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Clothing retailer Republic are set to launch staff training across their stores nationwide after experiencing a successful trial period with The Source.

Republic initially chose to run a pilot with The Source, trialling the training in 15 stores and the pilot was so successful with the 60 staff who took part that Republic are now launching training within all 113 stores.

Gemma Boycott Training Co-ordinator at Republic said: "The staff who are on the Apprenticeship programme are really motivated and keen to learn. It gives them something to work towards and has increased their confidence levels beyond what we had imagined."

Republic is a passionate retailer who has a strong training ethos. After researching training options, Republic felt more in depth qualifications that could map across their in-house training would be beneficial for their staff. After a positive experience with The Source, Republic chose to run the pilot and hasn't looked back.

Gemma continued: "Although the qualifications are still fairly new to our organisation, we have already noticed a difference in our team. The qualifications have generated a buzz across the stores and even Head Office has been involved, with the customer service team taking part in qualifications and 12 senior managers working towards Management qualifications. We are enthusiastic that the qualifications will increase staff retention, give us higher skilled staff and increase productivity."

One of Republic's shining stars, Emma Woollin full time Sales Advisor in The White Rose Centre in Leeds, recently achieved her Level 3 Apprenticeship in Retail and speaks highly of her experience. Taking part in the Apprenticeship programme has helped Emma receive a promotion and come one step closer to her dream visual merchandising role.

Emma said: "I started working for Republic four years ago whilst studying Art at college.  I have always been creative and really enjoyed dressing the windows and creating displays in store, but I never really knew I could develop a career in it. My Manager John is really keen on staff development and advised me to get involved in the Apprenticeship programme, taking the route of Visual Merchandising.

The qualification opened my eyes to a career I never knew existed; it made me think about commerciality in store and helped me to develop my skills and made me more aware of what I do in my role and how it effects our customers and what they purchase. The qualification has also helped me to gain a better understanding of figures and how to use reports to my advantage. 

The qualification was flexible around me and my job which really helped me enjoy it. I would definitely recommend others to participate in the qualification, it makes you feel more motivated and happy in what you do at work, and as well as being enjoyable it's a great achievement. My role at republic is a full time Sales Advisor, but because of the progress I have made on my qualification, I now work in Head Office one day a week as a Visual Merchandising Assistant. Hopefully this will lead to a full-time position one day.  Watch this space!"