Two Nations of Shopkeepers: Training for Retailing in France and Britain

Abstract

Previous comparisons of French and British vocational training, published by the National Institute in this series, have focused on mechanics, electricians, construction workers and office workers; these drew attention to the importance of French full-time vocational secondary schools for 14-18 year-olds. This article compares training for the retail trades in the two countries during the present period of structural change brought about by the advance of self-service. in the light of French experience, current British policies for raising the numbers trained in retailing occupations, and for more coherent training standards, are critically examined.