SLES Program · Retail
Retail & Shop Assistant Lab
Gain real retail experience by performing practical tasks in a structured shop environment.
Program overview
Retail & Shop Assistant Lab is a structured, hands-on program designed to simulate a retail store environment. Participants engage in practical tasks such as stocking shelves, organising products, assisting customers, and maintaining store presentation. The program focuses on building real-world retail and customer service skills in a supportive setting, helping participants understand workplace expectations, routines, and responsibilities within a shop environment.
Why it helps
A practical introduction to retail in a structured, supportive setting. Participants gain transferable skills that can support pathways into retail, customer service, and supported employment opportunities.
What participants gain
- Confidence in a retail-style environment
- Communication & customer interaction skills
- Organising and managing products
- Understanding workplace routines & expectations
- Greater independence in completing structured tasks
What you'll cover
Retail tasks
- Shelf stocking and replenishment
- Product sorting and organisation
- Labelling and basic pricing
Customer interaction
- Greeting customers
- Assisting with simple enquiries
- Communication and active listening
Store presentation
- Maintaining clean and organised displays
- Visual arrangement of products
- Understanding presentation standards
Workplace roles
- Shop assistant
- Stock assistant
- Customer service support
Teamwork & routine
- Working in small teams
- Following instructions
- Completing tasks within timeframes
How it runs
Length
10-week term-based program. Participants can continue into other programs over time.
Each week
2 sessions per week, 5 hours per session, in a supportive small group.
A typical session
Structured learning and practical activities, with facilitated breaks built in.
Breaks
A 45-minute lunch break and two 15-minute tea/coffee breaks — all supervised and facilitated to support social interaction and peer engagement.
Programs are delivered as non-accredited employment and skills development programs.
About
School Leaver Employment Support (SLES)
Structured pathways supporting independence, confidence, and workplace readiness.
About the program
The School Leaver Employment Support (SLES) Program is designed to support NDIS participants and school leavers in developing practical life, community, and employment skills through structured, hands-on learning experiences.
Programs focus on building confidence, communication, independence, teamwork, workplace participation, and community engagement in supportive real-world and simulated environments.
Program structure
Participants enrol into structured 10-week term-based programs and may continue progressing through multiple programs over time based on their goals, interests, and support needs.
Programs are delivered in supportive small-group environments with practical learning activities, workplace simulations, community participation, and routine-based skill development.
Participant outcomes
Participants may develop:
- Workplace confidence and communication skills
- Teamwork and social interaction skills
- Independence and daily living skills
- Community participation and travel confidence
- Workplace readiness and employability skills
- Confidence participating in structured learning environments