• Clear Filters
Resources / Adult Career Pathways / ACP Course Curricula / Retail / Hospitality / Customer Service

Retail Customer Service

Career Field/Area: Retail/Hospitality

Adult Career Pathway: Retail/Hospitality

NRS Levels Addressed:

  • High Intermediate ESL
  • Advanced ESL

Part of an approved IET program? IET: yes

Year IET Approved (if applicable): FY24

Credentials the Course Prepares Students for: NONE

Also Prepares Students for: Employment as cashier or customer service rep, POS training, all payment types training.

Target Student Population: CASAS 205+

Access Curriculum: View Materials

Additional Access Instructions/Links: No

Course Description: Retail Customer Service is a 6-week (48-hour) work readiness training program focused on preparing students for entry-level positions in retail environments, particularly cashiering. The curriculum emphasizes essential retail customer service skills, money handling, inventory tracking, and includes hands-on experience running a student store. Students will gain practical knowledge of U.S. payment methods, cash handling procedures, and use of a Point of Sale (POS) system. In addition to technical skills, the course builds foundational job-seeking abilities such as filling out applications, resume writing, and interview preparation. It also introduces American workplace norms, customer service vocabulary, and strategies for handling conflict, with special attention to culturally appropriate communication in Minnesota. The course can also include employment navigation support to help students transition successfully into the workforce.

Duration: 6 weeks, for a total of 48 hours

Curriculum Materials/Description: At the end of this class you will be able to:

You will be able to find and apply for jobs by completing applications, creating a resume, and practicing interview skills. You will develop essential workplace and life skills, including using customer service vocabulary, demonstrating polite behavior common in Minnesota, making small talk, and resolving conflicts. You will also be able to identify U.S. payment methods, count bills and coins, give correct change, and follow proper cash handling procedures. Additionally, you will understand the responsibilities of a cashier, use relevant workplace vocabulary, and apply proper inventory practices. Through hands-on experience in the Student Store, you will learn to operate a Point of Sale (POS) system, use a scanner and scale to ring up sales, process refunds and returns, and open and close the cash drawer confidently and accurately.

Delivery Method(s):

  • In person
  • Hybrid (a combination of online and in-person instruction)

Curriculum Pluses: Aligned to ACES TIF (Transitions Integration Framework), Aligned to CCRS (College & Career Readiness Standards), Complete instructional materials/lesson plans included, Easily modified for different contexts or levels, No approval required to access materials, No paid subscription/account required, No textbook or purchased materials required. na

Curriculum Drawbacks: none

Additional Curriculum Notes: none

Author: Elizabeth Fontaine, International Institute of Minnesota

Year Created: 2023-2024

Year Updated: N/A

Contact: 

Elizabeth Fontaine
International Institute of MN
[email protected]
(612) 817-2981