Industries in Demand: Retail

Our ‘Industries in Demand’ series highlights individual industries experiencing a high demand for labour and the types of jobs they offer. The second in our series covers the Retail Industry, Australia’s second largest employing industry.

What is the Retail Industry?

The Retail Industry covers the display and sale of new or used goods to consumers, for personal or household consumption. The Retail industry also includes units that purchase and on sell goods to the general public using non-traditional means, including the internet.

The industry employs over 1.2 million people, accounting for approx. 9.6 per cent of the total workforce. Over the past five years, employment in the sector has increased by 1.5 per cent.

Major Retail outlets located in Greater Western Sydney

Westfield Mt Druitt, Liverpool, Parramatta and Penrith, Westpoint Blacktown, Macarthur Square Campbelltown, Stockland Wetherill Park Shopping Centre, DFO Homebush.

Is a job in the Retail Trade Industry right for you?

When deciding if the industry is right for you, consider the following:

  • Many roles do not require post-school qualifications.
  • Many employers are willing to train staff who are new to the industry.
  • Jobs are available throughout all geographical areas of Australia.
  • Part-time work and weekend work allows workers to combine work and study, or work and caring responsibilities.
  • Skills developed working in retail are transferrable across many industries.
  • Roles require a certain level of fitness including being able to stand for prolonged periods, bend at the knees to stock shelves and carry products around the store.

In demand jobs

Retail is currently one of the highest in demand industries in Australia.

The top 5 retail jobs in Australia include:

  • Sales Assistant (General)
    You can work as a Sales Assistant (General) without formal qualifications. Some on the job training may be provided. A Certificate II or III in Retail might be helpful. Employers look for General Sale Assistants who interact well with others, provide good customer service and are reliable.
  • Retail Manager
    You need retail experience to work as a Retail Manager. While formal qualifications aren’t essential, a Vocational Education and Training (VET) course in retail management or leadership or another related field may be useful. Employers look for Retail Managers who provide good customer service, have strong people skills, are organised and well presented. Employers also value responsible and trustworthy managers.
  • Checkout Operators and Office Cashiers
    You can work as a Checkout Operator or Cashier without formal qualifications. A Certificate I or II in retail services might be helpful. Employers look for Checkout Operators and Office Cashiers who interact well with others, provide good customer service and are reliable.
  • Shelf Fillers aka Night Fillers
    You can work as a Shelf Filler without formal qualifications. Some on the job training may be provided. Employers look for Shelf Fillers who are reliable, hardworking and motivated.
  • Pharmacy Sales Assistant
    You can work as a Pharmacy Sales Assistant without formal qualifications. Some on the job training may be provided. A Certificate II, III or IV in Community Pharmacy might be helpful or a requirement of the role. Employers look for Pharmacy Sales Assistants who can communicate well with a variety of people, can provide good customer service and are well presented.

Additional Retail jobs which are expected to experience strong to moderate growth over the next five years include:

  • Delivery Drivers
    You can work as a Delivery Driver without formal qualifications, however, a Certificate II or III in Driving Operations may be useful. Employers look for Delivery Drivers who are reliable, provide good customer service and can interact well with a variety of people.
  • Service Station Attendants
    You can work as a Service Station Attendant without formal qualifications. Some on the job training may be provided. Employers look for Service Station Attendants who are well presented and provide good customer service.
  • Motor Vehicle and Vehicle Parts Salespersons
    You can work as a Motor Vehicle or Vehicle Parts Salesperson without formal qualifications, however, a Certificate II or III in Automotive Sales or automotive parts interpreting may be useful. Employers look for Motor Vehicle and Vehicle Parts Salespersons who can communicate well with a variety of stakeholders, providing good customer service and who are well presented.
  • Security Officers and Guards
    Some Security Officer or Guard roles require a formal qualification. Employers look for Security Officers and Guards who can connect with others, are trustworthy, responsible and reliable.
  • Purchasing or Supply Logistics Clerks
    You can work as a Purchasing or Supply Logistics Clerk without formal qualifications, however, a formal qualification in logistics, procurement, business, warehousing operations or another related field may be useful. Vocational Education and Training (VET) and university are both common study pathways. Employers look for Purchasing and Supply Logistics Clerks who interact well with others, are organised, trustworthy and responsible.
  • Supply, Distribution and Procurement Managers
    You need extensive experience, or a formal qualification in business management, purchasing, warehousing and distribution or another related field to work as a Supply, Distribution or Procurement Manager. Vocational Education and Training (VET) and university are both common study pathways. Employers look for Supply, Distribution and Procurement Managers who are reliable, organised and can communicate clearly. Employers also value leadership and planning skills.

Access to Retail Training

Although many retail jobs don’t require formal qualifications, undertaking a VET qualification may help you land a job. It may also help you build sought after skills such as; customer service, communication, confidence using point-of-sale technology, business awareness, problem-solving, time management, multi-tasking, self-management and teamwork.

As a registered job seeker, you may qualify for one of the following.

Smart and Skilled

Smart and Skilled is a key part of the NSW vocational education and training system. It’s helping people get the skills they need to find a job and advance their careers.

Smart and Skilled provides eligible students with:

  • an entitlement to government-subsidised training up to and including Certificate III
  • government funding for higher-level courses (Certificate IV and above) in targeted priority areas.

To be eligible for NSW Smart and Skilled funding you must be an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, Australian humanitarian visa holder or New Zealand citizen; 15 years old or over; no longer at school and living or working in NSW.

There are currently 250 Retail Courses available to job seekers under the Smart and Skilled scheme. Browse courses at https://smartandskilled.nsw.gov.au/sands/find-a-course?context=course&searchQuery=retail

The Retail Ready Jobs program

The Retail Ready Jobs Program is a government-funded initiative delivered by the Australian Retailers Association to assist eligible job seekers gain skills and confidence for a successful career in the retail industry.

If you would like to kickstart your career in retail and would like to participate in the next upcoming program, contact your Global Skills Employment Consultant or email lgraves@globalskills.com.au

Want to know more?

If you would like more information on working in the Retail Industry or training/employment opportunities available now, please contact your Global Skills Employment Consultant.

Sources: joboutlook.gov.au, yourcareer.gov.au, Labour Market Information Portal, National Skills Commission, https://smartandskilled.nsw.gov.au/