Retail

Are you in need of some retail therapy? Working in retail doesn't just mean stacking shelves or hanging up clothes - there's much more to it than that!

The retail industry is broad, covering everything from high street shops, to supermarkets to out of town retail parks. An Apprenticeship in retail will give you experience in a wide range of responsibilities so you could go on to work in a variety of jobs such as a sales assistant, buyer, customer service adviser or visual merchandiser.

If you want to work in this fast-paced and dynamic industry then an Apprenticeship in Retail will give you the knowledge and skills you need to develop your career. You'll also get a recognised qualification.

You'll need to be good at communicating and keen to work with members of the public. You'll also need to be reliable and able to work as part of a team. If you have these qualities and think a Retail Apprenticeship could be for you then read on to find out what's involved:

During your Retail Apprenticeship,

You will be responsible for:

• Interacting with customers in-store
• Dealing with customer queries politely and efficiently
• Learning the skills involved with displays and merchandising
• Experiencing supervisory and management skills
• Developing knowledge of handling, presenting, ordering and delivering stock
• Carrying out stock-takes
• Learning and appreciating health and safety and security issues
• Understanding payment processes

You will achieve:

• NVQ in Retail Skills Level 2 (Apprenticeship) or
• NVQ in Retail Level 3, specialising in one of three roles: Retail Sales Professional, Retail Manager and Retail Visual Merchandiser (Advanced Apprenticeship)
• Technical Certificate in Retailing covering Customer Service, Health and Safety, Retail Law, Stock Control and Employment Responsibilities and Rights
• Key Skills in Application of Number and Communication Level 1 (Apprenticeship) or Level 2 (Advanced Apprenticeship)

YMCA Training will:

• Give you a full induction so you are prepared to start your Apprenticeship
• If you are not currently in a retail role, we will help you to find a job in which you can work towards the Apprenticeship
• Visit you regularly to assess your progress and observe you in the workplace
• Provide the appropriate off the job training
• Support and guide you throughout your course

Entry requirements:

Apprenticeships

There are no specific entry requirements for this Apprenticeship and you don't need to have any qualifications already. You will need to have a reasonable level of literacy and numeracy. You also need to show that you:

• Are committed to the training
• Have a real interest in working in the retail sector and an awareness of the retail environment
• Have the ability to achieve the Key Skills in Application of Number and Communication

Advanced Apprenticeships

For an Advanced Apprenticeship you either need to have completed the Apprenticeship, or be able to show that you have skills and knowledge at the level required to achieve an Apprenticeship.

You should have a good level of literacy and numeracy and in addition to the qualities required for an Apprenticeship, you should also be:

• Able to work on your own initiative
• Self-disciplined
• Confident and able to take responsibility and guide others

Course length:

The course is flexible so that you can take the time you need to achieve the different elements. Most people take between 12-14 months to complete the Apprenticeship and around 18 months to finish the Advanced Apprenticeship.

An Apprentice's view:

"Thanks to the support of YMCA Training I am much more confident and learning new skills everyday."

Nick, Sales Assistant

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