Retail and personal services
Industry workforce advisory program
Free workforce planning support for Queensland retail and personal services businesses
About industry workforce advisory program
Finding and keeping great staff is one of the biggest challenges facing businesses today.
The Industry Workforce Advisor (IWA) Program provides Queensland retail and personal services businesses with free, tailored workforce planning support to help build stronger, more sustainable teams.
Fully funded by the Queensland Government, the program is designed specifically for small and medium-sized businesses.
Free, practical and tailored to your business.
What is the IWA Program?
The IWA Program helps businesses:
- Attract and retain staff
- Reduce employee turnover
- Identify workforce gaps and future needs
- Improve workplace culture and productivity
- Access grants, incentives and workforce support
- Build a stronger, more sustainable workforce
It’s about ensuring your business has the right people, with the right skills, at the right time.
Why businesses participate?
Businesses use the program to:
- Fill hard-to-recruit roles
- Improve staff retention
- Strengthen leadership capability
- Support business growth
- Plan for future workforce needs
- Create more diverse and inclusive workplaces
How can we help?
Your Industry Workforce Advisor will work directly with your business to:
- Review your current workforce challenges
- Develop a customised workforce plan
- Identify recruitment and retention strategies
- Connect you with grants, funding and workforce initiatives
- Support staff training and development pathways
- Explore diverse workforce opportunities including skilled migration
- Provide practical workforce advice and ongoing support
Who can apply?
The program is available to:
- Queensland retail and personal services businesses
- Small to medium businesses with up to 199 employees
The process - what to expect
2. Workforce consultation
Meet with your Industry Workforce Advisor online, by phone or in person.
3. Tailored workforce plan
Receive practical recommendations specific to your business goals and workforce needs.
4. Connect to support
Access workforce initiatives, funding opportunities, programs and industry connections.
5. Implement and grow
Receive guidance and support as you put your workforce plan into action.
Meet our Industry Workforce Advisor
Victoria Hansen
Industry Workforce Advisor
Australian Retail Council
Victoria is an Industry Workforce Advisor for Retail and Personal Services, helping small and medium-sized businesses build sustainable, compliant workforces and respond effectively to employment challenges. She connects businesses with practical workforce solutions, including government programs, incentives, and funding opportunities.
With over 20 years’ legal experience in the UK and Australia, Victoria brings deep expertise in employment and workplace relations, underpinned by a strong understanding of regulatory and commercial realities. She began her legal career in the United Kingdom practising family law before relocating to Australia and transitioning into industrial relations and employment law advisory roles.
Admitted to the Supreme Court of New South Wales in 2013, Victoria’s experience spans industry advisory roles, private practice, and the public sector, including serving as an Associate to Commissioner Black at the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission. She has advised organisations of all sizes across multiple industries, with a particular focus on retail and fast food.
For more information, contact Victoria at: Victoria.Hansen@retail.org.au
Register your interest
Build a stronger workforce with free expert support tailored to your business.
Complete the employer questionnaire to register your interest and connect with our team today.
