Retail apprenticeships

There's more to retail apprenticeships than shop floor roles. Programmes are available in variety of functions including digital, finance, logistics and management and they all allow you to learn on the job while earning a wage

Schemes span from intermediate (equivalent to GCSEs) to advanced (equivalent to A-levels) and higher (foundation degree level) to degree (comparable to a Bachelors or Masters degree). If you've decided that university isn't the right path for you but would still like to work in retail then why not consider an apprenticeship?

What kinds of retail apprenticeships are available?

On a retail apprenticeship you can train as a:

assistant buyer
assistant merchandiser
digital marketer
retail manager
retail team leader
senior sales assistant
style adviser
supply chain operative
travel consultant
vehicle salesperson.

Which companies offer retail apprenticeships?

Aldi - provides practical, hands-on apprenticeships in logistics, stores and driving. The logistics programme is an intermediate scheme (Level 2) and takes a year to complete. As a store apprentice you have two options - the Career Starter intermediate scheme, which takes up to 15 months to complete or the advanced Store Management Apprenticeship, which takes 36 months.
Amazon - offers a two-year, Level 4 apprenticeship in buying and merchandising. You'll be able to choose either the buying assistant pathway or the merchandising assistant one.
Asda - run Future Talent apprenticeships, which cover various areas of the business including retail management, technology and business services.
Boots - currently offers a range of schemes in its stores, supply chain and support office.
Co-op - offers five different apprenticeship pathways - food retail, logistics, funeral care, support functions and legal.
EE - the 15-month intermediate apprenticeship teaches you how to become a top-class retailer.
Greggs - provides two retail apprenticeships at intermediate and advanced level. Both take 12 to 18 months to complete.
Marks & Spencer - you can take the Retail Management Apprenticeship or a scheme in buying and merchandising.
Morrisons - offers four degree apprenticeships covering retail management, corporate, logistics and manufacturing.
Pret a Manger - provide a Level 2 hospitality apprenticeship, Level 3 hospitality team leader apprenticeship and a management degree apprenticeship role where you'll complete a BA in business management. You can take the Level 2 and 3 schemes as stand-alone roles or choose to progress through the stages.
Specsavers - apprenticeships at Specsavers reach Masters level. You could work in store, in a support office or from manufacturing and distribution sites. Retail apprenticeships include the Optical Assistant, Customer Service practitioner and spectacle maker programmes.
Tesco - offers two programmes, the three-year degree apprenticeship in business management with a salary of £18,000 and the two-year, Level 4 apprenticeship in finance with a salary of £23,000.
TJX Europe - home to brands such as TK Maxx and Homesense, TJX Europe run apprenticeship schemes in retail, finance customer service and loss prevention.
Vison Express - offer two 13-month apprenticeships in optical retail at intermediate and advanced level.

The above is not an exhaustive list, so when looking for vacancies research the companies that you're interested in to see if they run any relevant apprenticeships. Some organisations recruit apprentices year-round, while others will advertise vacancies at specific times of year.

Search retail apprenticeships.

What do retail apprenticeships involve?

The complexity of tasks and your level of responsibility will be determined by the level of your apprenticeship. The focus of your programme will also play a part. For example, the structure and content of a retail management apprenticeship will vary considerably to a merchandising or logistics scheme. Finally, the company that you work for will shape your experience as an apprentice, so be prepared to do some research at the application stage to find the right programme for you.

On the intermediate (Level 2) Retail Apprenticeship at EE you'll learn how to sell a range of products, deliver excellent customer service and work as part of a busy team. You'll gain a Level 2 Customer Service Practitioner qualification and have the chance to progress into a permanent customer adviser role upon completion.

On the advanced (Level 3) Retail Apprenticeship scheme at Greggs you'll learn the skills, knowledge and behaviours needed to successfully move into a retail management position. Key modules cover customer, leadership, developing yourself and others and finance.

The Business Management degree apprenticeship at Tesco will equip you with real-life management experience as you work at a busy London store. You'll work towards a BA Business Management, validated by the University of Kent. Your apprenticeship will start with an induction, where you'll learn more about the business and the programme. In your first year you'll become a team manager before progressing into a senior role, leading a group of team managers.

One thing that all programmes have in common is that they all involve combining full-time employment with part-time study. You could be allocated one day a week to attend college or university, or study in scheduled blocks of a week or more. Assessment methods depend on the apprenticeship, but it's likely that you'll be assessed through a combination of essays, coursework and practical and written exams.

Who are apprenticeships aimed at?

Traditionally, many retail apprenticeships were aimed at school leavers and only covered intermediate or advanced qualifications. However, as apprenticeships are now seen as a viable alternative to university the number of degree-level opportunities are rising.

The level of the programme determines who can apply. For example, intermediate (Level 2) and advanced (Level 3) apprenticeships are aimed at school leavers. Intermediate retail apprenticeships don't require any previous qualifications; while to gain a place on an advanced scheme you'll typically need GCSE passes in English, maths and science. You'll need to be 16 or over, living in England and not in full-time education to be eligible to apply.

Higher and degree apprenticeships (Levels 4, 5 and 6) are generally geared towards those with A-levels or those who have already completed an intermediate or advanced apprenticeship. Learn more about degree apprenticeships.

Masters apprenticeships (Level 7) are aimed at those who already hold a Bachelors degree or have previously completed a degree apprenticeship.

Retail apprenticeships suit those with excellent customer service skills, the ability to work as part of a team, commercial awareness, an eye for detail, analytical ability, and a hardworking attitude.

How much will I be paid?

All apprentices are paid the National Minimum Wage (NMW), which currently stands at £5.28 per hour (from April 2023) for apprentices under 19, and those aged over 19 who are in their first year.

If you're over 19 and have completed the first year of your apprenticeship you must be paid the minimum wage for your age.

As an apprentice you'll be paid for your normal working hours as well as for any training that is part of your scheme. You're entitled to at least 20 days paid holiday per year, plus bank holidays.

Salaries are determined by individual employers but in most cases you'll be paid significantly more than the NMW.

For example, Aldi pay those on the Store Manager Programme (part of the stores apprenticeship) £222.60 per week in year one, rising to £275.10 and £325.20 per week in years two and three respectively.

How do I become a retail apprentice?

Apply for an apprenticeship as you would a job. Make sure you research the organisation thoroughly and that you're aware of what the apprenticeship involves, and tailor your application to each role.

Applications are made online through an application form, but check with the employer as methods can vary, some may also require an up-to-date CV and cover letter. Be prepared to use relevant examples of your experience to support your application. For inspiration take a look at our example apprenticeship cover letter.

Certain organisations may ask you to sit situational judgement, numerical and psychometric tests as well as participate in an assessment centre or insight day. Some companies also use video interviews as part of their recruitment process.

Read more about applying for an apprenticeship.

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