Retail Ready by WINS is a 6-week training program designed to help individuals gain the necessary skills and knowledge to be successful in the retail industry. This program offers a holistic approach that not only focuses on career preparation, but the importance of developing self-sufficiency and other life-management skills.
Please note that what we are offering is an employment training program, not a job opportunity. If you are interested in working at WINS, please visit our careers page.
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Why join Retail Ready?
Retail Ready seeks to empower individuals and help them obtain the skills they need to find sustainable employment. Participants of the program will receive training in different retail skills such as merchandising, customer service, and operating the Point of Sale (POS) system. They will also be given the opportunity to gain on the job experience at one of our WINS Family Thrift Stores.
Benefits to Participants:
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Two-week work experience within a WINS Family Thrift Store
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Obtain a Certificate of Completion upon successful completion of service
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Receive a Letter of Reference if completed at an excellent level
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Gain retail industry technical skills and employment competencies
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Increase self-sufficiency and independence
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Develop values and attitudes that contribute to life & work success
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Build meaningful connections in a positive and accepting environment.
Program Information
Retail Ready
Overview
This 6-week program offers a mix of classroom and in-store training to give participants hands-on experience.
Who It’s For
Individuals who are ready to enter the retail workforce and develop foundational workplace skills.
Duration
6 Weeks
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4 weeks of classroom instruction and in-store training at WINS
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2 weeks of work experience in a WINS Family Thrift Store
When
Monday to Friday | 9:00 am – 3:45 pm
Eligibility
Eligible participants must meet the following requirements:
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Must be at least 16 years old
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Legally eligible to work in Canada
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Can effectively communicate in English and have a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) Level of 5 or higher
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Must be available to attend the entire duration of the program
Youth Retail Ready
Overview
A hands-on training program that helps young adults develop workplace confidence, retail knowledge, and real-world experience.
Who It’s For
Young adults (ages 18-29) in building skills, confidence, and experience needed to start a career in retail.
Duration
6 Weeks
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4 weeks of classroom instruction and in-store training at WINS
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2 weeks of work experience in a WINS Family Thrift Store
When
Monday to Friday | 9:00 am – 3:45 pm
Eligibility
Eligible participants must meet the following requirements:
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Must be between the ages of 18 - 29
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Legally eligible to work in Canada
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Can effectively communicate in English and have a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) Level of 5 or higher
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Must be available to attend the entire duration of the program
Retail Ready for Income Support Participants
Overview
A structured employment pathway designed to support individuals in building practical retail skills and transitioning successfully into the workforce.
Who It’s For
Individuals receiving Alberta Income Support who are ready to transition into employment.
Duration
8 Weeks
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4 weeks of Classroom Instruction and Store Training
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4 weeks of Work Experience at a WINS Thrift Store Location
When
Monday to Friday | 9:00 am – 3:45 pm
Eligibility
Eligible participants must meet the following requirements:
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receiving Alberta Income Support
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Legally eligible to work in Canada
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Can effectively communicate in English and have a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) Level of 5 or higher
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Must be available to attend the entire duration of the program
Youth Summer Series
Overview
A summer-based skills program that introduces high school students to workplace expectations and foundational job skills.
Who It’s For
High school students (ages 15-18) who have little or no work experience and want to build job-ready skills.
Duration
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July 13 - August 28, 2026
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7 Weeks of Classroom Instruction and Store Training
When
Two cohort options:
Monday and Wednesday or Tuesday and Thursday
10:00 am - 3:30 pm
Eligibility
Eligible participants must meet the following requirements:
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Must be between the ages of 15 - 18
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Legally eligible to work in Canada
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Can effectively communicate in English and have a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) Level of 5 or higher
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Must be available to attend the entire duration of the program
