The scheme, which will be available both online and face to face, will give learners a clear understanding of all aspects of retail as well as the opportunity to develop skills in the sector.

TIS provides eLearning to encourage training, development, and improvements in performance for organisations and businesses in a range of sectors. Its global headquarters is based in Mumbai, India.

J.C. Mistry, the head of retail training at TIS, said: "TIS's Retail Academy in India provides an opportunity to those who work, or want to work in the country's retail industry to harness and develop their potential. Through the Academy, we help such individuals to explore and hone their skills to ensure that they deliver their best for their employers and customers".

Courses will be offered in various formats, including both eLearning programmes and instructor-led courses with the inclusion of assignments and assessments. Modules will include an Introduction to the Retail Sector, Health and Safety, Workplace Security, Working Effectively, Customer Service, Team Leading, and Merchandising and Selling.

Anne Seaman, Chief Operating Officer of Skillsmart Retail, said: "We are honoured to be associated with a subsidiary of the TATA group, and we are delighted to be working with TIS and sharing our expertise to develop fit-for-purpose retail training in India".

Skillsmart Retail is the Sector Skills Council for retail - the authority for UK retail skills development and promotion. Partly funded by Government and led by retailers, it works with retailers of all sizes to understand their skills issues and develop solutions to improve business performance and productivity through the development of their people. It also promotes retail as a career of choice. Further details about Skillsmart Retail can be found at: