The Certificate II in Retail Services class at Newstead College got just that experience this term when they were set the task of starting and running an op shop for the school.

The idea came about after teacher Sharon Turner thought her students needed some hands-on experience in their classes.

They were asked to collect clothes for the shop from the school community, sort them, price them and learn how to handle the money.

Year 12 student Meg McCullagh, 18, said it had been fun getting a real experience of working within the retail sector.

“Now I’ve got more confidence in approaching people and handling money as well, which is pretty important,” Meg said.

“This has been a lot better than sitting at a desk writing things down because you don’t really get that proper experience.” 

All money made from the op shop will go to a local charity of the student’s choice.