Training Leads to Major Changes at Hastings Co-op

Eleven of the Co-op's senior retail managers have recently completed Enterprise & Training Company Limited's (ETC) Certificate IV in Retail Management, facilitated by 6one5, with many more staff now putting up their hands for training.

The Co-op's Quality Assurance Manager Debbie Jarrett said the training had been a major catalyst for change within the organisation that employs 300 staff and manages 11 businesses.

"Staff are now more motivated to achieve and they no longer feel they are in a job that was not going anywhere," Ms Jarrett said. "In the past we have been operating as separate business units, but by putting our managers through the same training we are more focussed on working together as one company. By March next year people are going to see a very different Co-op. I couldn't say enough good things about ETC for what they have done for us and the trainer Darren Leaney has been excellent."

ETC's training manager for the lower Mid-North Coast Glen Towle said his organisation was thrilled to develop a retail management program specific to the needs of Hastings Co-op.

"We have been working closely with the Co-op to help them improve efficiencies in the retail arm of the business and are pleased to offer them courses designed by 6one5, an international retail consultancy group," Mr Towle said.

Director of 6one5 retail consulting group Darren Leaney said the training was all about improving capabilities and skills of staff which would ultimately improve profitability of the business.

"The training covers customer profiling, financial controls, managing stock, sales and customer service," Mr Leaney said.

"Since the managers completed their course, which was like a mini MBA, we now have three other programs underway for staff and some managers are even interested in doing a Diploma next year."

For further information on ETC's retail management program contact Glen Towle on 6699 3325 or visit www.6one5.com.