The first step in creating a "world class'' retail staff is to be made with the launch of Bermuda's first diploma course for store workers.

And if the scheme is a success, it could lead to training for workers in other areas, in a bid to create Island-wide excellence in retail to improve the experience offered to visitors.

The Certificate in Customer Care will give staff the knowledge to anticipate their customers' needs and go some way to putting them on a par with top shops across the world.

Motivation for the "finishing school'' has come from a meeting of hoteliers, businessmen and retailers, who are keen to see the shopping experience -- rated as one of the main activities for vacationers -- enhanced.

The course starts on Tuesday and finishes by the end of March, with organisers hoping retailers and visitors will start to see benefits by the time the first cruise ships arrive.

Ian Smith, chairman of the retail division of the Chamber of Commerce, said the programme was the first step in what was hoped would be a nationwide retail diploma. "It has got to be world class service if we are going to compete with some of these internationally famous places,'' he said. "We have got to look beyond Bermuda for really world class standards, I don't see any reason why we can't do that.'' The course gives staff and employers the opportunity to raise the benchmark for service -- boosting career chances for workers and giving bosses more qualified employees.

National Training Board course liaison officer Terry Bond said once the pilot programme was complete, new courses could be tailored and started as soon as candidates signed up.

The first scheme is designed to bring immediate results for the summer season, and tackles areas such as understanding customer needs, welcoming, improving customer service skills and handling complaints.

"The important thing is to get the scheme out of the way before the cruise season starts, so employers can see some benefits. It will also encourage other staff to see what it can do for them,'' he said.

The self-study course requires one hour of schooling a week and at some point the entire programme may be online, enabling students to complete the course by computer.