- Units
- Retail Services Curriculum Framework — 240 indicative hours (2 units in each of Year 11 and Year 12)
- Course type
- Board Developed (VET)
- Exclusions
- Nil
- Group
- VET course — choose one — Business Services or Retail Services
The Retail Services Curriculum Framework is based on the nationally endorsed SIR Retail Services Training Package. It is a dual-accredited course: students work towards an AQF qualification as well as the HSC.
Course description
Students who complete the full 240-hour course and are assessed as competent in all required units work towards SIR30216 Certificate III in Retail. Students assessed as competent in some units receive an AQF Statement of Attainment showing partial completion.
This course suits students interested in a career in the retail environment, retail management, marketing, advertising and finance.
Course structure
Year 11 Preliminary · 2027
- Safety (mandatory) — Contribute to workplace health and safety
- Working in the Industry (mandatory) — Work effectively in a service environment; Work effectively in a team
- Elective units — organise and maintain the store environment; advise on products and services
Year 12 HSC · 2028
- Customer Service (mandatory) — Engage the customer; Assist with customer difficulties; Build customer relationships and loyalty
- Sales and Security (mandatory) — Sell to the retail customer; Follow point-of-sale procedures; Identify and respond to security risks
- Elective units — receive and handle retail stock; produce visual merchandise displays; balance and secure point-of-sale terminal
Work placement
- NESA requires a minimum of 70 hours of work placement. Work placement is a mandatory component of the course and must be completed prior to the HSC examination — typically 35 hours during each student’s own Year 11 and 35 hours during their own Year 12.
- All VET students need to obtain a Unique Student Identifier (USI) so that their qualifications can be recognised nationally (usi.gov.au).
Assessment
This course is competency-based and student performance is assessed against a prescribed industry standard, using a variety of oral, written and practical methods. Students are given a number of opportunities to demonstrate competence across the range of units, with both formal and informal assessment events occurring throughout Years 11 and 12.
HSC examination
There is no compulsory HSC examination in Retail Services — students are still eligible for the HSC. The four mandatory focus areas (Customer Service, Safety, Working in the Industry, Sales and Security) are examinable if a student chooses to sit the optional HSC examination (a written paper of multiple-choice, short-answer and extended-response items).
Pathways to further study
Course outcomes are recognised by TAFE and other Registered Training Organisations. Students who gain Certificate III in Retail may move directly into the next qualification level with another training provider, and the 240 hours completed may also be credited against a related traineeship.