins, selling and customer service. They will be more effective from the day they start work. Please see the Diploma in Retail Business employer leaflet for further information.

Q.Why should I support the teaching of the Diploma in Retail Business?
A. You will help to bring to life a learner’s study experiences. In turn you will create good links with education that will promote your business as a potential career destination for young people on completion of their Diploma. You will also get to know and nurture the talented young recruits of the future. Additionally, it will help to promote your brand within the local community. To find out further reasons to support the Diploma in Retail Business and ways to get involved please contact Fiona Stubbs, Diploma Partnership Manager by phone on 07795 962 444, 020 7462 5084 or by email at fiona.stubbs@skillsmartretail.com.


Q. What is work-related learning?
A. Work-related learning is defined as planned activity that uses work as a context for learning. It encompasses a broad range of activities that allow students to experience working life. It involves learning about working practices, experiencing the work environment, developing skills for working life and learning through activities and challenges set in work-related contexts.
The most common form of work-related learning is work experience. However there are many other ways in which the teaching of the world of work can be brought alive by employers such as work shadowing, workshops and mentors. Please see the employer leaflet for further information.

Q. How can we ensure that the work experience is a positive and worthwhile experience for all?
A. Work experience is a perfect opportunity to make young people enthusiastic about working for your business after completing their Diploma. Please see the Diploma Development Partnership’s work experience handbook for employers on our website.

Q. How much time do you expect me to offer?
A. There’s a lot of flexibility in this. We value any contribution you can offer. Apart from offering work experience placements employers of all sizes can help with other activities, such as hosting fact finding visits by students to stores or other retail premises and providing retail information to support learning. Our employer leaflet has more information.

Q.Who should I contact if I am interested in getting involved nationally and/or locally?
A. You should contact your local authority partnership or nearest National Skills Academy (NSA) for Retail Skills Shop. For further details of these please see www.nsaforretail.com

Q. Are there any implications on my insurance from accommodating a young person in my business?
A. Most employers have insurance policies that cover most risks arising from work experience and other visits, provided that the work experience is in accordance with the normal business practices of the employer.  Employers’ Liability insurance covers the employer’s liability in respect of work-related injuries to employees.  This insurance is compulsory by law.  The Health & Safety Executive guidance on employers’ liability provides further useful information: www.hse.gov.uk. 

Q. Can I place one of my employees on the Diploma in Retail Business?
A. Yes if they are working part-time but full-time employees are ineligible. The Diploma is a broad-based education programme rather than job-specific training and has been designed to be studied at school or college. However, students can work towards achieving the whole Diploma gradually over time so it does lend itself to part-time working.

Q. Can my employee do it at night school or on the internet?
A. At present Diploma courses are offered only during the day at schools and colleges.

Q. Will Diplomas replace GCSEs and A levels?
A. No. Diplomas will run alongside GCSEs and A levels. Learners can choose to study only the Diploma or to combine studying the Diploma with GCSEs or A levels.