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Retail

Retail Apprenticeships

A Retail qualification covers a host of businesses from market stalls and independent shops to national chains and large superstores. An Apprenticeship covers a range of skills that can be used across this vast sector.

As an apprentice, your role will depend on your employer – you could be assisting customers on the sales floor of a high street store or handling their purchases. Alternatively, you could be working in a specialist department and become a product expert able to help with specific queries.

An artistic flare could point you in the direction of visual merchandising, helping to create window and in-store displays. Or you could work behind the scenes in stock handling, ensuring products are received in the correct quantities and appropriately stored.

On the Advanced Apprenticeship, your training will focus on a more specific role to gain greater skills in your preferred specialty. You will handle more responsibility and gain important management skills.

From organising displays to learning the crucial aspects of management, the skills gained from the Retail Apprenticeship are transferable to all retail companies. With a young workforce, the UK’s retail sector is vibrant and offers many opportunities for early career progression.

Job Roles

• Level 2
  Apprenticeship
• Sales Assistants
• Beauty Consultant
• Customer Service Assistant
• Stockroom Assistant
• Visual Merchandiser
• Fresh Food Counter Assistant (Bakery, Fish, Butchery, Fresh Produce)

• Level 3
  Advanced Apprenticeship
• Senior Sales Assistants
• Craft Experts (e.g. Bakery)
• Style Advisors (Personal Shoppers, Retail Consultant, Stylist)
• Visual Merchandiser Supervisor
• Supervisor or Team Leader or Department Manager (also known as Floor Manager)
• Store Manager of a small outlet

Qualification Structure

Level 2 – Credit system in place allowing learners to complete either an Award/Certificate/Diploma in Retail Skills

Key Skills – Application of Number Level 1 and Communication Level 1. This is a portfolio and test based qualification. Exemptions can be used via Key Skills or GCSE Maths and English

Retail Knowledge Certificate – online tests combining a total of 14 credits

Level 3 – Credit system in place allowing learners to complete either a Certificate or Diploma in Retail Management/Visual Merchandising/Sales Professional

Key Skills – Application of Number Level 2 and Communication Level 2. This is a portfolio and test based qualification. Exemptions can be used via Key Skills or GCSE Maths and English

Retail Knowledge Certificate – online tests combining a total of 16 credits