PROJECT
About the Project
In preparation of this project, the partners surveyed over 110 workers in the Retail Industry. One of the questions we asked was about their current level of English. The majority (76%) have either an intermediate level of English or less. Another question we asked was if, during the pandemic, they had tried to open their business to online sales. Results were:
When asked if they would like to improve online and international sales for their business, 76% of participants either completely agreed or somewhat agreed. A staggering 96% also agreed with the fact that effective communication in English is important for international sales. We clearly see that the majority of small retail business owners and workers understand the importance of international and online sales for their business survival and growth, and some have even started in that direction. Nevertheless, we also see that, if effective communication is a key factor to success in online and international sales, and English is the dominant language for international and online sales, less than 25% of respondents have sufficient English knowledge to offer that level of communication.
With this project we want to address the following needs of workers in the retail industry:
– Need to improve their English communication skills,
– Need to improve their international communication skills + soft skills,
– Need for lifelong learning opportunities that adapt to their needs and their pace/time of study,
– Need for social media strategies for international networking,
– Need for opportunities to build a network with other SME’s (small and medium-sized enterprises) in the retail industry around Europe.
Objectives of the Project
AWARENESS
To create awareness amongst retail workers of the importance of soft skills and communication skills in international sales.
SELF-EVALUATION
To provide a self-evaluation tool on levels of competence in soft skills and communication skills.
ONLINE COURSES
To provide a set of online courses that can be taken at the user’s own pace and time and that adapt to the specific needs in English competence and international communication skills.
MOTIVATION
Active participation of retail workers in non-formal and online learning pathways that motivate to keep learning.
CONNECT AND COLLABORATE
To create awareness amongst retail workers of the importance of soft skills and communication skills in international sales.
SOCIAL MEDIA STRATEGIES
Active participation of retail workers in non-formal and online learning pathways that motivate to keep learning.
SHARED VALUES
To provide a set of online courses that can be taken at the user’s own pace and time and that adapt to the specific needs in English competence and international communication skills.
RAPPORT BUILDING
Active participation of retail workers in non-formal and online learning pathways that motivate to keep learning.