NEWS AND EVENTS
Christchurch Winner of the Retail Modern Apprentice Award 2008 Announced
02 October 2008
"I am a good role model for people working in the retail industry. I have been in the top four sales figures since starting work. I am quickly excelling in my retail environment and will continue to do so." says Nicholas Kissel, from the RockShop, winner of the Christchurch region Top Shop Retail Modern Apprentice of the Year 2008.
Last night at the Hotel Grand Chancellor the winner for the Christchurch Top Shop Awards was announced. 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 is extend 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 him in the retail industry as he strives to be the branch manager at the Christchurch Rockshop "I show all the skill, drive, knowledge and capability to be a branch manager and this is my goal and I will continue to work towards it until I achieve it." 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.
Nicholas will be attending the overall Retail Modern Apprentice of the Year event at the final Top Shop Awards in Hamilton. There he will have a chance to win an Outward Bound learning experience and the title of New Zealand's Retail Modern Apprentice of the Year 2008.
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 " it is easy and flexible learning which will give me the skills and certificates I need to move myself higher in my job. 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."
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.
