Course Title

Retail Assistant Apprenticeship Course

Course Code

RA101

Description

This course, under the Apprenticeship Training Scheme (ATS), provides comprehensive training for retail assistants, focusing on customer service, inventory management, and retail operations. Apprentices will gain hands-on experience in assisting customers, managing stock, operating point-of-sale (POS) systems, and maintaining store standards, preparing them for roles in retail stores, supermarkets, and e-commerce outlets. The course aligns with the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) and complies with the Apprentices Act, 1961.

Objectives

  • Provide excellent customer service to enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty.
  • Manage inventory, stock shelves, and maintain store displays to optimize sales.
  • Operate POS systems and process transactions accurately.
  • Adhere to safety, hygiene, and regulatory standards in retail operations.

Schedule

The course spans 8 weeks, combining basic training and on-the-job practical training as per ATS guidelines. Each week focuses on specific skills essential for retail assistants. Below is the detailed breakdown:

Week 1: Introduction to Retail Operations

Overview of retail industry, assistant roles, workplace ethics, and customer service fundamentals under ATS.

Week 2: Customer Service Skills

Developing communication skills, handling customer inquiries, and resolving complaints professionally.

Week 3: Inventory Management

Learning stock receiving, shelving, and inventory tracking to ensure product availability.

Week 4: Point-of-Sale (POS) Operations

Operating POS systems, processing payments, and handling returns and exchanges.

Week 5: Store Presentation and Merchandising

Arranging displays, maintaining store cleanliness, and implementing visual merchandising techniques.

Week 6: Sales Techniques

Learning upselling, cross-selling, and product knowledge to boost sales and customer engagement.

Week 7: Safety and Compliance

Implementing safety protocols, ensuring hygiene standards, and adhering to retail regulations.

Week 8: Final Project and Assessment

Completion of a comprehensive retail operations project and preparation for the All India Trade Test (AITT) under NCVT.

Assessment Methods

Apprentice performance is evaluated through a combination of practical, theoretical, and participatory components, preparing them for the National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC):

  • Weekly Assignments: 40%
  • Midterm Project: 20%
  • Final Project: 30%
  • Participation and Attendance: 10%

Instructor

Prof. Meena Patel

Language

Available in: English

Status

Published

Additional Notes

Apprentices must be at least 14 years old and meet the minimum educational qualification (typically 10th grade passed or equivalent, as per trade requirements). The course includes basic training (20-25% of the program) and on-the-job training, with a stipend provided as per NAPS guidelines (e.g., Rs. 7700 per month for one-year ITI trade passed apprentices, as per Gazette notification dated 25th September 2019). Successful completion leads to the National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) upon passing the All India Trade Test (AITT), recognized for employment in government and private sectors. The training emphasizes customer service and operational efficiency, addressing the demand for skilled retail assistants in India’s growing retail sector, driven by e-commerce and organized retail growth.