Wednesday, 06 January 2010 18:35 Retail is being increasingly favoured by careers advisors because of the sector's growing commitment to on the job training and career development.

Research by Skillsmart Retail, the Sector Skills Council, highlighted significant improvement in perceptions of the retail industry. Interviews with more than 400 careers advisors also revealed a considerable shift in its image against the banking and finance sector.

The survey shows 88 per cent of advisors agree that the retail sector helps develop key and transferable skills, whilst 84 per cent believe that retail is an inclusive sector, offering opportunities to people of any age.

Skillsmart Retail's annual study asks career specialists, including college and university advisors, which sector they feel is "best to work in".

Those citing finance as the most desirable fell from 48 per cent in 2004 to 37 per cent, whilst those plumping for retail rose from 13 per cent to 21 per cent. Hospitality experienced a small increase from 22 per cent to 25 per cent.

Whilst the recession and continued uncertainty surrounding the financial sector have undoubtedly influenced this shift, the retail sector's increasing commitment to training has also played a large part. In recent years, UK retailers have made a concerted effort to nurture and reward the sector's three million staff through qualifications and Apprenticeships.

Beverley Paddey, head of standards and qualifications at Skillsmart Retail, said: "One initiative which is making a big impact on skills development in the sector is the Retail Apprenticeship. There are now 5,000 Apprenticeships completed each year in the UK - a figure which is rising rapidly ... The programme works well for retailers because it is modular, so can be tailored to each business’ needs; it provides both skills and knowledge required for the job; and it provides extra training in maths and English when required."

As a direct result of the Retail Apprenticeship, she added that "many retailers have reported higher retention, promotion and job satisfaction as a result of the programme".

Ms Paddey also advocated the retail sector for the range of opportunities it presents.

"Employees may start on the shop floor, but could work in merchandising, buying, marketing, logistics, HR as they go through their careers – this is especially true on management training programmes," she said.

"Employees can start off on the bottom rung of the ladder but as long as they’re prepared to work hard, they can all progress rapidly."

In addition, Skillsmart Retail continually works with employers in the retail sector to provide employee training and a recent initiative, the Retailers Ambassador Programme, sees retailers visiting those in education in a bid to encourage students to consider a career in the sector.

Alex Beattie