A TAFE NSW Ultimo student has made the leap into a flourishing visual merchandising career with a global company, with the help of TAFE NSW’s industry connections and job-ready training.  

The retail industry in Australia is booming, employing more than one million people across the country.

The demand for visual merchandising roles is also high, with over 600 vacant positions currently advertised on Seek in NSW alone.

TAFE NSW is helping meet demand for skilled visual merchandisers, preparing students with the practical, hands-on knowledge needed to excel in the booming workforce.

One such student already achieving success is 27-year-old Oli Whale, who is currently completing her Diploma of Visual Merchandising at TAFE NSW Ultimo.

While still completing her study, Oli has secured employment with global visual merchandising company, Dashing Group, with the help of her TAFE NSW teacher’s industry connections.

Oli’s teacher put her forward for a freelancing role with the company, after Dashing Group representatives gave a presentation at TAFE NSW Ultimo.

After a competitive interview process, Oli was successful in securing the position and has already completed her first project with the group, working on prop development and handcrafting on window displays for a for a well-known Australian brand, in the busy Sydney CBD.

“Working on a huge project for an iconic Australian brand straight out of the gate was a bit daunting but my training at TAFE NSW equipped me with the skills I needed to jump straight in,” said Oli.

“I used to decorate the windows in my mum’s cake shop in Neutral Bay, so to now be working on windows in the middle of Sydney’s busiest shopping strip feels surreal.”

“I’ll finish my study at TAFE NSW in June and I’m excited to see where my career takes me. To already be employed before I have even finished studying is a dream come true.”

TAFE NSW Visual Merchandising Teacher Jane Laing put Oli forward for the position with Dashing Group and emphasises the importance of ensuring students are gaining job-ready skills.

“At TAFE NSW, we prepare students with the hands-on training they need to be employable and knowledgeable from the outset,” said Jane.

“Our teaching standards are world-class and help ensure students like Oli feel ready to take the next step in their career.

“Working closely with industry also allows us to give our students exposure to real workplaces and job opportunities.

“We couldn’t be prouder of Oli for her work with Dashing Group. It’s rewarding to see TAFE NSW students thrive.”

Media contact: Catherine Johnston, TAFE NSW Communications Specialist, catherine.johnston22@tafensw.edu.au, 0481 007 746