With the busiest season in retail fast approaching, TAFE NSW has collaborated with Myer Liverpool to design and execute their Christmas display to invigorate the festive spirit within the community.

Students studying a Certificate II and III in Retail at TAFE NSW Miller put the practical skills they have learnt in the classroom to good use, helping Myer employees unpack and display up to six pallets of products over one day.

Christmas retail sales across Australia grew by 2.9 per cent to $51.5 billion last year and are predicted to increase this year. [1]

TAFE NSW Head Teacher in Retail, Susana Morales, said it was a great opportunity for students to learn hands-on skills in the industry.

“Work placements such as this provides our students with industry knowledge and connections as well as equipping them with job-ready skills and more opportunities to be employed,” she said.

“It’s a great way to apply the practical skills they’ve developed during their TAFE NSW course.”

Visual Merchandising manager at Myer Liverpool, Lisa Neale, said it was great to have the help of TAFE NSW students as the Christmas retail season gets into gear.

“This has been a great collaboration where students have been immersed in the industry but have also broadened their skill set, especially leading up to the busiest time of year where there are job opportunities for Christmas casuals,” she said.

“The students have been a big help to us and it’s good to see they are so passionate and motivated to be qualified by TAFE NSW and to get their dream job in retail.”

TAFE NSW student and Cecil Hills resident Simon Wei is studying a Certificate II in Retail at TAFE NSW and said working in collaboration with Myer consolidated what he had learnt in his course.

“The course has made me motivated to work in retail and knowing TAFE NSW has connections to employers like Myer, makes it all the more worth it,” he said.

TAFE NSW has connections to over 25,000 employers. To find out more about courses on offer, visit www.tafensw.edu.au, or call 131 601.

Media contact: Jessica Cortis, TAFE NSW Media and Communications Business Partner, 0456 170 211.