NEWS AND EVENTS
Eyes on the prize - Napier retailer wins Retail Modern Apprentice award
15 October 2008
On Wednesday night at the Kingsgate Hotel the winners of the Waikato Top Shop Awards were announced. Chelsea Furniss from Spex Eyewear Napier, won the Retail Modern Apprentice of the Year category, a new category at the awards, 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. Chelsea won the award because of her strong commitment to the retail industry.
"During Chelsea's two years with Spex Eyewear her performance, motivation and retail skills have improved immensely." Says her manager Terri Coates. "Chelsea has worked hard to maintain her skills base and is focussed on customer service, instore displays and learning about the products."
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.
"The Retail Modern Apprenticeship has helped me immensely. I have learnt so much since starting the programme. It has given me skills and knowledge to draw from when working. The course encourages you to use the information in very practical situations." Says Chelsea.
Chelsea's passion for fashion drew her to the retail industry. "I love being surrounded by the latest styles". Chelsea's passion has allowed her to be in charge of window displays which have been finalists in Hawkes Bay Inner city marketing competition.
The Retail Modern Apprenticeship has also helped Chelsea in other areas of her life. "It has given me confidence in my work, which in turn has helped me feel more relaxed in singing in from of people etc. It has also given me a sense of purpose for the meantime, which is always good, knowing you are working towards something."
