Jewellery star rising to the challenge

Rising jewellery sales extraordinaire Kirsty Barrow (22) has recently been selected as a regional finalist in this year’s Retail Modern Apprentice of the Year Awards.

The Retail Modern Apprentice of the Year Awards recognise the hard work young retail apprentices put into developing a career in retail, an industry which is often overlooked for its career opportunities. This year the competition was tough with many quality apprentices nominated.

Kirsty has been employed as a Senior Sales Assistant with Onehunga Jewellers for just over one year. She expresses that working with jewellery is her passion and that the Retail Modern Apprenticeship has helped her progress her knowledge and understanding of working in a retail environment. Kirsty gives examples of how her skills development has benefited her store; “This year I have implemented a stock inventory system and also taken on the accounts within the business” she says.

When asked what she enjoys about working in retail, she says that “I love helping my customers find the perfect solution for their needs, whether it be repairs, gifts or something for themselves. I get a great satisfaction from problem solving and thinking outside the box to fulfil unexpected requests”.

Over the past year, Kirsty has completed a Coloured Stone Essentials & Jewellery Essentials diploma from the Gemmological Institute of America, all while working on her Retail Modern Apprenticeship programme. The diploma has allowed Kirsty to assume the title of Accredited Jewellery Professional.
Kirsty’s employer, Christine van Gisbergen, does not hesitate to outline how valuable Kirsty is to her business, “She is enthusiastic, reliable, teachable, and a pleasure to have as a team player” she says. Christine is also very impressed with the way Kirsty is able to build strong relationships with both customers and suppliers.

One of the store’s suppliers, Marc Bowden from Fossil, comments on his experience of Kirsty, praising her ability to “confidently and successful provide a high level of service to all customers makes her a huge asset to Onehunga Jewellers. She demonstrates incredible product knowledge and impressive versatility in all sales scenarios”. Marc adds that he has “personally experienced her professional growth and I am fortunate to have someone with her skill set endorsing and selling my product”.

Retail Modern Apprentice of the Year
The Retail Modern Apprentice of the Year competition recognises the hard work retail apprentices put into developing a career in retail, an industry which is often overlooked for its career opportunities.

This year Retail Institute received a record number of nominations. The competition is open to anyone who is completing a Retail Modern Apprenticeship. To enter, apprentices are nominated by their employer, themselves or anyone else who has recognised the contribution they are making in the business they work for.

The next stage for these finalists includes submitting a profile form and being mystery shopped by Market Pulse International. They will be looking for good customer service, communication skills and product knowledge. A judging panel will then select the winners, which will be announced at the regional TOP SHOP® Gala awards dinners, around the country.

Nominations are then reviewed and apprentices’ academic achievements are evaluated to narrow it down to regional finalists. Finalists are then mystery shopped by Market Pulse International. Once the mystery shopping results are received, a judging panel selects the regional winners and an overall winner. Regional winners are announced at the NZRA TOP SHOP® Awards held throughout New Zealand, and the overall winner announced at the Auckland awards.

The Retail Modern Apprenticeship programme
The Retail Modern Apprenticeship programme is a government funded, work-based training programme for people between the ages of 16 and 21. The programme aims to make it easier for employers to recruit and train talented young staff, and develop the next generation of retail professionals. During the three year programme apprentices complete three training modules aimed at increasing their general abilities as well as achieving National Certificate’s in Retail at Levels 2 and 3. Apprentices are supported by Retail Institute and a coordinator who mentors them.