Retail Sales Supervisors and Assistants
Note: Completion of a TAFE SA course does not guarantee an employment outcome. Formal requirements other than educational qualifications (eg licensing, professional registration), may apply to some occupations.
| Job Prospects |
Average: employment for this occupation is expected to grow moderately to 2014-15. |
| Salary Range |
$16,000 to $51,500 |
| Brief |
You're in a funky clothing boutique and you just can't decide what looks best. The retail sales staff are there to make your decision easier.
There are currently around 23,300 retail sales supervisors and assistants working in South Australia. Employment is largely full-time with most working in the Retail Trade industry. Majority of persons in this occupation are males and the median age for those employed in this occupation is 40 years. |
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TAFE SA courses that may be relevant for: Retail Sales Supervisors and Assistants
Accredited (Award)
Short
Introduction
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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Education Requirements
Entry into this occupation is generally through completion of compulsory secondary education or higher qualification. Of those currently employed 19% have either Certificate III or Certificate IV; 8% have Bachelor degrees; 7% have an Advanced Diploma or Diploma and 59% 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 and III in Retail
Certificate II and III in Retail (Specialising in Fashion)
Certificate IV and Diploma of Retail Management
Certificate IV and Diploma of Retail Management (Specialising in Fashion)
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 such as Intro into Visual Merchandising.
Career Path
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.
Industry
Retail Trade
Interview
To be updated.
Nature of the Job
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.
Typical Physical Working Environment
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.
Typical Occupational Example
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.
Earning Potential
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.
Further Information
For further information about all TAFE SA Courses, phone 1800 882 661 or enquire online