For young people preparing to enter the retail industry, the NRF Foundation Retail Training Program offers more than just job preparation. It provides the foundation for confidence, career readiness, and long-term opportunities.
“Working in retail has opened so many doors for me and created opportunities I wouldn’t have had otherwise,” says Mykael Rosa, an Old Navy employee and This Way ONward participant.
Young adults like Mykael are getting important foundational skills through retail, and the NRF Foundation is opening the door for thousands more like him through their NRF Foundation Retail Training Program. Mykael discovered opportunities and learned real-world skills to carry him into a retail career, building the skills needed to succeed in a fast-paced retail environment and beyond.
The opportunity for Mykael came at a pivotal time. As he approached high school graduation, he was navigating uncertainty about his future and was struggling with whether he would graduate high school at all. Through the structure and practical learning offered by NRF Foundation Retail Training and support of a local community-based organization, students like Mykael are empowered to explore diverse pathways in retail. His journey began at Old Navy, Atlantic Center as a brand associate and has since evolved into an expanded role in asset protection. He found a passion for retail and the drive he needed, graduating as valedictorian of his high school while gaining valuable work experience and a launchpad for his career along the way.
“Retail is one of the most accessible and dynamic pathways to a meaningful career, and the NRF Foundation Retail Training Program helps young people build the skills and confidence they need to succeed from day one,” said Adam Lukoskie, Executive Director of the NRF Foundation and NRF Senior Vice President. “It’s about opening doors to opportunity and showing what’s possible.”
Working in retail has opened so many doors for me and created opportunities I wouldn’t have had otherwise.
What makes this training impactful is its focus on practical, transferable skills. Participants learn how to communicate effectively, adapt to challenges, and deliver strong customer experiences; skills that apply across industries and assist them in growing throughout their careers.
The Burning Glass Institute, a leader in workforce and economic research, recently conducted an independent study of ~6,500 NRF Foundation Retail Training credential earners. They found that credential earners experienced an average wage gain of $4,800 in their first year, $16,200 over 5 years, and an increased likelihood of promotion. Brands like Old Navy believe those skills are just as important as the retail experience itself. “It’s not just about today, we’re investing in the future. I tell my team - my job isn’t just to make you better for the brand, it’s to make you a better leader," says Gregorie Jean-Louis, Sr. District Manager at Old Navy, Manhattan.
As a partner of NRF Foundation, Old Navy is expanding access to opportunity through implementing initiatives such as This Way ONward, the brand’s signature opportunity program. Together we are unlocking even more on-ramps into retail – an industry that thrives when it invests in the potential of young people.
Gregorie sees the transformation and growth in young students every day. He sees associates arrive on their first day unsure of themselves and, within a few months, grow into confident team members because of the experience retail provides.
Beyond the paycheck, Mykael found something even more valuable: confidence. Through foundational retail training and his work experience at Old Navy, he developed patience, adaptability, and the ability to engage with customers and his teammates comfortably; skills that strengthened both his professional performance and personal growth. The confidence and work ethic he developed not only prepared him for success in retail but also gave him the tools to navigate whatever comes next.
