Solent Retail Skills Bootcamp

Get retail-ready with this fully-funded retail training opportunity for jobseekers in the Solent area of Hampshire.

Looking for a fresh start or your first step into the world of work? The Solent Retail Skills Bootcamp is designed specifically for people who are currently unemployed and eager to build confidence, gain new skills, and access job opportunities in the retail sector. Delivered in collaboration with the Solent Growth Partnership, this practical course covers essential retail knowledge, from customer service and teamwork to merchandising and sales technology – preparing you for real roles in today’s dynamic retail environment.

Don’t miss out! Our next fully-funded course, available at no cost to eligible jobseekers, begins on the 15th September 2025. Learn more and take your first step towards a retail career today!

Duration: 60 hours learning over 2 weeksCourse Fee Information
Solent Retail Skills Bootcamp

Course Overview

If you’re currently unemployed and living in the Solent area of Hampshire, the Solent Retail Skills Bootcamp offers a direct route into work with practical training designed to help you succeed in today’s retail sector. Whether you’re returning to work or exploring a new direction, this fully-funded programme will equip you with the essential skills retail employers are looking for – from customer service and teamwork to handling payments and retail technology.

You’ll also benefit from tailored employability support, including CV writing workshops, interview preparation, and personalised career guidance. Best of all, every participant is guaranteed a job interview with a local retail employer, helping you take confident steps toward immediate employment.

 

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Duration:60 hours learning over 2 weeks
Timings:This two-week Bootcamp runs Monday to Friday, with daily sessions from 9:30am to 4:00pm. Each day includes planned breaks and a lunch period.
Study Modes:Delivered in-person (not online/remote), this classroom-based group programme combines practical, engaging activities with expert coaching.
Qualifications and Level:A Certificate of Completion issued by Fareport Training in collaboration with the Solent Growth Partnership
Entry requirements:

To be eligible for this programme, you must be aged 19 or over by 31st August 2025 and live within the Solent area of Hampshire. This Bootcamp is designed for people who are currently unemployed and exploring a future career in the retail sector.

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK and have lived here continuously for the past three years. We’re looking for motivated individuals who are genuinely interested in building a retail career and ready to commit to developing their skills through practical, hands-on learning.

Cost:If you’re currently out of work and living in the Solent area of Hampshire, you may qualify for fully funded training - made possible through Department for Education funding via the Solent Growth Partnership. Please be aware that all funding is dependent on meeting the full eligibility criteria for the programme.
Who is this aimed at?

This Retail Skills Bootcamp is tailored for Solent residents who are unemployed and looking to build the skills and knowledge needed to begin a career in the retail industry.

Course DateInformation
Monday 15th September 2025Designed for individuals who are currently unemployed and interested in launching a career in retail, this programme includes focused employability training and offers a guaranteed job interview. The course runs Monday to Friday over two weeks, with daily sessions from 9:30am to 4:00pm, including scheduled breaks and time for lunch.

Module 1: Introduction To Retail & The Role Of A Sales Assistant


This module introduces learners to the retail sector, exploring various types of retail environments such as high street stores, online platforms, and independent businesses. Participants will also gain a clear understanding of the sales assistant’s responsibilities and the customer journey from start to finish.

Module 1 Introduction to Cybersecurity

Module 2: Delivering Excellent Customer Service


Learners will explore the foundations of outstanding customer service, focusing on body language, first impressions, and active listening. The module also covers how to identify and meet customer needs while effectively handling complaints and challenging situations.

Module 2 Basic Networking Concepts

Module 3: Communication Skills In Retail


This session strengthens both verbal and non-verbal communication skills essential for retail interactions. It also introduces techniques for engaging with a diverse customer base and using retail-specific language confidently.

Module 3 Understanding Cyber Threats 

Module 4: Product Knowledge & Merchandising Basics


Participants will learn how to understand and promote products and services effectively, with techniques such as upselling and cross-selling. Visual merchandising principles and stock rotation methods are also covered to support effective in-store presentation.

Module 4 Protecting Personal and Organisational Data (Mitigation techniques) 

Module 5: Health & Safety In A Retail Store


The module raises awareness of common retail hazards and teaches essential manual handling techniques. Learners will also develop a strong understanding of personal safety, security, and workplace health and safety policies.

Module 5 Operating System Security  

Module 6: Operating In A Retail Environment


This module equips learners with the practical skills to manage transactions, including handling payments and managing daily opening and closing routines. It also explores pricing, promotions, and retail technologies, along with key legal responsibilities such as data protection and age-restricted sales.

Module 6 Introduction to Cybersecurity Tools 

Module 7: Teamwork In Retail


Participants will understand the importance of collaboration, professionalism, and reliability in a retail setting. Timekeeping, appropriate workplace behaviour, appearance, and stress management are also key focus areas.

Module 7 Hands-On Activities 

Module 8: Understanding Marketing Within Retail


This module introduces the role of marketing in retail, including the 4P’s (Product, Price, Place, Promotion) and digital marketing basics. Learners will also explore how sales assistants support marketing through customer data and frontline engagement.

Module 8 Program Management & Oversight 

Module 9: Preparing For The Next Steps


Learners reflect on retail career pathways and assess their strengths through self-assessment tools and personal development planning. The module supports learners in setting clear goals and preparing for progression beyond the programme.

Module 9 Careers and Further Learning 

Module 10: Development & Next Steps


In the final module, learners present what they’ve learned throughout the course, including any personal growth or new responsibilities taken on. This presentation reinforces their development journey and outlines plans for their next career move.

CompTIA Security+ industry recognised accreditation and Skills Bootcamp wrap up

Build Your Retail Skills In Just 2 Weeks

Our Solent Retail Skills Bootcamp is designed to help unemployed individuals build the confidence, knowledge, and practical experience needed to step into a retail role. Through a structured, hands-on programme, you’ll develop essential skills that employers in today’s retail sector are actively looking for.

What you can expect to learn:

  • How the retail sector operates – including high street, online, and independent retail environments
  • Delivering excellent customer service through active listening, positive body language, and complaint handling
  • Communicating effectively with customers from diverse backgrounds
  • Understanding product ranges, upselling techniques, and visual merchandising basics
  • Following health and safety procedures, manual handling, and store security protocols
  • Using retail technology and handling payments with confidence
  • Working as part of a professional retail team – reliability, timekeeping, and workplace behaviour
  • Basics of retail marketing and how sales assistants support promotions and campaigns
  • Career planning, CV writing, interview preparation, and a guaranteed job interview with a local Solent retail employer

This Skills Bootcamp can give you the skills and support to make a confident return to the workforce – and take your first step towards a career in retail.

 

Richard Wignall

Richard Wignall

Trainer

Richard joined Fareport as a Trainer in March 2019 from a previous career in Retail Management.

He has delivered from Level 2 right up to Level 6 apprenticeship training across industries such as Retail, Customer Service, Buying & Merchandising and Operational Management.

He has achieved qualifications from level 2  up to level 5 and has become one of Fareport’s Apprenticeship Leads in that time supporting other trainers across the team.

Lisa Elsey

Lisa Elsey

Trainer

Lisa joined Fareport Training in October 2017, bringing over 16 years of management and retail experience, along with a bachelor’s degree. Since joining, she has gained her CAVA and DET qualifications and is now an experienced trainer supporting learners across various disciplines. Lisa is currently working towards achieving her Level 5 QTLS qualification to further enhance her expertise. 

Lisa delivers training to a diverse range of learners, including those in management, retail, teaching assistant, and CIPS programs from Level 2 to Level 5. Her extensive knowledge and commitment to professional development ensure that her learners receive high-quality training and support. 

Jemma Bradshaw

Jemma Bradshaw

Trainer

Jemma started with Fareport in July 2019.

She primarily delivers HR Level 3, Fundraiser Level 3, L&D Level 3, L&D Level 5, Learning and Skills Teacher Level 5, Retail Level 2,3,4.

Coming from a Management background in Retail and Hospitality for over 20 years, prior to this working in variety of HR and Administration based roles in Banking, Solicitors, Recruitment, Payroll, Health & Safety and whilst at College I was a Butcher at Sainsbury’s.

Feedback from our Solent Retail Skills Bootcamp participants will be available soon. In the meantime, you can explore testimonials from learners on other Skills Bootcamps further down this page.

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Why choose to learn with Fareport Training?

Fareport Training was established in 1981 in order to offer young people a route into work through work based training. In 2014 the business was purchased with support from entrepreneur Theo Paphitis by Natalie Cahill and Marinos Paphitis. Since then we have been building on Fareport’s excellent reputation for high quality training, delivering apprenticeships, HTQ’s and Skills Bootcamps across England. We are proud to offer:

  • Expert-Led Instruction: Gain insights from industry leaders and seasoned professionals.
  • Cutting-Edge Curriculum: Stay ahead with the latest trends, tools, and techniques.
  • Flexible Learning Options: Balance your education with your professional and personal life.

Register your interest now!

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Customer Testimonials

Real experiences, real success—hear from our learners and employers about how our training programmes have made a difference.

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