Retail, Office & IT

Course information

Students on this course develop skills that will help them to find work in retail and office environments.

As part of the course, the students run the college shop, selling a variety of products such as snacks, our own branded sweatshirts and t-shirts, and personal care products. Students visit wholesalers to purchase stock, which they are in charge of storing and displaying in the shop. They also serve customers and need to keep the shop clean, tidy and safe. As part of the IT aspect of the course, students learn how to set up and use standard PCs and their programs. They also support college administration completing tasks, such as photocopying and completing mail-shots.

As part of the study programme, all learners undertake work placements. The Retail, Office & IT group works at Progas, helping with a range of office tasks. They have recently started working at Tesco in Northwich, to develop their retail skills, including collecting online shopping orders, talking to customers and recycling waste from stock replenishment.

All students, whatever vocational pathway they take, will have individualised Functional Skill sessions (Maths & English) and undertake qualifications whenever possible. They also have weekly Life Skills sessions to develop Independence and Enrichment, where they choose from a range of leisure clubs.