Free Level 1 Retail Knowledge Course in Ilkeston. Classes run at YMCA Key College Ilkeston Campus, combining classroom learning with work experience. You'll cover retail knowledge, customer service, Functional Skills, and employability skills over 34 weeks of full-time daytime study. Assessment is online testing for retail and a mix of observation and portfolio work for customer service. A solid retail knowledge qualification for anyone looking to step into the sector.
Who this course is for
A classroom based programme with work experience. Programme is for 34 weeks and assessment for retail is on-line testing and for customer service is a mixture of observation and portfolio. Course includes Functional Skills and Employability Skills.
What you will learn
You'll develop knowledge of how retail businesses operate day to day.
You'll learn how to deliver good customer service in a retail setting.
You'll practise stock handling, merchandising, and store procedures.
You'll build employability skills including communication and workplace behaviour.
You'll apply Functional Skills in English and maths in a work-related context.
You'll gain hands-on experience through a work placement.
How you will learn
You'll study in a classroom at YMCA Key College Ilkeston Campus, supported by a work experience placement. Retail knowledge is assessed through online testing. Customer service is assessed through a combination of direct observation in the workplace and a portfolio of evidence. The course also includes Functional Skills and employability skills components.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. YMCA Key College Ilkeston Campus will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Sales assistant: serving customers and handling transactions on the shop floor.
Stock room assistant: receiving, sorting, and replenishing store stock.
Checkout operator: processing sales and supporting customers at the till.
Visual merchandiser assistant: helping to arrange displays and store layouts.
Customer service assistant: handling queries and supporting shoppers in store.
What you could study next
Level 2 Certificate in Retail Knowledge (NOCN or similar): the next step up from this qualification, covering more advanced retail operations and customer service skills.
Level 2 Functional Skills in English and Maths: if you complete these alongside or after the course, they are the recognised equivalent of GCSE grade 4 and are valued by employers and colleges alike.
Level 2 NVQ in Retail: a work-based qualification that can support progression into supervisory roles.
