Diploma Providing Retail Services SCQF level 5
Diplomas derived from the Apprenticeship process recognise competence in job-related skills and are primarily based on standards called Work Situations; however, some may also include National Occupational Standards (NOS).
This Diploma covers areas such as customer service, health and safety, as well as a variety of retail specific skills required for job specific roles.
This qualification has been designed in partnership with Skills Development Scotland (SDS) and People 1st international as part of an SDS employer-led programme, which may form part of an apprenticeship or be delivered as a stand-alone qualification.
This qualification is available through employers and training providers.
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Why deliver this qualification
Learners will gain a nationally-recognised competence-based qualification (CBQ) that guarantees that they have the skills, knowledge and abilities required to carry out their role successfully. Employers will also benefit from their employees being proficient.
Assessment is carried out in the workplace. This minimises any time learners need to be away from their work.
This CBQ facilitates career progression in the sector. Employment opportunities are numerous as the qualification is designed to allow learners to develop and demonstrate a range of retail specific, as well as personal development skills.
Who does this qualification suit
This Diploma is suitable for individuals who are currently in employment and wish to obtain:
- a formal qualification
- a qualification as part of an apprenticeship programme
Access
Entry is at the discretion of the centre.
Candidates should be in a job or placement where they are carrying out relevant tasks and responsibilities which allow them to gather the required evidence.
No prior qualifications are required to undertake this qualification, although experience in, or a knowledge of, the subject would be an advantage.
Progression
The Diploma in Providing Retail Services at SCQF level 5 facilitates career progression in the sector. Employment opportunities are numerous as the qualification is designed to allow learners to develop a range of skills required to succeed within the sector.
This Diploma also provides the opportunity to progress into the Diploma in Providing Retail Services at SCQF level 6 and the HNC in Retail at SCQF level 7.
Approval
Centres with devolved authority for approval should use their own internal approval process.
Centres without devolved authority must come forward for approval and should contact SQA’s Business Development Team for guidance.
Assessors and verifiers must be able to meet SQA’s general requirements for technical and occupational competence as outlined in the Systems and Qualification Approval Guide.
How to assess
Learners will gather evidence of their performance through normal workplace activity, in line with the requirements of the Diploma. This evidence will be assessed using usual workplace assessment methods, such as the use of portfolios or e-portfolios, observation, examining work products, testimonial evidence from witnesses, personal statements, and accreditation of prior learning.
Where can you take this course?
Qualification content and delivery tools
Information about the qualification(s)
Qualification Structure
Group award code: GV65 45
The Diploma in Providing Retail Services at SCQF level 5 consists of 4 mandatory units and 4 optional units.
For details of the units making up the Diploma, please refer to the qualification structure.
National Occupational Standards
Unit information for this qualification is available on our Unit Search.
Meta-Skills
A key aspect of this qualification is that it supports the development of a learner’s meta-skills and their awareness of the importance of these in becoming effective in their current work role, and in supporting continued personal and career development.
Meta-skills sit alongside and complement technical knowledge, skills, and behaviours. As technology, society and the way we work change at an ever-increasing pace, meta-skills are the over-arching and future-focused attributes that enable other skills to be developed through consideration, reflection and implementation.
Meta-skills support improved performance and productivity, greater adaptability and resilience to change. For learners, meta-skills are a critical asset, supporting their ability to cope and excel in the face of change, to solve problems, to collaborate with others and to create successful futures. There are three categories, each with four meta-skills:
- self-management– focus, integrity, adaptability and initiative
- social intelligence – communication, feeling, collaboration and leadership
- innovation – curiosity, creativity, sense-making and critical thinking
This qualification includes a discrete meta-skills unit, within which all specified evidence can be gathered. Further information on the assessment of meta-skills development is provided in the assessment strategy for this qualification.
Information about delivery, assessment, quality assurance and support material
Assessment strategy
Overarching assessment strategy
Specific Assessment Strategy Appendix Customer Service, Retail and Travel
Assessor's guidelines
Candidate Guidance and Portfolio
Apprenticeships
It is expected this Diploma will be a core qualification in the Apprenticeship, which is expected by the end of 2024.