Growing local retail industry needs more skilled workers
Wednesday 13th of July
In an effort to meet skills shortages in the retail industry on the north coast, TAFE NSW-North Coast Institute has programmed more courses in Retail Cosmetics and Retail Operations at its Manning-Great Lakes campuses.
The Head Teacher of Business Services at Taree Campus, Ms Ann Edmonds, says “Most retail operations are looking for people with good skills in areas like sales, merchandising, security and stock control, and specific operations like pharmacies and beauticians require people with extra specialist skills in applying make-up and skincare products and with product knowledge to support their existing sales skills.”
Ms Edmonds says that Retail Cosmetics is a growing area, particularly with the increase in numbers of ‘sea-changers’ and ‘tree-changers’ in the Manning-Great Lakes community, and greater numbers of retirees – all of whom are conscious of their appearances.
“Customers are becoming choosier about the service and the product knowledge shown by retail assistants, so we believe that programming courses like the Certificate II in Retail Cosmetic Assistant and the Certificate II in Retail Operations will be of assistance both to job-seekers and the industry.”
The Retail Cosmetic Assistant course is conducted over three days per a week and includes units in applying makeup, skincare and selling with ‘hands on’ components like mini facials.
“These units are conducted in a fully equipped retail centre with computer point of sale and merchandising equipment, so students enter the workforce with appropriate skills,” says Ms Edmonds.
The 18 week Retail Operations course involves similar levels of practical training; with access to computerised point of sale, mannequins, store fixtures and a work placement component ensuring students have relevant hands on experience.
Ms Edmonds emphasised that people experienced in retail but looking to move into a supervisory level should consider the Certificate III in Retail Operations. For more information on all three courses, contact Ann Edmonds on 6592 6060
