UAE chain retaliates in retail talent war

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SAWLANI: Retail bosses are aware that poor customer service could tarnish the image of their chains.

The UAE's T. Choithram & Sons has backed the creation of educational incentives in the industry's current battle to recruit skilled employees.

Based in Pune, Choithram Vishwakarma Academy of Retail Management has witnessed overwhelming demand for its one-year international programmes in Retail Management.

"We have received more than 1600 applications, all interested in joining the academy in a small town. The benefit for Choithram is graduates working as managers, while the significance is huge on an industry-level as we are securing trained staff and turning out graduates for other chains," revealed Pravesh Sawlani, retail development manager, T. Choithram & Sons.

The CRP-Certified Retail Professional for careers in floor management incorporates 10 months of contact sessions and assignments in India followed by two months of on-the-job training in Dubai.

The programme includes management modules in organisations at work, principles of accounting and finance, computing skills; retail tasks including  cost management, inventory and operations management and soft skills such as business and social etiquette, language skills and communication skills.

The courses will enable students to develop their knowledge in specific categories, another boost for the industry as a whole, and "improve the quality of service, product knowledge and food hygiene from A to Z."

The CRM-Certified Retail Manager for careers in store management postgraduate programme is comparable to an MBA in retail management, covering areas including human resources management and logistics management.

"The students will select focus areas after we have given suggestions and become specialists in specific areas. Customer service is lacking in the region and retailers are aware that this could tarnish the image of their chains," Sawlani said.

Mohammad Kiyas, retail development manager, T. Choithram & Sons admitted that India's retail boom has meant enticing experienced professionals to the Middle East has become more difficult.

"Training has helped that situation as we screen candidates and can decide to give those jobs in advance, and then provide them intensive courses and language skills, such as Arabic classes."

He revealed that the first group of 20 students will start their studies at the end of this month and "we will hire all of them to work across the region." A model Choithram store has been built within the institute.

In the UAE, "all of our staff in Dubai will be HACCP-certified by an approved instructor by December this year."

Kiyas the company's chief draw for new employees has been its ability to offer international placement opportunities with the business.

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