and Social, with the support of the Outdoor Industries Association (OIA), under the guidance of the Institute for Outdoor Learning (IOL), have taken the first step in creating a new Continued Professional Development pathway for outdoor retail staff.
The learning sessions available at Edale will be the first phase of an education and training system specifically designed for outdoor retail staff, and which will be recognised by the Institute for Outdoor Learning (IOL) and the Outdoor Industries Association (OIA). The IOL is the professional body for organisations and individuals who use the outdoors to make a positive difference to others. Its members have a shared vision of Outdoor Learning as a highly valued form of development, education and employment in UK society. The OIA is the trade body for manufacturers, retailers and other organisations that provide products and services for the outdoor leisure pursuits market in the United Kingdom. Its role is to provide leadership and promote the outdoors, persuasively representing the industry’s interests in all activities and at every level and be a high profile, campaigning organisation.
The Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) states, “the world is moving ever faster so on-going CPD is essential to support you in your current role as well as helping you with career progression. CPD is all about upgrading knowledge, skills and capabilities to remain effective and compliant.” CIPS recommends that individuals undertake at least 30 CPD hours per year as a minimum. Yet opportunities for Continuing Professional Development in the retail sector are scarce and unlike many industries, retail staff have historically often had to take responsibility for their own learning and research into products and brands in order to be able to explain them to customers.
At and Social’s event in March top brands such as Vango and Montane will be providing dedicated educational sessions, briefing outdoor retail staff on everything they need to know to be able to knowledgeably and confidently explain, promote and sell their products. Topics covered will include items like footwear (shoes vs boots, differing sole units and stiffness, basic orthotics, socks, laces and boot bags and footwear aftercare) and sleeping bags (materials, liners, volume, mats, shapes, robustness, packing and storing, care and maintenance), tents, clothing, cooking systems and so on.
Attendees who complete six sessions over the duration of the event will not only have greatly enhanced their outdoor product knowledge but will also receive a certificate in recognition of completion of the training, endorsed by the OIA and IOL. Certificate holders can also be assured they are firmly on the first step of the ladder of a Continued Professional Development programme that will help them upskill, strengthen the image of outdoor retail staff as a profession and enhance their own career paths.
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