RAMP TRAINING!!!

Last year Bheki Mngomezulu (Jozini) and Teckson Nhlenyama (Ingwavuma) were nominated to attend the RAMP training through Spar.  RAMP stands for Retail Accelerated Management Programme and it runs throughout the year where the nominated employee attends training sessions at Spar in some months and does own store applications in other months.

I caught up with Bheki and Teckson to find out where they come from, how they got started, what the course meant to them and what their future goals are.

Bheki Mngomezulu - Jozini Spar

I grew up in Jozini north of KZN, in a rural area called oThobothini.  Growing up I was interested in soccer and am still passionate about it.  I started working in retail as an ABI merchandiser.  Johan saw the potential in me and gave me a chance as a Spar merchandiser in 2007.
The steps that got me where I am today is, I worked hard to prove that I am a loyal and fast learner.
The RAMP course entailed how to manage a retail store, how to involve myself in everything that has to do with retail, how to be a leader and how to work with people.
To attend the RAMP course meant alot because I learned alot of things I did not know and it has made me grow in different ways workwise and personal.  Workwise I learned alot about service departments by going out and looking at each department.  I also learned that everything is possible and anyone can do it (Confidence).  I have learned how to work as a leader and have learned that I have to face challenges, set goals in life and work hard.
I learned a different experience from different people in the course attending the RAMP course.  Attending the RAMP course will help me achieve my goals by taking everything I learned at the course and implement it in my store.  It will help me learn more from the experience in the shop especially the service departments.
My future goals are to get to the next level, I will like to face new challenges, I will like to share my knowledge with my colleagues to make the business grow.
I would recommend other staff to attend the RAMP course because it opened my mind and showed me the way forward, in the business and in life.
I would like to thank my bosses for giving me a chance to attend the RAMP course, not forgetting my manager Johan for giving me a chance to be the person I am today.  I will not let you down and I will keep on working hard, I LOVE MY SPAR!!!

Teckson Nhlenyama - Ingwavuma Spar

I origionally come from Mbazwana.

I went to school at Mbazwana primary school from grade 1 to grade 7 and then I joined Mpiyakhe High School from grade 8 to Matric.

Supatrde was looking for people who were willing to work for them in 2000.  I went there for 2 interviews and I was selected as a member to work for the company.

When I joined Supatrade I was working as a produce assistant.  Slowly management saw my potential and promoted me as produce supervisor.  Again by hard work I was promoted as perishable supervisor, then trainee manager and now floor manager.

The RAMP course has made me gain strength in management skills, has given me opportunities in the store, has taught me communication skills and improved my planning skills.

This course provides you will all the information that can help you to grow in management skills, learn more about service departments, admin and front end.

My first step is to master my current position, after that I want to become an assistant manager.