| |
 |
| |
|
| |
 |
|
| |
Singapore’s Retail industry is one of the key service sectors in our economy, generating close to $20 billion in sales in 2005 and $3 billion in value-added.
Half of what tourists spent in Singapore was on shopping. Retailing is an important catalyst in the re-making of Singapore into an enjoyable place for residents to live, play and work. The industry also plays an integral part in re-inventing Singapore, turning it into a vibrant and global city, and boosting our attractiveness as a premier tourism and business destination for visitors.
- SPRING Singapore |
|
|
| |
So what does it take for someone to work in this dynamic industry? Mr Lee Tong Nge, Director, Singapore Institute of Retail Studies (SIRS) shares his thoughts.
|
|
| |
Mr Lee, how do you see the prospects for Singapore’s Retail industry?
Generally speaking, our retail sector is experiencing good growth in the last couple of years and it continues to actively hire people even in the current economic downturn.
Furthermore, as Singaporeans are now very savvy and well-travelled, there will be an increasing demand for Retail professionals who are well versed in their products and able to provide excellent customer service across all aspects of the Retail industry.
As testament of this, the upcoming shopping mall, ION Orchard, is looking to fill up about 3000 job vacancies. The opening of our Integrated Resorts from next year onwards will also fuel the demand for Retail professionals as well.
|
|
| |
What’s it like working in the Retail industry?
One main distinguishing factor that separates the Retail industry from others is that it’s very open and accessible to everyone from all walks of life. Meaning, you could previously be working as a PMET (Professional, Manager, Engineer and Technician) in a different industry, or even a housewife who aspires to return to the workforce, and there will be job opportunities that are available for you. The main thing that’s vital is to be keen to learn new skills and have a positive attitude and mindset.
|
|
|
| |
Working in Retail also often means that you get to immerse yourself in the latest trends, be it food or fashion and many other diverse and interesting areas - This makes for an exciting working environment where you get to learn about new products, concepts and ideas all the time. Furthermore, a lot of your training is on-the-job and this gives you the ability to have a hands-on work experience. To top it off, if you enjoy meeting and talking to new people everyday, Retail’s definitely a great choice as it’s a people-oriented industry. |
|
| |
How does someone enter the Retail industry, or if they are currently working in it already, upgrade themselves?
The Singapore Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) for the Retail Industry helps you get the competencies you need to get and keep a job in the Retail industry. WSQ is recognised by industry and provides useful career pathways for workers interested in career mobility and progression in the Retail industry.
The chances of getting a job in Retail if you have WSQ qualifications are definitely good, and the Singapore Institute of Retail Studies (SIRS) is a good place to get WSQ certified skills. The Singapore Institute of Retail Studies (SIRS) was set up in January 2006 to raise the professionalism of the retail workforce and upgrade their skills profile.
It was jointly established by the Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA) and Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP), to help build a world-class and customer- centric retail workforce for Singapore through various skills-upgrading programmes and services for the industry. |
|
| |
|
|
| |
- Certificate in Retail Operations
|
- Advanced Certificate in Retail Supervision
|
- Diploma in Retail Management
|
-
Certified Service Professional
|
|
|
| |
These programs provided by SIRS will definitely enhance the capability of retail professionals.
SIRS can also assist you in your job placement through our SIRS Career Services Centre. |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
