A r c h i v e d  I n f o r m a t i o n

Project Period:

1 December 1992-31 December 1995

Federal Funding Source:

Department of Labor

Federal:

$701,115

Non-Federal:

716,325

Total:

$1,417,440

Occupational Area(s):

Professional Sales Associate

Status:

Standards were published in October 1994.

Description of standards document:

The standards document includes an initial statement as to skill levels a Professional Sales Associate will need in selected generic skills. These standards identify a level of performance associated with key foundation skills and incorporate workplace skills identified in the SCANS Report issued by the U.S. Department of Labor in 1992. A description of the Work Keys System, developed by American College Testing (ACT), was used to profile these basic skills and determine appropriate levels for Professional Sales Associate. The standards document also lists underpinning personal qualities desirable in the retail workplace. An assessment and implementation guide is being developed which will detail the performance indicators. These indicators will provide the basis for determining when and how a task is effectively performed. Standards are being piloted in conjunction with state and local education projects, with retail companies, and with DECA, the student marketing association.

Description of companion document:

Company Guide for implementing standards, with applications for training, recruiting, assessment and certification.

Excerpt(s) of a standard:

Determine customer's needs by listening and asking questions.

Partners:

The partners include: J.C. Penney Company, Nordstrom, Lord & Taylor, Metropolitan Apparel Group, Woolworth Corporation, Crate & Barrel, Federated Department Stores, National Shoe Retailers' Association, Parisian, Tandy Corporation, United Food and Commercial Workers International Union, University of Hartford, Delaware Department of Public Instruction Training and Development Corporation, American College Testing and DECA, and the U.S. Department of Labor.

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