The Retail Ready Jobs Program: A different approach to hiring

The Retail Ready Jobs Program is a government-funded initiative under Smart and Skilled funding. This Program focuses on building the skills and capabilities of applicants to ensure they are equipped to meet the needs of retailers.

The Program provides an entry-level employment pathway for people into the retail industry. The combination of knowledge-based, four-week, and one-day training, and an additional two weeks of practical work placement, provides the opportunity for applicants to learn new skills on the job that are required to get employed. Applicants are also offered work placement opportunities through our broad network of national retailers.

The Australian Retailers Association as the lead industry body and retail training provider with 7500+ industry members, place the students within large and medium-sized retail businesses across the country to provide the opportunity for retailers to trial students for the positions at no cost!

Our trainers are experts in retail who provide training across both metropolitan and rural areas, giving everyone the chance to have a thriving career in retail. Learn more about how the training sessions are run, and some of the successful job outcomes from one of our trainers:

“Hurstville, NSW was one of the first remote learning groups to commence in lock down due to COVID- 19. The training was facilitated via Zoom with daily sessions at 10 am and 2 pm. The students were engaged and quickly adapted to the training and assessment style. We would meet face-to-face every Monday to collect assessments and complete role-plays. This was a great way for the students to build rapport with each other.

Five students successfully completed their assessments and commenced work experience. Out of the five students, one student, Josie, was offered a casual position at Baby Bunting. Other students, Rokoya and Catherine, were offered casual positions at Spotlight, while student, Yiqun, was offered a casual position at Coles. All students are enthusiastic about entering the work environment.” – ARA Retail Trainer.

If you'd like to find out more about how the Retail Ready Jobs program can help you find the right employee for your business, fill in your candidate requirements here.

If you need any assistance with your application, don’t hesitate to email us at training@retail.org.au or call us on 1300 368 041