Countdown SEEDS Programme
Open the door to a career in Retail!
Retail is an exciting career choice with loads of possibilities – from helping customers, stock management, marketing, to running a store.
SEEDS (Students Entering Employment Developing Skills) is a Gateway Programme that gives students a chance to get valuable work experience in supermarket retail and help make the transition from school into a career.
Students will gain credits that can be used towards a nationally recognised New Zealand Certificate in Retail. This could also lead to a career in retail or a pathway into a butchery or bakery apprenticeship. They’ll be supported all the way and learn important skills in line with industry standards including: customer service; personal presentation; food safety; product knowledge and teamwork.


How it works
Students will receive customised learning resources, clear development plans and their work will be assessed by the ServiceIQ coordinator who also keeps their school up-to-date with progress.
Benefits for students
-
Get an introduction to an exciting career in supermarket 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.
Programme details
The SEEDS Programme is made up of 19 credits covering the fundamentals in customer service identified by the industry as essential for the retail workplace. The programme involves 10 days’ work experience over 10 weeks, plus pre-workplace support.
It costs $450 +GST ($500 +GST from 01 January 2019) per student and results in a SEEDS Countdown certificate. The certificate is made up of a set menu of credits (see below) which can be used towards a nationally recognised New Zealand Certificate in Retail.
As part of Countdown SEEDS package each student will receive:
- a 10 week work placement with Countdown
- learning resources and assessment materials
- coaching support and assessment through a dedicated coordinator.
Menu
(Theory for 11971 and 20666 needs to be completed prior to entering the store)
| Unit | Unit standard title | Level | Credits |
|
9677 |
Communicate in a team or a group which has an objective |
2 | 3 |
|
11968 |
Demonstrate and apply knowledge of legislation applicable to sale of good and services | 2 | 4 |
|
11971 |
Use safe work practices in a retail environment under supervision | 2 | 3 |
|
20666 |
Demonstrate basic knowledge of contamination hazards and control methods used in a food business |
2 | 2 |
|
28145 |
Interact with customers in a service delivery context |
2 | 2 |
|
28301 |
Demonstrate knowledge of products and product information in a retail environment | 2 | 5 |
|
10791 |
Participate in an informal meeting | 2 | 3 |
| Total Credits | 22 |
How to apply
To sign up to this great programme, please click on the link below and fill in your details. Your Workforce Engagement Team will be in contact with you shortly.
| Region | Contact | Mobile |
| Northland / Kaitaia / Whangarei | Sue Coleman | 021 195 2817 |
| North Shore / Whangaparaoa/ Silverdale | Lisa Compton | 021 665 368 |
| Central / West Auckland | Heamoni Taani-Fahiua | 021 195 0280 |
| East / South Auckland | Heamoni Taani-Fahiua | 021 195 0280 |
| Waikato / Taupo / Whitianga | Tania McCarthy | 021 195 7156 |
| Hamilton | Janice Clough | 027 748 8482 |
| Bay of Plenty | Carolyn Vincent | 027 752 0155 |
| Gisborne | TBC | |
| Hawke's Bay | TBC | |
| Taranaki | John Hudson | 027 488 2467 |
| Whanganui / Feilding / Palmerston North | Tracey Jarman | 022 064 5045 |
| Masterton | Shelley Pender | 027 458 8678 |
| Kapiti Coast | Elly Williams | 022 368 7166 |
| Wellington | Ruth Asiata | 027 221 8546 |
| Nelson / Marlborough | Tara Stewart | 027 292 7972 |
| Blenheim | Hannah Neville | 021 195 7594 |
| Greymouth (West Coast) | June Griggs | 027 376 7878 |
| Christchurch | Hannah Neville | 021 195 7594 |
| Canterbury | Hannah Neville | 021 195 7594 |
| Otago / Southland | Tui-Susan Hill | 027 517 4080 |
Get expert help
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us or we can call you. Simply click the button below and give us your contact details.