retail modern

apprenticeship programme

“We saw the apprenticeship as an investment in our business,

so that time spent would help our customers and our

business as well as help the apprentice.”

Telecommunications Retailer

What is the Modern Apprenticeship Programme?

The Modern Apprenticeship programme is a government funded, work-based training programme for young people from the ages of 16 to 21. It is designed to increase your business while training the next generation. The Modern Apprenticeship programme aims to make it easier for employers to recruit and train talented young staff and train them to eventually be supervisors or managers.

Modern Apprentices are supported in their training by a Modern Apprenticeship Coordinator from the Retail Institute. The coordinator mentors and supports the apprentice through to completion of their qualification by providing support, advice and ensuring continuity of employment.

Benefits of having a Modern Apprentice:

• Staffretention: The duration of the programme requires staff to commit to your business.

• Moreconfidentstaff: As your staff progress through the Modern Apprenticeship, you will see their skills, competencies and confidence grow. They will be more knowledgeable about the store’s products and customers.

• Minimisepotentiallosses:Staff will be efficient in everything they do and learn about effective stock control, minimising potential losses and giving great customer service.

Getting your staff into workplace learning makes dollars and sense.

It is to every employer’s

advantage to have a

skilled workforce, and an

environment that supports

and encourages employees to

strive for higher goals. This

will be reflected in productivity

- and your bottom line.

The training takes place through a number of ways.

The Retail Institute provides a trainer pack containing the training material to the manager. The manager works through the material with the apprentice. The Modern Apprentice also receives Retail Institute workbooks to work through. See next page for a break down of the Retail Institute’s training material.

In addition, funding for the programme can be used to put the Modern Apprentice on external courses.

How does the training take place?

Who is suitable?

The Modern Apprenticeship is government funded for people from the ages of 16 to 21. It offers young people the chance to start a career in retail.

Modern Apprentices are motivated young New Zealanders. A typical modern apprentice is keen to learn, enjoys putting theory into practice on the job and is eager to prove themself in your industry.

Older than 21?

There is scope for people older than 21 to become Modern Apprentices. Talk to your Retail Institute Training Adviser about other options available to your employees.

Every Modern Apprentice has a coordinator, who will be there to support them throughout their apprenticeship. The coordinator will keep in regular contact and help keep your apprentice on track.

The coordinator will be there to answer any questions you or your apprentice might have.

Formal quarterly review meetings will take place at least four times a year. You will meet with your apprentice and Modern Apprenticeship Coordinator to review your apprentice’s progress towards achieving the objectives set in their training plan.

What is a Modern Apprenticeship Coordinator?

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Selecting a workplace mentor

A workplace mentor is somebody within the business who can show the Modern Apprentice the practical skills required for their training. It might be a store manager, department supervisor, or an experienced staff member.

The workplace mentor should have regular contact with the Modern Apprentice, so they can observe them applying their skills and offer advice and guidance.

How can I support my apprentice?

Verification

When the apprentice has completed each part of their training they will need to be assessed on what they have learned. They will need a verifier to confirm that they have the skills and knowledge for which you are being assessed.

verification is a common practice in workplace assessment and is usually in the form of a document signed by someone to verify that a trainee can complete a particular task or has some particular skills.

A verifier can be, a manager, supervisor, trainer, Modern Apprentice Coordinator, assessor or someone who regularly observes the apprentice in a normal working environment

The verifier will be required to: • Observetheapprenticeatwork• Commentontheirobservations• Signtheverificationsheetstoconfirmthatthe

apprentice consistently perform tasks to the required standard

• Confirmprocessesthattakeplaceintheworkplace.

Acknowledge achievement

The Modern Apprentice will be working through the material and achieving unit standards regularly. The best motivator to keep your Modern Apprentice on track is to acknowledge their hard work when they complete assessments.

Resources

Provide your Modern Apprentice with information and documents about your company policies and procedures. The Modern Apprentice will be able to see how legislation and health and safety are managed within your company.

‘The programme helps develop people and recognises that retailing is a great skill and a trade. My staff have matured and have shown a great degree of “stickability” since completing.’

Hardware Retailer

For more information the apprenticeship programme please contact the Retail Institute on 0800486738

a retail modern apprentice

chelsea furniss

Chelsea Furniss believes the Retail Modern Apprenticeship has helped her immensely at her job with Spex Eyewear.’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,’ she says.

‘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 focused on customer service, instore displays and learning about the products.’

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 when singing in front 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.’

Discover the difference that a young person with the right attitude, ability and motivation can make to your team - and your bottom line.

0800 486 738Level 8, Willbank House57WillisStreet,POBox24-341Wellington 6142

TEL 04 499 3078FAX 04 499 3079info@retailinstitute.org.nzwww.retailinstitute.org.nz