The retail sector is now becoming a much sought after employment prospect for urban youth replacing careers in Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) and Call Centres which has led institutes to introduce specialized courses, says a study.
With the retail sector focused mainly in the metros and towns and becoming a hub of international brands and apparels, apart from institutes, distance learning and deemed universities are also coming up with specialised courses in this sector, said the study by Associated Chamber of Commerce (ASSOCHAM).
The study estimates that out of over two lakh jobs by 2012 in this sector, 40% will be taken by the urban youths in next two to three years as over 250 malls are to be developed by the real estate developers for the large retailers to display their products.
BPOs & Call Centres are no longer attracting the youth due to uncertainties in job security and strenuous working conditions. The BPO sector which is already encountering 25 to 30% attrition rate may face the toughest challenge of managing with 30 to 40% shortages of trained manpower in the next two years, says the study.
As ASSOCHAM President, Venugopal N. Dhoot said “a majority of 12th standard pass outs earlier seeking opportunities for livelihood in BPOs & Call Centres are now curious to join other leisurely yet attractive areas of animation, journalism, designing (apparel, jewellery), entertainment, besides aviation, hospitality and retail”.
