What are the biggest disadvantages of retail specialist adult education?

After completing a retail specialist adult education course, you will have a recognized professional qualification - the Federal Diploma of Vocational Education and Training. The certificate of proficiency is a federally protected professional title. The Federal Diploma of Vocational Education and Training is an advantage when looking for a job, a prerequisite for further professional qualifications and entitles you to access federal professional certificates and Advanced Federal Professional Examination (AFPE).

The main disadvantages of a retail specialist adult education program are:

1. To be admitted to adult education in retail, you must have at least 5 years of professional experience (including 3 years in retail) and be at least 21 years old. You must have a good oral and written knowledge of German and previous knowledge of English. People who meet these requirements can register for this vocational qualification for adults with the cantonal vocational training office via the website. The cantonal vocational training office of the canton of residence decides on admission to the qualification procedure (final examination). In return, the canton often covers a large part of the training costs. The interested party can then register with the school for the retail trade specialist catch-up training for adults. In some cases, a location interview is then required by the school.
2. Part-time retail specialist adult education is time-consuming. This means that you have to study hard in order to complete the additional workload for the training to become a retail specialist Federal VET Diploma in one and a half or two years instead of three years alongside your normal working life. In return, there is no loss of pay and you can continue to work as normal. In contrast to an apprenticeship, you cannot necessarily expect support from your training company. Preparation for and admission to the final examination is not an apprenticeship. The employer is not a trainer and is not obliged to provide training or support. The employee is also not obliged to inform the employer. If the practical final examination takes place in the company, an agreement is required.
3. The retail specialist adult education program requires a willingness to complete tasks independently and take on responsibility. In addition to language skills, you must be proficient in MS Office, fractions, rule of three and percentages.
4. The "retail specialist adult education" qualification confirms knowledge and skills as a retail specialist, but is only likely to lead to a small wage increase. The focus is not on the salary, but on the confirmation for the application documents and the resulting further training opportunities.
5. The examination pressure in the annual qualification process is high, as experience grades do not count. It takes place together with the normal retail apprentices at the vocational college. The subjects German, English, economics, society and retail trade knowledge are tested on site under time pressure. However, intermediate examinations are usually held beforehand in the retail specialist adult education program, which serve as practice and an assessment of the current situation and can alleviate some of the examination pressure for the participants.

Retail specialists are aware of the importance of customers for the success of a business. They can provide competent advice and service and present the range of goods in the best possible way. They know the product range, the merchandise management processes and the range of goods and services on offer. And all of this is confirmed with the federal certificate after retail specialist adult education.

Provider of a retail trade specialist adult education program