Retail Apprenticeships
Is your favourite part of the day choosing what to wear in the morning? Or perhaps you particularly enjoy working within a team and providing exceptional customer service? If either sounds like you, an apprenticeship in retail could be exactly what you need to chuck in your career basket.
This is your one-stop shop for retail apprenticeships to learn more about how they work and how doing a retail apprenticeship could benefit you.
LEVELS: 2 to 7 (Intermediate to Degree) | AVG SALARY: £21,000 | WHEN TO APPLY: Nov - Apr
Read on for your quick guide to retail apprenticeships and how to secure one.
Can you get an apprenticeship in retail?
You absolutely can! Whether you like shopping or collaborating, a retail apprenticeship allows you to turn your interests and skills into a fulfilling and rewarding career.
Plenty of your favourite brands and businesses offer apprenticeships, including supermarkets, pharmacies, department stores and online shopping apps. They could be huge corporate brands or small local businesses.
As an apprentice, you'll spend your time working in a specific department (or multiple) over a period of time and supplement all that experience with some classroom learning.
The best bit is that you'll also get paid a full-time wage.
What types of retail apprenticeships are there?
Retail isn't just about working on a shop floor. Retail is a diverse and bustling industry that employs over 3 million people in the UK across various sectors. No two days are the same, and you get to meet and work with a variety of people.
E-commerce is also a massive part of retail and is currently worth around £2.2 million.
Within this industry, you could get an apprenticeship as any of the following…
Sales Associate
The first person a customer sees, you'll sell the products in-store
Team Leader and Floor Manager
You'll be the go-betweens between sales associates and upper management
Visual Merchandising
Ideal for those who have an eye for a great display. You'll help with the idea generation, design and build of a shop window or display.
Buyer
You'll be responsible for buying goods to be sold in store or online. Great for those who love retail trends and negotiation
Advertising and Marketing
Marketers are the chameleons of business and are used in most, if not all, sectors. You'll help bring traffic to the business online and in person
Customer Service Agent
For the world's problem solvers, you'll be the customer's first point of contact for any help with purchases, general enquiries, or complaints.
I have learnt new skills and refined existing skills, and I have really improved my communication skills by learning how to write emails professionally and by talking to people high up in the business. As an admin, you need to be organised and time efficient in order to get everything done by the deadlines, as the role is fast paced’ – Buying Admin Apprentice, TJX Europe. Buying Admin Apprentice, TJX Europe
Which companies offer retail apprenticeships?
There are so many different companies that offer retail apprenticeships, whether you want to work with a big name like ASOS or Nestlé or a smaller company. There are so many opportunities out there for you.
Here’s what one apprentice had to say about their time at John Lewis Partnership
‘I enjoy it a lot. I am finding that I'm improving far more rapidly at my job and I have become more confident in my own ability as I continue through my apprenticeship course.’ – Merchandising Assistant, John Lewis Partnership. Merchandising Assistant, John Lewis Partnership
What GCSEs and A-levels do you need for a retail apprenticeship?
Every level of apprenticeship has a different entry requirement. We’ve listed these below;
LEVEL 2
Some ask for two or more GCSEs graded at 9 to 4 (A* to C). However, lots of Level 2 apprenticeships don’t require GCSEs. You need to be age 16+.
LEVEL 3
Five GCSEs graded 9 to 4 (A* to C) or a Level 2 apprenticeship. You need to be age 16+.
HIGHER (LEVEL 4/5)
Two A-levels or equivalent (like a BTEC or an NVQ/SVQ). You need to be age 18+.
DEGREE (LEVEL 6/7)
Three A-levels graded at A* to C or equivalent. You need to be age 18+.
It’s always important to check the employer’s job requirements to see what they ask for specifically.
How much do you get paid for a retail apprenticeship?
Like any job, as an apprentice, you will be paid for the hours you complete as well as any training you do as part of your programme.
While your salary will depend on various factors like your apprenticeship level, company and location, you will be paid at least the National Minimum Wage. Let’s look at your potential starting salary at each level (as found from our apprentice-written reviews!)
Remember, these are all averages. Some schemes will pay less, but many much more! If you’re in London or another major city, you can expect to be paid extra to help support your living expenses.
How to apply for a retail apprenticeship
Apprenticeships in the retail sector go live all year round, but best to start looking a year before you want to start. Popular times for applying are between October and March.
Find the apprenticeship for you. On Higherin, we have TONS of apprenticeship jobs in retail at all levels. So make sure to check that out.
Perfect your CV and cover letter. These are crucial for getting through the early stages of the application process. Follow our guide on how to write the best apprenticeship CV and cover letter.
Register for job alerts.
It’s FREE!
Sign up now to save your favourite job listings and view them in your personalised application tracker.
Already have an account? Sign in
