What is a Retail Apprenticeship?

Retail covers a host of businesses, from market stalls and independent shops to national chains and large superstores.

Both the Intermediate Level Apprenticeship and Advanced Level Apprenticeship cover 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 Level Apprenticeship, your training will focus on gaining specific 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

Intermediate Level Apprenticeship

• Sales Assistant
• Stockroom Assistant
• Beauty Consultant
• Visual Merchandiser
• Fresh food Counter Assistant

Advanced Level Apprenticeship

• Senior Sales Assistant
• Visual Merchandiser Supervisor
• Craft Expert (e.g. Bakery)
• Style Advisor (Personal Shoppers, Retail Consultant, Stylist)
• Supervisor or Team Leader
• Department Manager
• Store Manager (of a small outlet)

If you are following an Apprenticeship programme, you will be assessed in the workplace by a qualified Training Officer