"The BCSC Educational Trust's contribution to the development of the How To Guide is part of our ongoing commitment to skills development and to the ongoing provision of education and training in the retail and retail property industries. We look forward to working closely with the National Skills Academies and with Skillsmart retail to keep delivering the right kind of training that will encourage and enhance careers in retail. "

Jeremy Collins,
BCSC President and Head of Retail Development at John Lewis



Who are they and what do they do?

Skillsmart's mission is to drive a step change in skills levels in retail by:

• Making a compelling case for the formal recognition of retail skills
• Improving the quality of new recruits into the retail sector
• Raising the skills levels of the existing workforce in retail operations
• Uniting retailers to simplify and improve access to the skills system

Run by retailers for retailers, Skillsmart Retail operates under license to the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills.



How is BCSC involved?

BCSC produced and funded the Skillsmart Retail handbook which provides detailed guidance for partnerships developing and operating skills shops across the country that wish to become members of the National Skills Academy for Retail.



The relation between Skillsmart Retail and the National Skills Academy for Retail

Skillsmart Retail has been given approval to set up the National Skills Academy for Retail which will be a wholly owned subsidiary of Skillsmart Retail. It will be constituted as a not-for-profit organisation limited by guarantee and the two companies will be closely aligned to address the skills needs of retailers and their employees.

Skillsmart Retail Acts as a strategic influence on the skills system on behalf of retailers across the UK, while the National Skills Academy for Retail aims to deliver skills solutions for retailers across the UK through its Skills Shop network.

To read more about the National Skills Academy for Retail, please download the NSA for retail brochure.



How can Skillsmart help?

Skillsmart Retail is led by retailers working together to understand the sector's skills issues and improve business performance through the development of people. Skillsmart's main objectives are to:

• Influence governments in promoting and addressing skills needs
• Develop and promote skills and qualifications to employers, individuals and providers
• Make the business case for skills to employers of all sizes
• Promote retail as a career of choice

Four key areas of the organisation work with retail employers and sector partners to deliver on these objectives:

1. Business Services
2. Standards & Qualifications
3. Research
4. Careers Strategy Manager

To find out more, please contact Davinder Jhamat on 020 7227 4480 or email davinder.jhamat@bcsc.org.uk