To meet the growing demand for trained retail workers and supervisors in the college’s service area, State Fair Community College will offer a Skills Certificate in Retail Sales and a Professional Certificate in First Line Supervision beginning spring 2018. Enrollment is now underway for the spring semester that starts Jan. 16.
“After we analyzed research provided by MERIC (Missouri Economic Research and Economic Center) and talked with industry professionals, we determined there is a need for up-skilling the workforce in the retail industry,” said Amanda Stoecklein, SFCC Business instructor. “Most local employers require a high school diploma, but they see a trend that most workers need additional skills to be successful.”
Students can complete the 16-credit-hour skills certificate in one semester. Courses include Principles of Marketing, Customer Service Management, Salesmanship, Microcomputer Applications, Human Relations, and Employment Strategies. Students who successfully complete the certificate are eligible to take the RISE Up Advanced Customer Service and Sales professional credential exam from the Nation Retail Federation that further advances employment and income opportunities.
“We also decided to include a Professional Certificate in First Line Supervision because of MERIC data and input from members of our business advisory committee,” said Ross Blankenship, SFCC Business Management program coordinator and instructor. “First line supervisors are the bridge between front line staff and management and need strong leadership, communication and critical thinking skills in addition to understanding business functions.”
The 25-credit-hour professional certificate can be completed in two semesters and includes Business Communications, Business Math or higher, Personal Finance, and Principles of Management in addition to most of the skills certificate courses.
Classes for both certificates are offered on-ground and online. Credits earned for both certificates also can be applied toward the Associate of Applied Science in Business Management.
For more information, call Admissions and Outreach at (660) 530-5833 or visit www.sfccmo.edu/admissions. Application for admission is free.
