Certificate in Retail Knowledge (RQF) Level 3

Working in retail can be fast-paced, challenging, but also highly rewarding.

If you’re already are working in a retail environment then the NCFE Level 3 Certificate in Retail knowledge RQF Qualification (600/2140/8) is aimed at benefitting you. The Level 3 Certificate in Retail Knowledge can further develop knowledge and understanding of the Retail sector.

 If you thrive in a dynamic environment, then retail may just be the career path for you to do well in. The retail industry is a significant contributor to the UK economy and there is an increasing demand for more retail professionals, with higher level skills.

 Retail is more than just being on the shop floor with customers. It involves a variety of duties and activities, including customer service, IT, marketing, sales and health and safety.

Recruiters in the retail sector want candidates with:

• excellent 'people' skills
• commitment to customer service
• ability to work under pressure
• confidence, drive and enthusiasm

Many retail departments, such as merchandising and buying, often work very closely together. Therefore, there is the opportunity to develop a varied range of skills in many disciplines. There are plenty of opportunities to interact with people on a daily basis.

What will you study on this retail knowledge distance learning course?

On this retail training course, you’ll gain a more in-depth understanding of the following:

• customer service in the retail industry
• health and safety in a retail environment
• understand legislation relating to selling
•  process of improving store operations

What courses can I progress onto on completion of the Certificate in Retail Knowledge RQF Level 3 course?

Learners can go on to study further in areas such as:

• Advanced Apprenticeship in Retail

What are my future employment possibilities?

Retail outlets and organisations can often include manufacturing, operations, merchandising and buying departments. This means that there are plenty of opportunities and scope for progression and development. Retail can offer lots of flexibility and also enable you to work hours to suit your commitments and lifestyle.

You could choose to specialise within a specific area that you have a particular fondness for such as: fashion, books, jewellery, music, sport, online, an optician's, or supermarket retailing.

This retail qualification is designed to provide you with the knowledge required for entry into a more senior position. This could be a Supervisor/Management role or progression into a more Specialist Retail role such as Visual Merchandiser or Sales Professional.

Am I required to do a placement?

This is a knowledge based distance learning course. No previous sales or marketing experience is needed and it doesn’t t require you to have a placement. However, any work practical experience would be an advantage to you.

Great news! If you study this course you have the option to either fund the course yourself privately, or we are able to offer you the course funded using a 19+ Advanced Learning Loan. Please click the “fees tab” for more information on how you can fund your course.

Syllabus

Unit One: Understanding customer service in the retail sector (K/502/5803)

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the effect of customer service on retail business
• Understand how retail businesses ensure customer service standards are met
• Understand how customer complaints are resolved in a retail business
• Understand how customer service is monitored in a retail business

Unit Two: Understanding the management of risks to health and safety on the premises of a retail business (F/502/5824)

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the health and safety responsibilities of employees and employers
• Understand the management of potential risks to health and safety on the premises of a retail business
• Understand the management of emergency procedures on the premises of a retail business
• Understand the management of accidents in the retail environment

Unit Three: Understanding the retail selling process (F/502/5807)

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand how communication techniques can be used to help the customer choose products
• Understand the benefits and maintenance of product knowledge
• Understand legislation relating to selling in the retail environment
• Understand techniques for maximising sales

Unit Four: Understanding the development of personal and team effectiveness in a retail business(A/502/5787)

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the recruitment process
• Understand how individuals and teams are developed within a retail business
• Understand effective communication within retail teams in retail business
• Understand how conflict is resolved within teams in retail business
• Understand the link between improved personal performance and improved business performance
• Understand how to review the personal performance of retail team members
• Understand the general principles of employment law

Unit Five: Understanding how the smooth operation of a payment point is maintained(M/502/5799)

On completion of this unit you will:

• Know how a payment point is made ready for trading
• Know how to deal with queries raised at the payment point
• Understand the routine monitoring of a payment point
• Know what actions should be taken at the payment point when abnormal operating conditions apply
• Understand how the accuracy of till operation is monitored
• Know how to implement end-of-shift procedures at a payment point

Unit Six: Understanding how the effectiveness of store operations can be improved (H/502/5802)

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the process of improving store operations
• Understand how to communicate with and motivate those involved in bringing about change and improvement in store operations
• Understand how the organisation and scheduling of staffing contributes to the effectiveness of store operations

Study Hours

This is only an approximate figure and is dependant upon how much time you can dedicate to your studies and how well you grasp the learning concepts in the course material. Furthermore, at the end of each lesson there is a question paper that needs to be completed and returned to your tutor. You should allow at least 1 - 2 hours of study to complete each question paper.

The approximate amount of time required to complete the course is: 160.02 hrs.

The Access to Higher Education (A2HE) Consortium is a group of organisations who work together to promote and deliver excellence within the A2HE experience. By working in partnership the A2HE Education Consortium is able to call upon the significant expertise of each partner organisation to deliver the best possible learning journey and experience for our A2HE learners.

Access to Higher Education courses are ideal for learners wanting to start a university course but that have no formal qualifications. By working in partnership the A2HE Consortium is able to:

• Recruit, signpost and navigate learners through their decision to register on an A2HE programme of study.
• Provide learners with the most comprehensive Information, Advice and Guidance prior to registration.
• Provide learners with a range of funding options including; payment in full, payment using consumer credit and payment using a government backed Advanced Learning Loan.
• Give learners access to cutting edge technology to support the delivery of their A2HE programme.
• Allow learners to customise their A2HE programme so that it is bespoke to their own learning needs, challenges them throughout and delivers additional learning in areas such as Maths, English and Soft Skills (Confidence, Resilience, Team working etc.).
• Learners access high quality learning materials that are rich and engaging supported by a team of committed and talented tutors and assessors.
• Course accreditation and certification from Open College Network West Midlands, a QAA (Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education) licenced Access Validating Agency (AVA).

Who are the partners?

The Stonebridge Group (SAC) The Stonebridge Group of Training Companies is a conglomerate of 6 separate independent training providers established in 1997 and continually growing. Currently the group trains more than 70,000 learners per annum in a wide range of subjects areas from A-Levels to Web Design and IT with everything in-between. The Group currently employs almost 200 staff who work in all areas including learner recruitment, course development, course delivery, admin, finance and tutorial support Stonebridge Associated Colleges are currently a Gold Trusted Merchant with an average Service Rating of over 98% from 854 Independent Feefo Reviews. The Group specialises in training, digital marketing and learner recruitment including advice and guidance to ensure the right learners are placed on the right programme of study. Please click here for more information
Pearltech UK Ltd (PEARL) PEARL (Personalised e-Assisted Responsive Learning) is uniquely innovative Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) that delivers customised and responsive learning based on individual learner’s needs. The system is available entirely online which means that learners can access all aspects of their learning, assessment and eportfolio 24/7 and from any location in the World using a variety of devices. Pearl encourages learner development beyond academic skills and includes proprietary responsive algorithms which present different learning exercises or challenges unique to each learner. This means that every learner has the ability to customise their course and to enrich their learning experience.
Enabling Development Opportunities Ltd (EDO) EDO has been working with businesses and learners since 2007. The team of directors and staff have decades of experience in skills training. All learners are supported throughout their studies by a talented group of tutors and assessors who are responsible for ensuring that all learners on the A2HE programmes are supported in a way that makes them feel “special” and gives them the best possible chance of succeeding. As part of the A2HE Consortium, EDO are responsible for delivering the training and accessing Advanced Learning Loan (if required) funding for learners. EDO also quality assure the programmes and claim the final certificate for learners from Open College Network West Midlands on successful completion of the A2HE programme. Please click here for more information

The Advanced Learning Loan (ALL) Consortium is a group of organisations who work together to promote and deliver excellence within the ALL experience. By working in partnership the ALL Education Consortium is able to call upon the significant expertise of each partner organisation to deliver the best possible learning journey and experience for our Advanced Learning Loan learners.

Advanced Learner Loan funding is ideal for learners who are not able to fund their own learning and are seeking a government backed loan in order to do so. By working in partnership the ALL Consortium is able to:

• Recruit, signpost and navigate learners through their decision to register on a programme of study using an Advanced Learning Loan.
• Provide learners with the most comprehensive Information, Advice and Guidance prior to registration.
• Provide learners with a range of funding options including; payment in full, payment using consumer credit and payment using a government backed Advanced Learning Loan.
• Give learners access to cutting edge technology to support the delivery of their Advanced Learning Loan funded programme.
• Allow learners to customise their Advanced Learning Loan funded programme so that it is bespoke to their own learning needs, challenges them throughout and delivers additional learning in areas such as Maths, English and Soft Skills (Confidence, Resilience, Team working etc.).
• Learners access high quality learning materials that are rich and engaging supported by a team of committed and talented tutors and assessors.
• Course accreditation and certification from various Ofqual regulated Awarding Bodies.

Who are the partners?

The Stonebridge Group (SAC) The Stonebridge Group of Training Companies is a conglomerate of 6 separate independent training providers established in 1997 and continually growing. Currently the group trains more than 70,000 learners per annum in a wide range of subjects areas from A-Levels to Web Design and IT with everything in-between. The Group currently employs almost 200 staff who work in all areas including learner recruitment, course development, course delivery, admin, finance and tutorial support Stonebridge Associated Colleges are currently a Gold Trusted Merchant with an average Service Rating of over 98% from 854 Independent Feefo Reviews. The Group specialises in training, digital marketing and learner recruitment including advice and guidance to ensure the right learners are placed on the right programme of study. Please click here for more information
Pearltech UK Ltd (PEARL) PEARL (Personalised e-Assisted Responsive Learning) is uniquely innovative Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) that delivers customised and responsive learning based on individual learner’s needs. The system is available entirely online which means that learners can access all aspects of their learning, assessment and eportfolio 24/7 and from any location in the World using a variety of devices. Pearl encourages learner development beyond academic skills and includes proprietary responsive algorithms which present different learning exercises or challenges unique to each learner. This means that every learner has the ability to customise their course and to enrich their learning experience.
Dimensions Training Solutions (DTS) DTS was originally formed in 1973 and has been responsible for training thousands of apprentices and adult learners since then. DTS aim to help learners broaden their skills, gain knowledge; build on experience, to make a positive change to their career and life with dozens of apprenticeships and distance learning QCF courses that can really kick start a new career. Judged Good by OFSTED in October 2015: Just some of the reasons why DTS are a GOOD Training provider, very close to OUTSTANDING, but we don’t like to brag... Learners really enjoy their learning Effective employer involvement helps learners to link work-related activities well with their qualification Good quality workplaces, with a diverse range of clients Highly effective development of Apprentices’ English & Maths skills Employers provide a high quality working environment Consistent, high level of achievement for learners As part of the ALL Consortium, DTS are responsible for delivering the training and accessing the Advanced Learning Loan (if required) funding for learners. DTS also quality assure the programmes and claim the final certificate for learners from the relevant awarding body on successful completion of the programme. Please click here for more information

What's included

What's Included

• All study materials
• Study Guide
• Full Tutor and Admin support
• The course fee includes the awarding body registration and certification fee (valued at up to £96.00).

Tutor Support

With this course you will have unlimited access to your own personal tutor who specialises in their field of study. It is your personal tutor's role to ensure that you receive constructive feedback and to deal with any queries you may have. You are more than welcome to telephone, fax or email your personal tutor.

You will also have access to a dedicated and friendly team of administrators and course advisors who offer sound and professional guidance and advice when you need it. This ensures that you will never feel neglected and that you will always succeed!

Assessment Method

After each lesson there will be a question paper, which needs to be completed and submitted to your personal tutor for marking. This method of continual assessment ensures that your personal tutor can consistently monitor your progress and provide you with assistance throughout the duration of the course.

Qualifications

Qualification: NCFE Certificate in Retail Knowledge (RQF) Level 3

Requirements for Entry

There is no experience or previous qualifications required for enrolment on this course. It is available to all students, of all academic backgrounds.

Please note: You must be at least 16 years of age to join this course.

Professional Membership

On completion of this course you will be eligible to join the following Professional Associations(s):

NCFE CACHE

Stonebridge is a NCFE CACHE registered Centre

NCFE CACHE is the UK's longest established awarding body, recognised as a highly professional and responsive organisation, committed to maintaining excellent customer service and a friendly approach.
 
NCFE CACHE is one of the UK’s fastest growing national awarding bodies, designing and awarding qualifications that are nationally recognised to meet the needs of learners and employers.

Accreditation by NCFE CACHE is a guarantee of quality. It means that the college has been inspected and approved by an independent and experienced education professional and is quality audited biannually by NCFE CACHE. The centre delivering the programmes has been licensed by NCFE CACHE on the basis of its own quality systems. At the end of an accredited course, successful learners will also receive an NCFE CACHE Award certificate of achievement.

NCFE CACHE provide a wide range of qualifications accredited by Ofqual at different levels and in a variety of subject areas. NCFE CACHE also offer NVQs, Key Skills, Basic Skills and Entry Level qualifications.
 
Accreditation by NCFE CACHE is a guarantee of quality. It means that the college has been inspected and approved by an independent and experienced education professional and is quality audited biannually by NCFE CACHE . The centre delivering the programmes has been licensed by NCFE CACHE on the basis of its own quality systems. At the end of an accredited course, successful learners will also receive an NCFE CACHE Award certificate of achievement.
 
Our NCFE CACHE accredited courses are accredited to various levels (from level 1 – level 5). These courses lead to a nationally recognised NCFE CACHE certificate for successful learners. That means that the course is independently accredited at a level of learning equivalent to that level on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) for England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
 
Last year over a quarter of a million learners from almost 1000 training organisations chose NCFE CACHE as the awarding body to help them move their careers forward.

If you would like to visit NCFE CACHE ’s website, please click here.

Professional Membership

On completion of this course you will be eligible to join the following Professional Associations(s):

NCFE CACHE

Stonebridge is a NCFE CACHE registered Centre

NCFE CACHE is the UK's longest established awarding body, recognised as a highly professional and responsive organisation, committed to maintaining excellent customer service and a friendly approach.
 
NCFE CACHE is one of the UK’s fastest growing national awarding bodies, designing and awarding qualifications that are nationally recognised to meet the needs of learners and employers.

Accreditation by NCFE CACHE is a guarantee of quality. It means that the college has been inspected and approved by an independent and experienced education professional and is quality audited biannually by NCFE CACHE. The centre delivering the programmes has been licensed by NCFE CACHE on the basis of its own quality systems. At the end of an accredited course, successful learners will also receive an NCFE CACHE Award certificate of achievement.

NCFE CACHE provide a wide range of qualifications accredited by Ofqual at different levels and in a variety of subject areas. NCFE CACHE also offer NVQs, Key Skills, Basic Skills and Entry Level qualifications.
 
Accreditation by NCFE CACHE is a guarantee of quality. It means that the college has been inspected and approved by an independent and experienced education professional and is quality audited biannually by NCFE CACHE . The centre delivering the programmes has been licensed by NCFE CACHE on the basis of its own quality systems. At the end of an accredited course, successful learners will also receive an NCFE CACHE Award certificate of achievement.
 
Our NCFE CACHE accredited courses are accredited to various levels (from level 1 – level 5). These courses lead to a nationally recognised NCFE CACHE certificate for successful learners. That means that the course is independently accredited at a level of learning equivalent to that level on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) for England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
 
Last year over a quarter of a million learners from almost 1000 training organisations chose NCFE CACHE as the awarding body to help them move their careers forward.

If you would like to visit NCFE CACHE ’s website, please click here.

Career Transition Partnership (CTP)

We are proud to be working with Career Transition Partnetship (CTP) as a CTP Preferred Suplier. We are able to offer ex-service personnel access to funding for our whole range of military resettlement courses.

As a CTP Preferred Supplier we are able to accept your IRTC (Individual Resettlement Training Costs) grant or ELC (Enhanced Learning Credits) for any of the following courses:

• Assessing Vocational Achievement (CAVA)
• Beauty Therapy (Massage Route) Dual Course
• Business Administration
• Certificate in Education and Training
• Counselling Skills
• Early Years Workforce (Early Years Educator)
• Foot Health Care Practitioner
• Health and Social Care (Adults)
• Hospitality Supervision and Leadership
• Playwork (NVQ)
• Preparing to Work in Adult Social Care
• Principles of Customer Service course
• Principles of End of Life Care Course
• Specialist Support for Teaching and Learning in Schools
• Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools Certificate

If you are ex-service personnel and would like more information on how to claim this funding, please contact the college or speak to your Service Resettlement Advisor.

For more information on CTP, please visit www.ctp.org.uk

Study Options

In order to offer our students the most convenient and flexible distance learning courses, Stonebridge Associated College offers you the option to study for your course via two methods:

• 1. Via the traditional paper-based method.
• 2. Through the online method.

Study Hours

This is only an approximate figure and is dependant upon how much time you can dedicate to your studies and how well you grasp the learning concepts in the course material. Furthermore, at the end of each lesson there is a question paper that needs to be completed and returned to your tutor. You should allow at least 1 - 2 hours of study to complete each question paper.

The approximate amount of time required to complete the course is: 160.02 hrs.

Further Information

If you would like any further information regarding this course, please call an advisor today on 0121 392 8288 ( or email enquiries@stonebridge.uk.com

Tutor Support

With this course you will have unlimited access to your own personal tutor who specialises in their field of study. It is your personal tutor's role to ensure that you receive constructive feedback and to deal with any queries you may have. You are more than welcome to telephone, fax or email your personal tutor.

You will also have access to a dedicated and friendly team of administrators and course advisors who offer sound and professional guidance and advice when you need it. This ensures that you will never feel neglected and that you will always succeed!

Assessment Method

After each lesson there will be a question paper, which needs to be completed and submitted to your personal tutor for marking. This method of continual assessment ensures that your personal tutor can consistently monitor your progress and provide you with assistance throughout the duration of the course.

Student Zone

We understand that studying from home may be a new experience for you. You may even be feeling a bit apprehensive because you will not be studying in a traditional "classroom environment".

To help you overcome these concerns we have developed the Student Zone. The Student Zone, to which all of our students receive access, encourages a high level of interaction with your tutor and other like-minded students. Within this area you can:

• Access the Student Learning Community which allows you to connect with fellow students and gain the help and support you need.
• View your tutor's feedback on your marked assignments.
• View optional reading lists for your course (where available).
• Access free online games, for when you need a break from studying.
• View the study guide with plenty of useful hints and tips on how to get the most out of your course.
• Access free courses such as: Improving Learning Skills; Job Interview Skills; The Effective Learner; Goal Setting and Time Management; and Ten Tips to Complete a Good Test Paper.
• Find details on our generous Referral Programme.
And don’t forget our Facebook page where you will find tips, resources, games, competitions, and plenty of engagement and interaction from fellow students.