Our retail courses are designed to help you take your first steps into the world of retail, building the practical knowledge and confidence you need to succeed in customer-facing roles.
Portland’s Explore Your Potential – Retail course introduces you to the key skills employers value in the retail industry, including customer service, communication, teamwork and handling transactions. You’ll also cover essential workplace topics such as health and safety, timekeeping and dealing with customers in a professional and approachable way.
This course runs for 5 days (Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm) and is ideal if you’re looking to gain confidence, return to work, or start your journey in the retail sector. It’s a great opportunity to develop job-ready skills and learn what it takes to thrive in a fast-paced retail environment.
Portland Training has a commitment to providing impartial Information, Advice & Guidance (IAG) for all learners to help them make informed decisions on their own future.
As part of your enrolment process, you will have access to designated IAG staff to provide you with the support needed to help you make an informed decision regarding this course, making sure this it is right for you.
You can find out more about Portland Training’s IAG provision by clicking here.
Courses are available in the following regions;
- Any non-deloved area
If you are unsure, please apply using the form on this page.
You must be aged 19+, unemployed and in receipt of government benefits or employed and earning less than the threshold amount.
Threshold Amounts:
- Non-Devolved (National)- £25,000
Must be a full-time resident in the UK and meet other residency criteria.
Initial Assessments in English and Maths and other eligibility checks will be carried out at enrolment.
This course will taught using a range of practical and theoretical units. Assessment criteria will include practical assessments, written assessments and the completion of a portfolio.
If you meet the entry requirement criteria, this course may be fully funded. Meaning you may not have to pay anything.
Portland Training may also be able to access a Learner Support Fund to offer financial support for learners who are facing financial hardship to help pay for things that are not covered in the course funding, such as travel to and from the course venue.
To find out more regarding funding eligibility, please complete the form and a member of the enrollment team will get back to you soon.
This course provides a strong foundation for starting a career in retail. You’ll develop the core skills and workplace behaviours that employers look for in entry-level roles such as:
Sales assistant
Customer service advisor
Stockroom or warehouse assistant
Cashier or till operator
It can also open the door to further training in areas like Customer Service, Retail, Business Administration or Team Leading at Level 1 or Level 2.
Whether you’re looking for your first job, returning to work, or changing career direction, this course will help you feel more confident, better prepared, and ready to take your next step in the retail sector.
