Retail Qualifications Continuum Review
We are reviewing five retail qualifications to align with evolving industry needs, enhance job readiness, and support diverse career pathways across the retail sector.
Timeline & Milestones
March 2025 – November 2025
Initial Development
November 2025 – April 2026
Public and Government Consultation
April 2026 – May 2026
Incorporation of Feedback
June 2026 – October 2026
Senior Officials Check, Submission to the Assurance Body & Assurance Body Consideration
October 2026 - November 2026
Skills Ministers Endorsement & Training Products Published
Draft Training Products
The draft training products are now open for public consultation. Documents and instructions on how to leave feedback can be found on Markup.
For the best experience, please access Markup on a desktop device rather than mobile. Feedback must be received prior to the closing date to be considered.
Public Consultation Period: 17 November 2025 – 29 May 2026.
Project Overview
The retail sector is a major force in Australia’s economy, employing over 1.6 million people. The need for adaptable, multi-skilled professionals has grown as the industry evolves with technology and changing consumer behaviour. However, current qualifications often lag behind industry needs, lacking specialisation and core skills like managing customer aggression.
Stakeholders strongly support this project, emphasising the need for qualifications to better reflect rapid market innovation through a stronger focus on digital skill sets. They also highlighted the importance of developing foundational soft skills—such as cultural competency, communication in an omni-channel environment, managing customer aggression, and effective problem-solving—before graduation.
To address these gaps, this project will deliver a full review and update of the following qualifications:
This project will:
Eliminate duplication
Streamline foundational skills
Introduce specialisation streams
