Guest posting to voced-coord email list
Item 3 of 8: Training Update Seminar - Retail Training Package

Date: Tue, 18 Nov 1997 16:59:30 +1100
To: CButler@warnbro.wa.edu.au, voced-coord@owl.qut.edu.au
From: Patrick Griffin
Subject: VocEd:Patrick Griffin (guest)First, second and third impressions

I attended a training update seminar recently organized by ANTA. The retail training package was discussed in terms of the types of competencies that would be expected by retailers of employees after entering the workforce. Most are small businesses and need generalized skills. The package seemed to be excellent in its structure and the assessment guidelines were quite workable, I thought. As one of the first training packages to be approved, it may have set a high standard. I must admit that i haven't seen the package yet, but the presentation was impressive. In terms of findng out what is expected of employees by retailers, this would be the best starting point.

The presentation was by Bill Healy, the executive director of WRAPS. I assume that information on the package can be obtained from their office

National WRAPS,
Suite 2, Level 2
Burewood Road, Burwood, 2612.

nrwitc@acay.com.au

Our own research in the transition was addressing the shift from school to work, not on the competencies required after starting work. The message we have identified was quite clear. If we assumed the applicant can learn on the job, there are a few crucial starting impressions that must be made. They are linked to appearance, preparation, attitudes to work, expectations of the work place, and basic generic skills.

I am not sure that this is an earth shattering finding, but sometimes we set out in pursuit of the exotic and forget about the important matters closer to home.

Patrick Griffin.

>> impressions -Reply
>>
>>Dear Patrick, I am a "new" vocational teacher (just appointed) in the
>>Vocational RETAIL area in Western Australia.
>>
>>I am very keen to hear your ideas on what employers want and expect
>>from young people in retail.
>>
>>I have had 20 years of experience in retail myself both as an employee
>>and employer, however I'm interested in your study and hearing ab out
>>your views on this.
>>
>>Many thanks
>>
>>Christine Butler (vocational teacher Warnbro Community High School)
>>
>>
Patrick Griffin