'Inside Retail' programme provides real retail knowledge

Woolworths’ Inside Retail programme targeted educators in higher education through a week-long, embedded course where they gained practical experience of the retail value chain. The group of educators (pictured) were from the College of Cape Town, False Bay College, Northlink College, Boland College, and South Cape College; as well as CPUT.

This is done within the ambit of skills development for the retail sector, which desperately needs training support. Woolworths gave e lecturers a practical insight into the retail industry through the second instalment of its programme. Recent participating Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges included the College of Cape Town, False Bay College, Northlink College, Boland College, South Cape College as well as CPUT.

Woolworths National Learning and Development Manager, Sibongile Antoni, said Inside Retail was a positive tool for developing public TVET colleges to advance skills development in South Africa and that this year's programme exceeded expectations and was "a major success".

"The programme always performs way beyond our expectations and this year it was no different. What always surprises me is what the TVET lecturers take away with them and how much value a practical programme like these offers. In some ways it highlights the gaps in our education system, but also the opportunities that exist for retailers to play a leading role in developing the industry," he said.

Feedback positive

"On the last day of the programme, the W&RSETA invited other retailers to witness a lecturer feedback session, with the aim of simulating a conversation about not only what Woolworths is doing, but what kind of programmes we can implement collectively as an industry."

Education Specialist at the College of Cape Town, Hester Carolissen, said Inside Retail gave her exposure to beneficial retail industry contacts for placement of their students and that previously her research for lectures was based only on theory, and not on any practical training.

"Woolworths was a very good case study. I have learnt a strong value system is part of Woolworths' success story and that such a value system is integral to the operations of any business. This experience was invaluable. I am now able to apply my practical learnings in the classroom as case studies. What was impressive is Woolworths' value chain consistency when it comes to quality control. The company is extremely committed to keeping the customer happy. Interestingly, they have a best practice in place, which aims to put all fresh produce on the shelves no later than 24 hours after harvesting. It was inspiring to see how they set goals and then achieve them," she said.

Occupational Programme Manager at Boland College, Alta Nel, said she derived great value from the experience, and that the effective target management systems in place at Woolworths provided great insight and learnings for her.

"It was fascinating to see the orchestrated integration of all levels within the company to ensure a quality product is available to the customer. From an organisational perspective, I was impressed by the systems in place. This is the learning that I want to ensure gets through to the students in the practical lessons, so that they know it takes a good organisational culture to ensure a successful retailer. It was impressive to see all of the Woolworths employees so positive about their work." She insists that practical application is important in influencing student decisions to pursue careers in the retail industry.