A GROUP of young people are learning the tricks of the trade at Renfrewshire Council's retail academy.

The six week course is based at the InCube shop in Paisley's Gilmour Street and offers training designed to help those attending to get the knowledge, skills, qualifications and experience they need to work in a customer service or retail environment.

Trainees initially spend three weeks in the shop where they learn to deliver high standards of customer service, process till point sales and gain product knowledge and stock control.

This is followed by a three week work placements where trainees demonstrate their new skills to potential employers.

Renfrewshire Council leader Mark Macmillan said: "We want to make sure there is a pool of well trained, customer focused staff available for local retailers to choose from.

"Our trainees will graduate in time for the Christmas rush when many retailers are looking to recruit new employees.

"But our aim is to do far more than just provide extra staff for shops during busy times.

"The council's Invest in Renfrewshire initiative has been particularly successful in reducing unemployment among young people.

"Over the last six years we have seen a 60% drop in the number of 18 to 24-year-olds claiming unemployment benefit.

"The Retail Academy is about giving young people the skills and experience which will be the foundation for long-term employment in retail or a customer service role."

Mr Macmillan said the InCube shop, which is part of the drive to regenerate Paisley town centre, was not only a retail academy but also a real shop selling high quality goods made by local manufacturers and designers.

He added: "It is the kind of niche establishment that represents the future for traditional town centres in a time of expanding out-of-town shopping centres."

Retail co-ordinator Morag Doig said the programme provided work experience which involves engaging with customers on the shop floor.

She added: "An important part of our programme is helping our trainees break down any barriers that may be holding them back.

"That includes issues such as lack of qualifications and limited work experience. At the end of the programme, our trainees are talented, job-ready potential employees with practical shop floor skills and an up to date work history."