Retail

From sales assistant to buyer, stock control to area manager, there are a range of career opportunities available in the retail industry. Our courses will set you up for a successful career in retail stores, community pharmacies, or online markets.

Study retail

The retail sector is one of Australia's largest employing industries with over 1.2 million workers. While many people may start out with a part time or casual job in the industry, the retail sector offers a number of solid career prospects and the opportunity to tailor your career path to focus on your interests. Employers are looking for qualified candidates who have strong customer service and people skills and a strong work ethic.

TAFE Queensland offers a number of entry-level certificates to get your foot in the door to a retail career. You'll graduate with valuable customer service and sales skills that are transferable to a range of industries.

Career outcomes

Customer service assistant
Retail supervisor
Senior sales assistant
Team leader

Retail courses

Certificate II in Retail Cosmetics

Embark upon a career in retail cosmetics with this entry-level qualification. Gain experience and skills that will help you forge a pathway as a retail sales consultant in the beauty industry.

Careers

Retail Cosmetic Assistant

Part Time : 4 terms

Next Start : 03 Feb 2025

Certificate II in Retail Services

Establish valuable skills and basic knowledge and gain hands-on experience with this entry-level qualification in retail services. You'll become competent in a range of activities and skills within the retail sector.

Careers

Customer Service Assistant
Gourmet Food Sales Assistant
Customer Service Assistant (Quick Food)
Customer Service Assistant (Department Stores)
Checkout Operator
Customer Service Officer

Part Time : 30 weeks

Next Start : 06 Jan 2025

Latest news and events Read more

"Instrumental to my career progression."

Bridgeman Project Manager Rob Cunningham says his TAFE Queensland training set him up for a successful career at an industry-leading business.

Palm Island Digital Service Centre shines on national stage

The Palm Island Digital Service Centre has earned national recognition for its outstanding contribution to training and job creation, being awarded Silver in the Industry Collaboration Award category at the 2024 Australian Training Awards in Canberra.

Building futures on Palm Island one career at a time

For Palm Island (Bwgcolman) community member Yvette Nicholas, the journey from trainee to Team Leader at the Palm Island Digital Service Centre has been life changing.

Leif kicks off a new career with Football Queensland

For Leif Charlton, football has always been more than just a game - it’s been a lifelong passion inspired by his grandad, a well-known West Australia referee and an avid Chelsea FC fan.

TAFE Queensland celebrates healthcare heroes and future leaders

Among the 108 graduates celebrated at TAFE Queensland’s 2024 Cairns graduation ceremony on December 10, was Diploma of Nursing (HLT54121) graduate and guest speaker Terri Aspery.

Sunshine Coast students celebrate achievements in style

Students from TAFE Queensland’s Sunshine Coast campuses were all smiles as they donned caps and gowns in celebration of their achievements.

India McGuinness inspires at TAFE Queensland Graduation

Among the 126 graduates celebrated at TAFE Queensland’s Townsville graduation ceremony on December 3, 2024, was 25-year-old India (Indie) McGuinness, whose journey to completing her Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs / Diploma of Mental Health (CHC53215 / CHC53315) dual award has been nothing short of extraordinary.

Nurunderi graduates celebrate success

On Wednesday 4 December 2024, the TAFE Queensland Nurunderi campus in Cherbourg was alive with excitement as students proudly wore their gowns and mortarboards to celebrate the completion of their studies during a special graduation ceremony.

Chrish shapes his own hairdressing career

Chrish Petersen was always destined for great things in the hairdressing world, but just like any inspiring success story, it’s not been without its challenges, nor some ‘unconventional’ problem solving and stepping stones.

Leah-Rose’s journey in youth work

Leah-Rose Hart, a proud Indigenous woman with connections to the Gundungurra and Darug peoples of Katoomba in the Blue Mountains, is currently far from her Darug, pursuing a path with deep purpose and significance. Leah-Rose is completing her Certificate IV in Youth Work (CHC40421) at TAFE Queensland’s Springfield campus to then help those youth in her community who are struggling.

Marni creates her own career path

High school student Marni MacDonald is well on the path to her dream career after completing a Certificate II in Retail Cosmetics (SHB20121) through TAFE Queensland’s TAFE at School program.

Tracey’s journey to a new calling

For 47-year-old Tracey MacDonald, finding purpose after an unexpected career setback has meant discovering new strengths, a passion for helping others, and a career that reflects both.