Programme strategy:

The Certificate forms part of a learning pathway in the Wholesale and Retail sector that stretches from NQF Levels 2 to 5. While this Qualification focuses on the Small Micro and Medium (SMME) sector, it is structured in such a way that there is a progression from Level 2 to a qualification at NQF Level 5.

The purpose of this qualification is to equip learners to understand the underlying principles of operational areas related to the Wholesale & Retail sector and entry-level business principles, thus enabling them to become effective employers and/or self-employed members of society. The competencies in this qualification will assist the entrepreneur to ensure long-term business sustainability.

The qualification will enable learners to understand the South African context of the Retail sector but may also increase their understanding of business, thus enabling them to use this learning in various business environments and to progress to more formal business operations through articulated learning with qualifications that offer a more in-depth and specific business focus. This approach will enable the acquiring of operational competencies in preparation for additional business development and formalizing of business operations where individuals have the relevant understanding of retail operations.

Small, Medium and Micro enterprises at present represent 99% of the Wholesale & Retail sectors. As big Corporations continue to shed jobs and unemployment stays at a high level the SMME sector will become the focal point for job creation. More and more people will try to establish their own businesses, particularly in the retail sector and appropriate skills development is required for these entrepreneurs to ensure the long-term sustainability of their ventures.

The Certificate in Wholesale and Retail Informal Small Business Practice, NQF Level 3, is designed to meet the needs of learners who are either actively involved in the process of starting up a small retail business or those who are currently self-employed in an informal business in the SMME environment and who want to broaden their base of competence with a view to career path progression.

• Communication at NQF Level 2.
• Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 2.

• Fundamental: 36 credits.
• Core: 64 credits.
• Elective: 20 credits.
• Total: 120 credits. Learners must complete all Fundamental and Core unit standards and select a minimum of 20 credits from unit standards included in the Elective component of the qualification in order to reach a minimum of 120 credits for the completion of the Qualification.

• Understand the requirements of retail operations.
• Perform basic retail operations.
• Maintain customer service in an informal retail business.