Retail Assistant Courses
A Retail Assistant supports customers in shops or department stores by answering inquiries, processing payments, and monitoring stock levels.
AI Exposure
Medium

AI exposure data adapted from Felten, Raj & Seamans (2021). Shortage data sourced from Jobs and Skills Australia (2024).
View all courses
How do I become a Retail Assistant
Get qualified to work as a Retail Assistant with a course recognised across Australia. Speak to a training provider to learn more.
SIR30216
Duration
2 weeks - 24 months
Study mode
Apprenticeship, Blended, Distance, On Campus, Online, RPL, Traineeship
The Certificate III in Retail (SIR30216) is perfect for students seeking roles in places like shops, specialty retailers, supermarkets, and department stores. Student begin their studies with the safety aspects of the retail workplace, learning how to identify and respond to security risks.
This course has a strong focus on interpersonal skills and selling, so students graduate confidently able to engage with customers, sell products and services, assist with customer complaints, and be an effective membe...
Career opportunities
Duration
2 weeks - 24 months
Study mode
Apprenticeship, Blended, Distance, On Campus, Online, RPL, Traineeship
Find a provider
22473VIC
Duration
4 months - 24 months
Study mode
Blended, On Campus, Online
The 22473VIC Certificate II in General Education for Adults is a nationally recognised qualification that prepares you for the workplace or academic studies. If you missed a lot of school or didn’t have access to consistent teaching, this is the course for you. You’ll establish career goals, assemble a portfolio, learn how to research a project — and gain other real work skills in reading, writing, public speaking, maths calculations. PLEASE NOTE: this course also has a module of defence force entrants.
...
Career opportunities
Duration
4 months - 24 months
Study mode
Blended, On Campus, Online
Find a provider
SIR10116
Duration
1 week - 12 months
Study mode
Blended, On Campus, Online, Traineeship
The Certificate I in Retail Services SIR10116 is an entry level certificate for students or new workers needing the basic skills to work with customers in a shop or other retail service environment. The course gives students the opportunity to plan a career in retail while gaining an understanding of teamwork, their personal work responsibilities, and how to use digital technologies. Enquire today for a unit list and funding opportunities.
Career opportunities
Duration
1 week - 12 months
Study mode
Blended, On Campus, Online, Traineeship
Find a provider
SHB20121
Duration
3 weeks - 24 months
Study mode
Blended, On Campus, RPL, Traineeship
Would you would love a job at a pharmacy, department store, or salon selling cosmetics? How about the SHB20121 Certificate II in Retail Cosmetics? This nationally recognised qualification will teach you how to recommend and sell beauty products, skincare products, and cosmetics. During your course you will learn how to design and apply makeup, create merchandising displays, communicate with customers, and carry out financial transactions. There is even scope to use Facebook and Instagram as sales tools. E...
Career opportunities
Duration
3 weeks - 24 months
Study mode
Blended, On Campus, RPL, Traineeship
Find a provider
View all
Related career opportunities
Browse occupations related to Retail Assistant.
Common questions

How much does a Retail Assistant earn?
In Australia, a full time Retail Assistant generally earns $1,200 per week ($62,400 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.

What are the job opportunities for a Retail Assistant?
This industry has seen a decrease in employment numbers in recent years. There are currently 474,000 people employed as a Retail Assistant in Australia compared to 519,600 five years ago. Retail Assistants may find work across all regions of Australia.
Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights

How do I become a Retail Assistant?
If you’re interested in a career as a Retail Assistant, consider enrolling in a Certificate II in Retail. You’ll develop a range of skills required in a retail environment such as communication, personal presentation and responding to security risks. You could also specialise your skills with a Certificate II in Retail Services (Food Speciality) or a Certificate II in Retail Cosmetics.
Choose a field of study

Take control of your career in the fast-moving retail sector by studying an accredited retail qualification. Start today!
All courses

If you have a creative mind and enjoy developing visual displays, a course in merchandising could give your retail career a kick start. Education pathways for domestic and international students.
Career opportunities
View all

Specialise in Retail Operations, where you can drive customer satisfaction and retail store efficiency. Education pathways for domestic and international students.
Career opportunities
View all
All courses
More information
A Retail Assistant helps customers in a retail environment such as a small shop or large department store. You might assist with enquiries, provide advice on products or services or process payment transactions. Retail Assistants may also create promotional displays and monitor stock levels. You might sell a range of products at your workplace or specialise in a particular type of product or service.
Retail Assistants should enjoy interacting with people and have excellent customer service skills. It’s important that you can communicate well with customers and work as part of a team. Depending on their workplace, Retail Assistants may have to work on weekends, at night or on public holidays.