Goodwill of Southern New England, RI Campus’ Retail & Customer Service Skills Training Program (RACS) is a 12-week course that prepares participants for entry-level retail/sales positions concentrating on customer service through sales and service. This training is designed as a certificate program with the following criteria:

• Enrollees will participate in classroom instruction, which uses a competency-based system of instruction. The training curriculum RISE Up is the National Retail Federation Foundation’s training and credentialing program that provides foundational employability skills to help people land jobs and get promoted in retail and beyond. The key concepts of the curriculum include What is Retail, The Retail Product Cycle, Customer Service Skills, Sales Basics, Retail Operations Basics, Loss Prevention, Workplace Safety, Dollars and Sense, and Being Professional. 

• The curriculum and exams are industry-recognized and were developed in collaboration with more than twenty retailers, including Walmart, Macy’s,  Home Depot, Burlington Stores, BJs Wholesale Club, and Nordstrom. The enrollee will not only receive in-person learning but they will also have access to Online Course Material.

• Each enrollee will receive hands-on training and activities that are effective for skill development through an on-site paid internship. Participants will be able to apply and master key skills needed for the job and our safe environment will let them practice, identify performance errors and correct them.  Each enrollee will rotate through the different positions including Wares Sorter, Textile Hanger, Textile Sorter, Utility/Donation Attendant, and Sales Associate.

• Each enrollee will complete a Retail Portfolio, which is a collection of documents that shows evidence of skills and knowledge and can be used in many ways.  Participants who complete the portfolio will be able to use it in any job interview or as proof of skills gained to further their education.  The portfolio is also designed as a resource guide for retail associates and may be used on the job.

• Participants receive wrap-around services throughout the duration of the program. Each individual will be assigned to work with a specific case manager that will assist him/her in developing strategies to help them overcome barriers that could pose to be an issue for future employment (i.e. transportation, childcare, clothing …etc.). 

• Additional wrap-around services include job development, job placement, and follow-up services; these services are individualized and provided by the assigned employment specialist. The following retail stores have agreed to hire graduates of the program: Stop & Shop, Dave’s Marketplace, TJ Maxx, Burlington, CVS, Dollar Tree, Dollar Store, and Marshalls; this is in addition to the many other partners we have in the RI Retail sector.

For more information about the Retail & Customer Service Skills Program, call us at (401) 861-2080 or contact us here.