Retail
What does a career in Retail involve?
Retail covers a host of businesses from market stalls and independent shops to national chains and large superstores. This 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 you gain 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.
What type of Job Role can this lead to?
Level 2 (Apprenticeship)
- Sales Assistants (can be also be known as Sales Associates, Sales Advisors, Sales Consultants, Retail Assistant, Retail Advisor, General Assistant, Partners and Sales Colleagues)
- 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 Leadero Department Manager (also known as Floor Manager)
- Store Manager of a small outlet
What do I need to start?
Previous qualifications/training
No previous qualifications required, however you will be required to take a Key Skills initial assessment based on literacy and numeracy and attend a college interview.
1. A Job
You will need to have a Retail related job and be employed for a minimum of 16.5 hours every week.
What will I get out of it?
2. Earnings
The National Minimum Wage for Apprentices is £2.50 per hour, however research has found that Apprentices earn an average of £170 net pay per week. Research also shows that Apprentices earn, on average, over £100,000 more throughout their lifetime than other employees.
The starting salary (once qualified) is £11,000 - £15,000.
(Source: www.apprenticeships.org.uk)
2. Prospects
Apprenticeships train you in the skills employers want, they give you choices in your career. When you’ve finished you can carry on working, maybe get promoted or go on to higher education in a college or university.
How much does an Apprenticeship cost?
The government cover the full cost of training for 16-18 year olds and contribute towards costs for those aged 19 or above.
How do I apply?
Not sure if an Apprenticeship is right for you?
Call Employer Services on 01902 317691 for more information or to book an appointment with a Careers Advisor