NEWS AND EVENTS
Christchurch Rocker Wins National Retail Modern Apprentice Award
16 October 2008
"Winning the Retail Modern Apprenticeship is a big honour and proves to myself and other retailers, that hard work pays off and is recognised." says Nicholas Kissel, from the Manchester St RockShop, winner of the Top Shop Retail Modern Apprentice of the Year 2008.
Nicholas believes he is a good role model for people working in the retail industry and has been in the top four sales figures since starting work. "I am quickly excelling in my retail environment." he says.
Nicholas won the Christchurch region Retail Modern Apprentice of the Year and travelled to Hamilton for the overall event, on the 15th of October at the Kingsgate Hotel in Hamilton. He was joined by the regional winners from Auckland, Wellington and Hamilton.
The Retail Modern Apprentice of the Year is a new category, sponsored by the Retail Institute. The award is designed to recognise committed retailers on the Retail Modern Apprenticeship programme focussed on upskilling themselves to be the future managers and supervisors of their stores. The award is unique because it is the only one that recognises individuals as opposed to retail stores.
Nicholas has a huge passion for the apprenticeship, the retail industry and drumming. His passion has extended to his job where he has been promoted to specialising in the Hi-Tech department as well as the Drum Department.
Nicholas sees a bright future for himself in the retail industry as he strives to be the branch manager at the Christchurch Rockshop. "This is my goal and I am working towards it. The apprenticeship has given me the skills and certificates I need to move higher in my job." he says. To help him in his quest he has won the opportunity to complete The National Certificate in Retail Level 4, the Retail Management Certificate. He has also won an Outward Bound learning experience.
The Retail Modern Apprenticeship programme is developed by Retail Institute and supported by the government. It is a work-based training programme for young ambitious staff that is designed to help businesses develop new or existing staff.
Nicholas thinks the apprenticeship has really helped him "I have learnt a much more in-depth approach to retail, customer satisfaction and gained a large amount of knowledge on how to better myself at my job, my responsibilities and keeping customers happy consistently." He says.
Having an apprentice is a good way for businesses to succession plan, retain staff, and put formal training systems into their workplace. The apprentice gains skills, confidence, knowledge and qualifications.
