8 December 2022

Tamworth teenager Chloe Vassallo is encouraging other students to get a head start on their dream career while still at school by undertaking TAFE-delivered Vocational Education and Training (TVET).

The 16-year-old Oxley High School student is studying the Certificate III in Retail at TAFE NSW Tamworth and has already secured employment from her first work placement.

“My first goal was to get a job in retail, and I hope to work my way up in the industry and maybe open my own store one day,” said Chloe, who works as a sales assistant at Ghanda Clothing in Tamworth.

“I chose the Certificate III in Retail to evolve my customer service and teamwork skills, and the TAFE NSW course and teachers really helped build my confidence and be open to new experiences.

“My favourite part of the course was the practical assessments, learning to manage real-life situations you’d encounter in the workplace like challenging tasks or customers.”

The Certificate III in Retail teaches students skills like customer service, stock handling and receivals, working effectively in a team and service environment, handling customer complaints, and overcoming other communication barriers. The course also leads to strong job outcomes, with a TAFE NSW report forecasting a 4.5% increase in retail jobs in the region over the next three years.

TAFE NSW Tamworth Retail Teacher Kate Mitrega said along with hands-on experience processing sales, balancing terminals, and building merchandise displays, students learn important transferable skills.

“The Certificate III in Retail has a great variety of content to keep students engaged and a focus on clear communication and personal organisational skills, which is extremely important to locals looking to further their employment opportunities,” said Mrs Mitrega.

“Along with positions in retail, the job-ready skills students learn in the course can be put into practice in many industries, giving TVET students a great foundation as they begin their working lives.”

As Chloe embarks on her retail career, she encourages other Tamworth students to consider undertaking a TVET course to get a head start while still at school.

“Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and enjoy the course,” said Chloe. “You will meet new people and have a lot of fun.”

Media contact: Amy Johnson, TAFE NSW Communications Specialist, phone 02 7921 0354 or email amy.johnson87@tafensw.edu.au