Retail

From sales assistant to buyer, stock control to area manager, there are a range of career opportunities available in the retail industry. Our courses will set you up for a successful career in retail stores, community pharmacies, or online markets.

Study retail

The retail sector is one of Australia's largest employing industries with over 1.2 million workers. While many people may start out with a part time or casual job in the industry, the retail sector offers a number of solid career prospects and the opportunity to tailor your career path to focus on your interests. Employers are looking for qualified candidates who have strong customer service and people skills and a strong work ethic.

TAFE Queensland offers a number of entry-level certificates to get your foot in the door to a retail career. You'll graduate with valuable customer service and sales skills that are transferable to a range of industries.

Career outcomes

Customer service assistant
Retail supervisor
Senior sales assistant
Team leader

Retail courses

Certificate II in Retail Cosmetics

Embark upon a career in retail cosmetics with this entry-level qualification. Gain experience and skills that will help you forge a pathway as a retail sales consultant in the beauty industry.

Careers

Retail Cosmetic Assistant

Part Time : 4 terms

Next Start : 17 Jul 2025

Latest news and events Read more

South Bank Operations Centre hosts Cyber Battle Australia

In an era where digital threats loom large and every click could trigger a breach, cyber security is no longer optional – it's essential.

The Master of Her Own Learning Journey

Astri stepped into the TAFE Queensland classroom with one major goal: connecting with fellow migrants. Before she knew it, she had built a networking community from the ground up.

Scholarship unlocks Dana’s cyber security career

When Dana Louis learned she had received a TAFE Queensland scholarship, she could hardly believe it.

Georgia’s film career takes flight

When Georgia Powell enrolled to study screen and media at TAFE Queensland’s Mt Gravatt campus, she wasn’t sure what would come next - she just knew her career needed a boost.

Sophie kicks goals on and off the field

From chasing football dreams in Tasmania to coaching young players in Brisbane, Sophie Wilson is on a mission to reshape her future in sport - on the pitch and in the classroom.

Leading the way to sustainable jobs and stronger economies

TAFE Queensland’s role in delivery of the Queensland Government’s Regional Economic Futures Fund.

A stroke didn’t stop Therese’s nursing comback

Lying in a hospital bed, paralysed on one side and unable to speak, Therese Stanton had one thought on her mind -"I’m not done yet."

Michael goes from the Air Force to the business of footy

After two decades in the Royal Australian Air Force and playing rugby league internationally, Michael Godfrey is studying to launch his next chapter.

Vivienne creates meaningful change for her mob and community

When Vivienne Nickels talks about her study journey, it’s clear she’s walking with purpose - grounded in culture, driven by community, and focused on creating change.

Pathology, pop quizzes, and the power of partnership

David and Kathlyn Harrison have spent nearly five decades navigating life’s twists and turns together—raising three kids, doting on grandkids, and building careers. But nothing tested their teamwork like enrolling in a Certificate III in Pathology Collection at TAFE Queensland on the Gold Coast.

Grease, grit and proving them wrong!

Breaking away from traditional career paths, husband and wife duo Jesse and Erin Bickford are rewriting the narrative —he’s a registered nurse, while she’s a skilled mechanic, proving stereotypes have no place at their dinner table.

Stanley’s hitting the right note thanks to Back to Work

For as long as he could remember, Stanley Harlen had a dream to share his love of music with young people. After a medical diagnosis and a long journey of self-discovery, the 34-year-old has now achieved his dream and is using his skills and life experience to help young people reach for the stars.