Retail & Tourism Industry The retail sector (like many others in the Mackay region) is currently experiencing a significant staff shortage. With a number of new retail precincts under development in the Mackay region, the retail sector is continuing to grow, increasing the demand for retail staff even further.
The Retail Employment Partnership Project
The Retail Employment Partnership is an initiative of Regional Economic Development Corporation (REDC) and Lend Lease (managers of Caneland Central) aimed at attracting new staff to the industry, increasing the number of school-based retail trainees, providing great training opportunities for new and existing staff and promoting career pathways within the retail industry.
Why choose a career in retail?
Choosing a career is not always easy, especially for people who aren’t sure exactly what it is they want to do. However, for anyone who enjoys interacting regularly with the public, often times showing off the latest products or fashions, retail may be just the answer.
So for anyone looking for a job opportunity that provides customer interaction and the opportunity for growth and stimulation, here are a four great reasons to consider the retail industry.
1. Flexibility
While having a university degree is always a plus in the world of work, it isn’t a prerequisite to enter the retail field. In fact, retailing is a great profession for students who want to work part-time while attending school or for busy mums and dads trying to juggle work and family, because it offers the flexibility that they require: both in terms of hours worked and background and work experience.
2. Perks
How can anyone overlook the perks that working in retail can offer? Aside from the on-the-job training offered, working for a retail company that offers the kinds of products the job seeker regularly buys can go a long way in making the work environment an enjoyable one. Add to that the employee discounts, which most retailers offer, and it could be a match made in heaven.
3. Variety
When most people think of retail, they think only of the sales associates out on the floor stocking shelves or working the register. In fact, retail offers a much larger range of opportunities. For individuals with management aspirations, there may be programs available for management training. Someone might start in the retail outlet working as a sales clerk before progressing into management positions such as assistant manager, manager, district manager or corporate positions in marketing, merchandising or buying.
Retail is also a great option for those with university qualifications as many retail outlets have established career progression paths all the way up to head office.
4. Opportunities
According to recent statistics, Retail is the second largest industry employer in the Mackay-Isaac-Whitsunday region, employing almost 8,000 people. That means there are a lot of employers as well as jobs and careers to choose from.
Though many job seekers today have a misconception that jobs in retail pay low and lack growth potential, the fact is that retail offers more than just cashier and sales associate positions.
Positions in the retail field may involve information technology, marketing, and communications as well as loss prevention, finance, and merchandising. That’s why it is important to keep in mind that retail may be the right field for that next career move.
How do I get involved?
If you are interested in working in retail, there are several ways to get involved.
1. School-based traineeship
Are you currently in Year 10, 11 or 12? Would you like to earn money whilst working towards a Certificate II Retail? Would you like qualifications that provide you with sought-after skills and increased job security?
Click here for more information
2. Work-readiness programs
Have you been out of the workforce for a while and not sure how to get back in? Would you like assistance with improving your confidence, job-search and interview techniques, training and on-the-job work experience?
Click here for more information
3. Retail certificate training
Would you like to change careers? Looking for something more flexible? Perhaps you’re already in the industry and would like qualifications to match your skills?
Click here for more information
4. Search for a job
Are you ready to look for work? Ready to explore all that the retail industry has to offer?
Click here for a list of retailers
Click here to search for jobs
