Launched in May 2015, the Retail Academy is a customer service training programme combining in-class learning at our College with real-life work experience at intu Braehead. The pilot has achieved impressive outcomes with almost 90% of students who completed the full programme now in employment and all course completers gaining SQA accredited certificates in Customer Service and Work Experience.

Christopher McGibbons, Retail Academy student now employed by McDonalds, said:

The course allowed me to develop new skills and gain self-assurance in the workplace. I’ve now got a full time job so needless to say that I’m very pleased with the outcome!

We are thrilled to be able to offer young people and the unemployed such amazing opportunities to gain tangible skills and invaluable professional experience.

Gary Turnbull, General Manager at intu Braehead, said:

We are really pleased to be able to offer this course in partnership with West College Scotland, as it enables us to recruit and train some very talented people.

Sara Rae, Director of Business and Enterprise at West College Scotland, said:

We’re delighted with the outcome of this first edition of the Retail Academy and we’re looking forward to helping more students step into the thriving retail industry.

The next edition of the Retail Academy will start in August and run for 6 weeks, including 4 weeks’ college-based learning and 2 weeks’ work experience with one of the high profile intu Braehead retailers.

To learn more and apply, don’t miss the Retail Academy Open Day taking place on Wednesday 22 July from 1.00pm to 4.00pm at West College Scotland – Paisley Campus.  You can also send your enquiry by email to corporate@wcs.ac.uk

Picture on top: Representatives of the Retail Academy partner organisations and students of this successful first edition