16 December 2020

Students will open their own “op shop” to the public and learn the finer points of the retail trade as part of a unique course coming to TAFE NSW Goulburn in 2021.

The Certificate III in Retail Trade is aimed at those looking to gain employment in the retail sector or those considering opening a small retail business.

According to Goulburn Mulwaree Council, 11.2 per cent of Goulburn’s workforce was employed in retail business in 2018/19, higher than the state average.

TAFE NSW Head Teacher of Retail Rae Spackman said the course would provide practical, hands-on skills for students to give them a springboard to a successful career.

“We really want to give students the opportunity to think outside the square and build a point of difference for a successful business,” Ms Spackman said.

“This is as much about arming prospective business owners with the skills to open their own retail store as it is about supporting current businesses to upskill their staff.”

Students will open and operate an “op shop” at the TAFE NSW Goulburn campus called Upcycle Your Look, with branding, marketing, operating hours, pricing, customer service and offering a point of difference all in the hands of the class.

To ensure the store is not competing with existing “op shops” such as Vinnies, all profits will be distributed to a charity chosen by students. Stock for the store will be donated by TAFE NSW staff members.

The course runs for 18 weeks with students attending classes for 16 hours per week.

Goulburn Chamber of Commerce president Darrell Weekes welcomed the new course, saying it would help bolster the region’s retail capability at a time

“A course like this is absolutely needed in Goulburn because anything that can help the local retail sector attract customers and remain relevant is critical,” Mr Weekes said.

“In an increasingly digital marketplace, a business’s reputation can be destroyed in an instant and retailers need to do everything in their power to provide an exceptional offer.”

To find out more about studying Certificate III in Retail at TAFE NSW Goulburn, phone 13 16 01 or visit www.tafensw.edu.au.

Media contact: Daniel Johns, TAFE NSW Media and Communications – Business Partner, 6938 1441, mobile 0477 722 428.