College students win with retail skills

Brisbane Water Secondary College students have won the Year 12 Aisle Maintenance section of the Retail Skills Showcase, at Erina Fair, on June 13 and 14.

The Woy Woy Campus students were led by retail teacher Ms Linda Langmaid.

The event was staged by Youth Connections.

Close to 300 students from 12 different schools and one TAFE campus took part in the event, which was open to all students on the Central Coast who were studying Retail Operations for their Higher School Certificate.

Youth Connections career and transition consultant Ms Alison Hood said the event began in 1998 as a result of the growing retail industry in the region.

It provided hands-on industry experience to students, as well as an opportunity to interact with potential future employers.

Youth Connections general manager Ms Maggie MacFie said the showcase had become an integral part of the school calendar and an important opportunity for Retail students.

"Over 80 per cent of young people in the area enter the retail industry as their first profession," Ms MacFie said.

"Employers were calling for workers with industry related skills and experience and the showcase provides this for students.

"The showcase also offers an opportunity for students to display their talent and flair for the industry.

"Last year, one of the participating retailers were so impressed with a student, they offered her a job on the spot."

Students competed in teams representing their schools and participated in a number of activities including visual merchandising, aisle maintenance, cash register communications and sales display.

Press release, 12 Jun 2007 Alison Hood, Youth Connections