About Us

In response to the increased need for talent in the retail industry, Gulf Coast Workforce Board has partnered with Walmart to launch an initiative in collaboration with training institutions such as Penn Foster and Houston Community College to provide online skills training programs to launch and accelerate your retail career.

Courses are designed to be completed in 16 weeks. Each Module requires 48 clock hours, based on a 3-day per week/4 hours per day. Each Module will take 4-hours per day for up to 4 weeks.

These programs are designed to provide you with the flexibility to learn at home or on the go, at a pace that's right for you. Both training opportunities lead to nationwide recognized credentials from the NRF (National Retail Foundation).

Houston Community College Training

HCC has created a customized solution for the Path for Texas initiative where candidates can have the chance to obtain two nationally recognized credentials through the National Retail Federation, plus a Business Retail Certificate along with college credits towards an associate degree in Marketing with HCC if all four courses are completed. Principle of Retailing is the first class required to begin a career pathway!

Business Retail Certificate

Overview

This track is designed to equip students with valuable skills in gaining a greater understanding of the principles of a broad spectrum of retail careers. Students will have a well-rounded picture of relevant skills and competencies needed for success in the retail sector. This certificate combines two nationally recognized popular NRF Foundation® Rise UP credentials.

Two Module Task

1. Principles of Retailing - MRKG 1002 (Must take first) MRKG 1002 is an introduction to the retailing environment and its relationship to consumer demographics, trends, and traditional/nontraditional retailing markets. The employment of retailing techniques and the factors that influence modern retailing. Follows. NRF Retail Fundamentals Curriculum and Credentials

2. Consumer Behavior - MRKG 2048 A study of buyer motives, reference groups, social class, culture, and family and social interrelationships are examined. Follows the National Retail Federation (NRF) Customer Service and Sales credential

Penn Foster’s Training

One of the training partners for Paths for Texas is Penn Foster that offers a variety of retail upskilling courses. Below is a list of the classes that you can submit an application for the opportunity to qualify for free training. Whether you are new to retail or have a few years of experience under your belt, we have a program for you. Please review the list of courses listed below:

Penn Foster Online Academy

1. Retail Industry Fundamentals Certificate Retail Industry Fundamentals is a 10-lesson program from the National Retail Federation Foundation's RISE Up initiative that allows you to explore the business of retail, customer service, sales, and merchandising. Enroll in this program if you're pursuing a job in retail and want to learn the basics. Program Length: 10 hours
   
   Learning Concepts:
   • Overview of Retail: Understanding the industry, the retail product cycle
   • Customer Service and Sales: Customer service skills, sales basics
   • Retail Operations: Operations basics, loss prevention, workplace safety, calculating profit margin
   • Workplace Readiness: Being professional, navigating a job search, effective interviewing
   
   
2. Customer Service and Sales Certificate This program is designed to master customer service and sales skills, including understanding the customer life cycle, developing effective strategies to engage customers, assessing customer needs, and closing sales. Best practices for building resumes and navigating job searches are also covered. Program Length: 14 hours
   
   Learning Concepts:
   • Overview of the retail industry: understanding the industry, the customer and the value of customer service
   • Know before you sell: knowing the features and benefits of products and services, connecting with the customer
   • Selling and service: meeting the customer's needs, making the sale
   • Performing your best: honing customer service skills, projecting a professional image and personal brand
   • Workplace readiness: navigating job searches and building a professional network
   
   
3. The Business of Retail: Operations & Profit credential helps learners understand the positive impact that retail has on the global economy and prepares them to run a retail business. Using an engaging curriculum with realistic business scenarios, you will solidify your students' knowledge of marketing, merchandising, and calculating profit. Guide them in developing a growth mindset and in achieving career goals.
   
   Learning Concepts
   •  The business of retail: the retail ecosystem, concepts of team, inventory, marketing, financials, competitors
   • Retail operations: Inventory management, loss prevention, workplace safety
   • Marketing and merchandising: marketing plans, approaches and technologies, merchandise systems and storage
   • Retail profit model: calculating profit, understanding costs, products and pricing
   • Building your career: exploring retail careers, getting the ideal job, growing skills and using KPIs, personal career planning and management. Program Length: 14 hours
   

Contact Information

If you are interested in upskilling in retail, please review the courses and speak to a Workforce Solutions staff member. If you have not spoken to a Workforce Solutions representative, please send an inquiry to pathsfortexas@wrksolutions.com before submitting an application.

To submit an application, click here!