Abstract
Previous comparisons of French and British vocational training, published by the National Institute in this series, have focused on mechanics, electricians, construction workers and office workers; these drew attention to the importance of French full-time vocational secondary schools for 14-18 year-olds. This article compares training for the retail trades in the two countries during the present period of structural change brought about by the advance of self-service. in the light of French experience, current British policies for raising the numbers trained in retailing occupations, and for more coherent training standards, are critically examined.