Australian Retail College leads contingency of Australian Retailers to Indian on Industry Visit

BRISBANE, Australia - Oct. 30, 2013 - PRLog -- At a time when both the Indian and Australian retail sectors are undergoing change, the six management level students are experiencing first-hand the challenges of resourcing a nascent industry, where National and Global Brands are demanding skilled manpower and consistent standards. The retail sectors in both countries are experiencing increasing globalised competition with a growing multinational brand presence and a move to omni channel retailing. These changes create a demand, in India particularly, for internationally relevant skills.

The study tour is providing a ten day immersion program and is supported by the Australian Government’s Outward Mobility grant, the participants’ employers and First Impressions Resources- The Australian Retail College. The hectic schedule includes meetings with Retail Heads of HR, opportunities to work with their Indian counterparts on the shop floor and discussions with unemployed youth being trained to enter the sector.

The Retailers Association of India (RAI) and GREAT India B School has actively worked with First Impressions Resources to build a program that is diverse and stimulating. Scott Parker from Best and Less, and one of the participating students commented “Having access to senior management who so generously shared their time and knowledge with us to help understand the Indian retail market has been invaluable and greatly appreciated".

In welcoming the group, Kumar Rajagopalan CEO of RAI said “India’s consumer market has experienced unprecedented growth in the last decade. The total size of the retail Industry is around US$500 Billion and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 12%. With a land of inhabitants speaking around 2000 languages, highly populous cities and a globally exposed new generation, the country offers both huge opportunity for businesses and a number of large challenges to be met.”

Given this current market, meeting the rapid growth in demand for staff in the sector and the subsequent skilling of these people to a globally competitive level is seen as a priority. This unprecedented growth is challenging the traditional view of how skills are developed and giving birth to some creative talent development approaches.

Cindy Phelan, an Assistant Manager with KFC Brisbane, visited one KFC outlet in Hyderabad where 70% of the staff have special needs and said “The highlight  was  to see that all staff are trained to use sign language and  flashing lights to communicate. Systems and tools used are the same as ours, however they have adapted different products to the Indian market and also offer home delivery service”.

Upon their return to Australia a report will be developed summarising their experiences and identifying suggestions for the Australian market to consider.