Retail Sales

Certificate III in Retail Supervision

2008 - Semester One,  2008 - Places Available

Certificate III in Retail Operations

2008 - Semester One,  2008 - Places Available

Certificate II in Retail Operations

2008 - Semester One,  2008 - Places Available

Some might say that living in a consumer driven society is a bad thing, but many of us can't live without our Mooks, our Nikes, or our Mambo fix, or the latest computer upgrade. As a result, the retail workforce is huge. To succeed as a sales assistant, it is vital that you enjoy the buzz of serving people. Just because you're having an off day, doesn't mean your customers should have to endure poor service. If you're well presented and spoken, have good product knowledge, are not shy about approaching customers and don't mind standing on your feet for long periods of time, then you should enjoy working in this occupation.

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Entry into this occupation is generally through completion of compulsory secondary education or higher qualification. Of those currently employed 8% have either Certificate III or Certificate IV; 8% have either Certificate I or II; 5% have Bachelor degrees; and 75% have no post-school qualifications. It is recommended that you gain the available qualification to get the best possible chance of employment.

The following courses offered through TAFE SA that may assist you gaining employment in this occupation: Certificate II in Retail Operations; Certificate III in Retail Operations; and Diploma of Retail Management. For further information about award courses please check the TAFE SA website. Still unsure? Then contact the TAFE SA Information line on 1800 882 661 to enquire about availability of related short courses.

It is a large occupation with good employment prospects. There are many large companies which regularly employ individuals. A large influx of sales assistants is employed during the Christmas trading time and many who show they have the capability to be an asset to the company are kept on.

Retail Trade

To be updated.

Store outlets vary in size and type but a sales assistant's role doesn't change much. They are there to move the goods. Some sales assistants also assist with merchandising - setting up displays, stocktaking and ensuring the store is clean and well presented. No matter how big or small a retail outlet is, each of them has a store manager (in many instances they may also be the owner). Store managers oversee operations and ensure that the store is running smoothly and effectively. A store manager may oversee the work of several departmental managers. You may have a department manager who is responsible for fresh produce and another in the meat department, but a store manager oversees the whole operation and ensures it's running smoothly. On a daily basis, the store manager is responsible for stock replenishment, organising local promotional displays, ensuring staff are taught correct sales procedures, encouraging staff to achieve sales targets and looking after sales staff budgets.

Retail sales personnel often work under pressure and may work long hours, including late at night and on weekends. They must demonstrate good clerical and administrative skills. It is essential that they have good communication skills, good organisational skills and good leadership skills. They must be self-motivate and enjoy working with people.

Although the majority of retail employees work in the metropolitan area, there are smaller numbers of people working in retail in all other regional areas throughout the state.

Adelaide store managers may earn between $25,000 - $51,500; department managers $28,800 - $37,100; and sales assistants $21,700 - $43,300. If you own your own store or chain of stores, your earnings may go much higher.

For further information about all TAFE SA Courses, phone 1800 882 661 or email tafeinfo@saugov.sa.gov.au