Retailer
Level 2 · IntermediateSales, marketing and procurement 1.2 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
A Retailer works in a shop or retail environment serving customers, handling stock, and contributing to the day-to-day running of the business. This entry-level apprenticeship covers everything from customer service and merchandising to till operations and stock control. It is a strong starting point for a retail career, with progression to supervisory and management roles.
On the job
What you’ll learn
Customer service skills and how to handle complaints professionally
Product knowledge and how to make appropriate recommendations
Stock management, replenishment, and inventory processes
Loss prevention and security awareness in a retail environment
Till operations, cash handling, and payment processing
Visual merchandising and maintaining store presentation standards
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Serve customers on the shop floor and at the till
Replenish shelves and keep the store tidy and well-presented
Process payments and handle cash and card transactions
Assist with stock deliveries, checking and recording incoming goods
Handle customer complaints and resolve issues politely
Support visual merchandising and promotional display changes
The deal
How this apprenticeship works
You earn a wage from day one. You are a paid employee, not a student. There are no tuition fees - the training is funded by your employer and the government.
About 20% is “off-the-job” training. Roughly a day a week is spent learning away from your normal duties - at a college, training provider, or online - working towards a recognised qualification.
It ends with an end-point assessment (EPA). Near the end, an independent assessor checks you can do the job to the national standard - through tests, a project, a portfolio or an interview. Pass it and you are fully qualified.
How to get there
What you need to start
Level 2 (Intermediate) - roughly GCSE level. Often open with few or no formal qualifications - a strong first step. Some employers ask for a couple of GCSEs.
What’s next: Typically leads on to a Level 3 (Advanced) apprenticeship.
Entry requirements are set by each employer and can vary - always check the specific vacancy.
Hear from employers
What it’s really like
No employer videos yet for this apprenticeship. Employers offering it can add one to show young people what the role is really like.