10 June, 2020

A TAFE NSW teacher passionate about reviving the dying art of customer service says staff properly trained in the “personal touch” will be a critical part of helping spark the post-COVID retail revival in Cooma.

It comes as TAFE NSW Cooma launches a fee-free Certificate I in Retail Services to the local community,  one of a suite of fee-free bushfire recovery courses.

TAFE NSW Head Teacher of Supply Chain Rae Spackman said as the local retail economy clawed itself back from a bushfire and COVID-19-induced downturn, customer service was “more important than ever”.

“It’s so important for employees to sincerely engage with customers that  and it’s a skill that can be taught; it’s not all instinctive,” Ms Spackman said.

“There’s a number of awareness campaigns encouraging people to visit bushfire-affected communities and the last thing we want is for tourists to visit businesses and have a bad experience. It won’t leave a positive impression and they’re less likely to return to the area in future.”

The Certificate I in Retail Services is a five-week course that includes just three days of face-to-face learning, with the remainder completed online.

The course, suited to those currently in the retail sector or considering a career in retail, includes units in communicating in the workplace; working effectively in a service environment; and organising personal work requirements.

Cooma Chamber of Commerce Executive Officer Kylie Douch urged local businesses to consider taking advantage of the fee-free course to upskill staff.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to learn new skills at TAFE NSW and there is ample evidence that staff training not only increases skills and knowledge, but also motivates performance in the workplace,” Ms Douch said.

“Employees who successfully engage with their customers provide the ultimate customer experience – and that is what we want the Cooma business sector to be achieving.”

To find out more about the TAFE NSW fee-free bushfire recovery courses, phone 13 16 01 or visit www.tafensw.edu.au/bushfire-relief

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