Checkout New FAS Retail Initiative

Ireland (SANEPR.com) March 31, 2008 -- Minister Micheal Martin has launched a major new initiative for employees of the retail sector. The initiative provided by FAS is in the form of two new training programmes - the first, aimed at people who have at least one year's experience in the Retail Sector entitled Certificate in Retail Skills FETAC Level 4 and the second a more in depth programme aimed at people who wish to advance to front-line management called the Advanced Certificate in Retail Management FETAC Level 6. Commenting at the launch the Minister said "The upskilling of our existing workforce and raised education levels were essential in an environment of constant change and will become even more important over the next decade as the fast-changing nature of the workplace requires that workers be ever more flexible and adaptable." FAS consulted widely before it brought these new products to the market and has pilot tested both programmes with Tesco Ireland in three of its major stores in Dublin. Tony Keohane, Chief Executive, Tesco Ireland said, "As a business that has long recognised the potential of our staff and already invest heavily in staff development programmes, we are delighted to be the first retailer to pilot these National Awards. They represent a significant step forward for the retail industry and will be of benefit to us as retailers, our staff and the customers we serve every day. I would also like to pay tribute to FAS, FETAC, Mandate and SIPTU for their support with this project."

Optimum Limited a Dublin based Training and Consultancy Firm who were heavily involved in the pilot programmes, will now support the national roll out, in Dublin, the Mid West and the North East for further information please contact Aaron Downes on 01 4126040