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NOffLA scoops technology awards

Sinéad Marron, president IITD, Evelyn Jones, chairperson, NOffLA, Anita Gilmore training manager, NOffLA, Ciarán Cannon. Minister of State for Training and Skills, presenting the award for Most Innovative Use of Technology at the IITD National Training Awards 2012

With many retailers utilising the popular Responsible Trading in the Community (RTC) online programme, NOffLA has now received a national award for this initiative

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Off-trade

16 April 2012

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The National Off-Licence Association has received a national award for the ‘Most Innovative Use of Technology’ for its Responsible Trading in the Community (RTC) online training programme. The award recognises the innovative training initiative developed by NOffLA to ensure that all its members have access to training in the responsible retail of alcohol.

 

The RTC training programme began in 1996 and can now be completed by alcohol retailers through an online interactive e-learning programme. Completion of the module, including an exam, leads to a qualification for a ‘Responsible Trading Certificate’. NOffLA is the only organisation to provide an online training solution and certification to the off-licensed trade in Ireland. The online module of this training programme was launched in June 2011 and has already trained over 200 employees from NOffLA’s member outlets.

 

The programme is founded on the basis that companies and individuals, who are involved on a day to day basis with consumers of alcohol, need to make a binding commitment to conduct their trade in the most responsible and professional manner.

 

NOffLA’s chairperson, Evelyn Jones, said: “We are very proud to have won this award as it provides our association with validation and recognition that our online training programme is effective in bringing training to the retailer, which is important in these recessionary times. We hope our innovative approach will inspire and encourage decision-makers to introduce a nationwide and mandatory training programme for all staff retailing alcohol.”

 

The NOffLA chairperson underlined the commitment of the participants of the Responsible Trading in the Community programme: “In the absence of mandatory training at government level, our members have undertaken this RTC training on a voluntary basis”. She continued by pointing to the importance of such training. “Alcohol retail is highly regulated and, as a result, this specialised training programme ensures that retailers of alcohol are fully familiar with the current legislation, the severe consequences of contravening the law and how to deal with the difficult situations that can arise.”