The Warehouse Stationery Blue Shirts in Schools Gateway training is designed to give students a great opportunity to get hands-on experience of what it’s like to work in the exciting retail industry, and make helpful professional contacts for when they leave school. The programme is a partnership between ServiceIQ and The Warehouse Stationery. 

There are many different roles in the retail and retail supply chain industry, from customer service, stock management, in-store merchandising, to supervisors, store managers and regional managers. Many employers also offer staff the opportunity to train on job, gain qualifications and advance their career by moving up into supervisor and management roles.

On leaving school, many students who have participated in The Warehouse Stationery Blue Shirt in Schools Gateway training have gone on to develop their skills and build careers with New Zealand’s popular retailer.

How it works

The Warehouse Stationery Blue Shirts in Schools Gateway Programme involves 10 day’s work experience over 10 weeks and is available through participating retailer around the country.

The training is made up of a set menu of credits which students can put towards a nationally recognised New Zealand Certificate in Retail. They also gain a Customer Service Award Certificate.

Each student will receive customised learning resources, and will be supported by a coordinator who works with store management to ensure they get a good understanding of the rewards and challenges of a retail career. Coordinators set clear development plans, provide inductions for students, assess students’ work and keep in touch with schools in their region.

 

Benefits for students

Students who successfully complete the training will have gained:

• get an introduction to an exciting career in retail

• gain credits towards a nationally recognised qualification

• get real experience in a real workplace

• enjoy the camaraderie from working as part of a team

• learn great industry skills and knowledge essential for a retail career

• learn in a fully supportive environment.