The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) has partnered with the government's Department of Education, Skills and Employment to deliver an employment program.
The ARA Retail Ready Youth PaTH-Way Program will engage 200 young people (15-24) to gain skills and jobs in the retail sector.
The three-step program will identify eligible jobseekers, train them to be retail ready and then connect them with employers to fill vacancies.
The program is funded by the government and supported by retail experienced trainers and mentors from the ARA's Retail Institute.
ARA CEO Paul Zahra said the program will help to address the staff shortage many retailers are experiencing right now.
"There’s around 36,000 job vacancies across the retail industry and many businesses continue to face challenges with staff shortages due to Covid-related issues.
"It’s important we strengthen skills and training opportunities for people starting off their careers, and that’s exactly what the ARA’s Retail Ready Youth PaTH-Way Program will deliver.
"Retail employs more young people than most other industries – it’s where many of us start off our careers, providing Australians with their first employment experience.
"The ARA is committed to providing better job outcomes for young Australians and is proud to be delivering this program which will set people up for a bright and rewarding career in retail," he said.
Retailers who engage with program and trial or employ candidates could be eligible for financial subsidies including a $1000 trial subsidy and a $10,000 wage subsidy to support employment.
Following the pilot program in January, the program began on February 01 2022 and will run to June 30 2022.
The program will be targeted to regions across NSW, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia and Tasmania.