Not only does real experience plus on-job training provide great skills and knowledge, it also helps creates confidence, a vital ingredient for a successful career in retail.
Jenna McGuffog, proud owner and manager of Gisborne’s ‘Evolution on Gladstone’ boutique, is a perfect example of what it takes to succeed.
When Jenna left school, she tried out different roles in travel and tourism, but it was a part-time job at Evolution that kick-started her retail career about seven years ago.
“I was doing a range of on-job retail training modules while I was working in the shop,” says Jenna. “It worked really well because you can put the theory into practice in a real environment.”
The training involved a mix of theory and practice designed to help retailers master a range of essential management skills: from customer service and sales, to merchandising, inventory management systems, leadership skills, business calculations and reconciliations, and more.
When she let her training lapse during an extended overseas holiday, she was grateful for wake-up calls from her ServiceIQ training advisor, to get back on track and qualify.
“They were on my tail to finish the modules and I’m pleased I did it,” says Jenna.
She completed the programmes and now has the satisfaction of successfully gaining two nationally-recognised qualifications: ServiceIQ National Certificates in Retail Level 3 and Level 4.
“You learn a lot of things by just working in the job, but together with the on-job training I gained confidence and a better understanding of retail, customer service and merchandising,” she says.
When her supportive manager moved on in 2008, Jenna took over. Between 2010 and 2011, she managed Gisborne’s Jays Jays store and a Cotton On store in Perth, returning to run the show at Evolution again in 2011. In June 2015, she bought the business and hasn’t looked back.
“It’s going really well and sales figures are better than last year,” says Jenna, who now does all of the buying, carefully selecting each range from designers in Australia.
“I’ve changed the whole concept of the store. It used to cater exclusively to a younger market but I’m now buying for a much wider age group, and I’m stocking larger sizes.
“People have noticed the change just by looking at the shop window and it’s helping to attract lots of new customers.”
ServiceIQ is the official Industry Training Organisation for retail, tourism and other service sectors. We offer a range of top quality on-job training programmes that help talented people build successful businesses and rewarding careers with winning skills and national qualifications.