Free qualification helps to ensure Southend continues to offer service with a smile
November 2007
The shops of Southend recently came in for a severe battering from a national survey that put Southend at the bottom of the league in the UK’s ‘customer service’ satisfaction polls. Well, now the shops and South East Essex College are fighting back!
The College, situated just off Southend High Street, is offering a free nationally recognised customer service qualification designed to sharpen customer service skills, knowledge and understanding, as well as focus on how this contributes to improving the customer service in respective workplaces.
Liz Phillips, South East Essex College’s Train to Gain Officer, said: “The NVQ in Customer Service Level 2 is offered as part of the government’s Train to Gain initiative and predominantly takes place in the workplace, which is a massive benefit to both employers and employees as each individual company is very different.”
She added: “The free course is not just suitable for those involved in retail but also those in sales and admin. There are also a whole range of other free Train to Gain courses available from the College.”
The scheme is already proving to be a big success with local companies such as several local Co-Op franchises and the Royal Bank of Scotland.
The Train to Gain initiative can help people achieve a qualification which shows competency to a high standard by providing funded courses subject to certain criteria through South East Essex College.
This dedication to make Southend shine when it comes to customer service and satisfaction is also embodied by Dawn Jeakings, Centre Manager for The Royals. There is a determination at the shopping centre, which is home to Boots, Debenhams and Evans that the report certainly isn’t reflective of the service people can normally expect.
Dawn explained: “We want to prove the report wrong. We are already committed to giving every visitor their ideal shopping experience, and we want all our store managers to help too!”
“Every member of Centre staff – from cleaners and security guards – are fully Customer Service trained to be helpful, polite and friendly to all our visitors, making sure they represent The Royals’ commitment to customer satisfaction at all times.”
So although the clocks have gone back and nights are a little colder, shop owners and South East Essex College are clear that they are committed to making the Southend shopping experience shine.
If you are interested in finding out more about the Customer Service qualifications offered by South East Essex College please contact Business College at South East Essex College on 01702 220600.
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