Maria Brown of Palmerston North has just completed her New Zealand Apprenticeship in Retail, a significant achievement made even more impressive by the fact that she funded her learning herself.

The apprenticeship covers two full qualifications: the New Zealand Certificate in Retail (Level 3) and the New Zealand Certificate in Retail Leadership (Level 4). Together, they build the skills and knowledge needed to succeed on the shop floor and take on leadership roles in a retail environment.

While her employer, Briscoes, isn’t formally partnered with ServiceIQ, they backed Maria’s efforts by allowing her to apply her on-the-job experience toward her qualification. Her managers supported her learning journey, acting as workplace verifiers to confirm the skills she was gaining day to day.

Maria’s story is one of drive, initiative, and commitment to retail as a career. She didn’t wait for an opportunity, she created one.

“Retail is often underestimated, but it’s a career that demands leadership, planning, and people skills,” says Maria. “I wanted to prove to myself and others that this is a serious and skilled profession. Taking on the apprenticeship was my way of doing that.”

Over the course of her programme, Maria developed a wide range of practical skills that help her lead and succeed in-store. These include responding to customer complaints, monitoring stock levels, creating in-store displays, applying business performance measures, and even leading a team all while maintaining strong health and safety, loss prevention, and compliance practices.

Photo above: Martin Russek and Maria Brown

ServiceIQ Sector Advisor Martin Russek says Maria’s story stands out:

“Maria showed real commitment and a deep belief in what retail can offer as a career. She went above and beyond, and her managers recognised that by supporting her learning journey. She’s a great example of what’s possible when motivation meets opportunity.”

Retail careers are real careers

Retail offers more than just a job, it builds skills that translate into leadership, operations, and business performance. With the right support, people can grow from the shop floor to store management and beyond.