Services

MBEPB retail concession, National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Silver Spring, Maryland

Education
Minimum of high school diploma or GED equivalent.

Math Skills
Minimum of 7th grade math level.

Reading Skills
Minimum of 8th grade reading level.

Communication Skills
Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing.  Candidates must demonstrate competencies in receptive and expressive oral and written communication.  Candidates must exhibit appropriate interpersonal skills demonstrating their ability to provide the required levels of customer service.

Mobility
Candidates must demonstrate an ability to travel independently. Independent travel will be assessed in a large metropolitan setting and will include an assessment of ability to navigate in business and residential settings including large business complexes.  Additionally, the candidate will demonstrate the ability to use public transportation independently.

Grooming
Candidates will meet acceptable standards of dress and personal hygiene as established by the Food & Drug Administration Food Service Sanitation Manual No. 78-2081 and the MBEPB Administrative Manual minimum standards required for operation of a facility.  Candidates must present a professional appearance.

Employment Background and References
Employment history, if any, and professional and personal references should support a candidate’s ability to perform as a vendor.  Business knowledge and experience are not required for entry but may be considered in terms of a candidate's needs to complete specific portions of the training program.

Psychological Evaluation
A psychological evaluation is recommended but not required.  If performed, the evaluation should confirm a candidate’s ability to learn the required material in order to perform effectively as a vendor.  If a psychological evaluation is not performed, other types of assessments that document sufficient learning capacities may be submitted.

Interpersonal Skills
An individual must demonstrate the capacity to maintain appropriate professional relationships with others in a business environment. The applicant must demonstrate an ability to maintain a positive and friendly demeanor with the public.  Appropriate and positive interpersonal skills may be assessed through a psychological evaluation, if conducted.  If a psychological evaluation has not been completed, other background material should be presented to support an individual's ability to maintain courteous and professional relationships in the course of managing a business.

Ability to Use Required Equipment
Candidates should demonstrate the ability to use electronic calculating devices and other equipment and adaptive devices, as indicated, in order to proficiently manage a vending facility.

New vendors take part in extensive training to prepare for success. Some retail experience is helpful, but not essential for admission to the program. Well-developed interpersonal skills will ultimately prove critical to success in the business environment.

Curriculum ->