A new program at Moraine Valley Community College helps businesses build an exemplary management team and retail employees boost their careers.
Registration is now open for the Retail Management Certificate program, an industry certificate offered in conjunction with the Western Association of Food Chains (WAFC) and a Brighter Futures grant through the League for Innovation in the Community College.
“We’re excited to enroll students in this program,” said Steve Pappageorge, executive director of the Corporate, Community and Continuing Education subdivision at the college. “A key element is that it has been designed by people in retail for people in retail.”
Pappageorge said the program prepares people who are interested in careers in retail for leadership positions. “This not only helps the employee, but it is a huge benefit for the business owners and managers. Their employees will be better trained, there is a talent pipeline for future management employees, and in the end, better retention of employees, which means lower turnover costs,” he added.
In this fast-paced, growing and diverse industry, Pappageorge noted the importance of broadening our thinking about retail. “It’s no longer just people walking into a brick and mortar grocery store. It’s online retail. It’s banking, pharmacies, automotive dealerships, restaurants—any business with a consumer presence,” he said.
This industry-recognized certificate, awarded through WAFC, can be completed in as little as one year. In addition, the courses required for this program can be applied to an Associate of Applied Science degree.
To learn more about how this program can work for your business, contact Kelli Gritzenbach at (708) 608-4303 or gritzenbachk2@morainevalley.edu.
