Entry 3 / Level 1 LEAP Hub Retail and Business

Intent & Curriculum purpose:

Developing independence, communication and personal skills, with an introduction to a diverse range of employment skills. 

Programme Outline:

This Hub focuses on the Retail industry – a diverse and exciting industry in which to make a career.

The purpose of the Retail and Business course is to provide students with knowledge and understanding of the retail sector. It introduces students to the supply chain and the different types of retail outlets and occupations found within the sector.

Students who are interested in working in the retail environment will need to understand the different business aspects of retail. They need to understand how retail outlets differ in size and the many different occupations undertaken in these outlets. Students will also need to be aware of how customers can affect the type of products and services the retail sector offers.

Students will gain the skills that they will require within the employment environment and in retail. The skills gained will be listening and communication skills, problem solving, being able to work as part of a team and also being able to show initiative if there is no one to supervise them. They will develop the ability to understand the qualities required, e.g. well-presented, a pleasant and polite personality and good time management.

Areas covered within this programme include:

• Displaying merchandise
• Looking after and understanding customers in a retail environment
• Organisational skills
• Understanding customer service in the retail sector
• Work-based experience
• Moving or handling goods manually

Work Experience:

Planned in groups and through individual work experience. Internal and some external where appropriate.

LEAP Hub Retail and Business has an on-site shop and undertake work experience daily, helping students to develop their knowledge and understanding of the Retail industry and potential career pathways.

English and Maths:

Discrete sessions in English and maths including a qualification route, where applicable. Functional English and maths embedded via the curriculum. 

Additional skills development:

Personal and social development skills such as independent living skills (ILS), confidence-building, teamwork, healthy living, citizenship, rights and responsibilities. In addition, students will have access to a wide range of ongoing wellbeing and mindfulness initiatives.  

Progression:
On successful completion, students will gain a LASER LEAP Entry 3 or Level 1 qualification. Progression is likely to be: full/part-time employment, further education, a supported internship or apprenticeship.