Dundee and Angus College – External review / AEV (20 June 2014)
Excellent practice
Pop-up shop
Learners on the National Qualification (NQ) Advanced Enterprise in Business
programme designed, created and implemented a Pop-up shop. The initial design
concept was developed by the Higher National Diploma (HND) Retail Management
class whilst studying store design and layout and corporate store image. The HND
learners used the knowledge and understanding gained from their studies to develop
the design concept. The Advanced Enterprise in Business programme learners
developed the initial design concept. They sourced all the fixtures, fittings and props
and upcycled them using eco-friendly paint and wax within a restricted budget of
£1,000. They also researched the suppliers for the shop and chose the product
selection.
The shop was open for six weeks, in the Wellgate Centre, Dundee. Learners from a
number of retail and ESOL programmes worked in the Pop up Shop at the
weekends. They underwent a formal selection process, mirroring the workplace
environment. The selection panel included a member of the college human
resources team and Head of the Wellgate Centre. Successful candidates were
offered a position as a manager, assistant manager or sales advisors. Learners
gained valuable practical work experience including, selecting products, designing
the store, the re-ordering process, retail security and customer service.
The Pop-up shop has enabled learners to develop a range of personal skills and
qualities in a commercial setting, gaining wider knowledge, confidence and self-belief
in their own ability. Learners discovered new talents and took ownership of a
business from initial concept to completion. They gained valuable employability
skills by planning and organising the shop and solving problems by working in a
team with their peers. Communication, IT and numeracy skills are embedded within
this initiative and ESOL learners, working in the shop at weekends, improved their
literacy skills from working in a team and communicating with customers.
This initiative has enabled the college to build a partnership with the Wellgate
Centre. The Pop-up shop has helped to showcase Dundee and Angus College to
customers as a motivational, creative and inspirational learning environment.