Recently, students in the Bladerunners youth employment program were sent out to quietly observe 25 local businesses. As part of a two-day workshop on cashier skills training, the students observed businesses and their employees to assess their cash handling, cash register and customer service skills.
Most of the businesses were in Sechelt since the class that day was held at the Rockwood Centre. Based on what the students learned in class and their own personal experience, the students developed 12 criteria including: did the cashier have good eye contact with customers, did they count back change, were they friendly and polite, did they work well under pressure and were they professional in their appearance and behaviour.
With criteria in hand, the students went out in teams to observe and determine which of the 25 businesses had the best cashiers.
The students nominated five businesses including Wheatberries (Sechelt), Pharmasave, Claytons, St. Mary's Thrift Store and McDonald's (Sechelt).
The students wish to thank Barry and Marla at the Dollar Store in Sechelt for giving them the opportunity to learn more about cashier skills and to practise these skills with real customers.
Soon you will see the students in the community at their work placements where they will practise cashiering as well as tourism and customer service skills.
Bladerunners is a six-week employment-training program for youth between 16 and 30 and is hosted by the Nanaimo Youth Services Association. Jason Scott is the Sunshine Coast project leader and can be contacted at 604-989-4494 for more information.
The next program begins in February and will focus on child care skills.
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