What's so good about apprenticeships?
Apprenticeships are a fantastic opportunity for you to learn and develop the skills and behaviours necessary to support your career progression.
They’re work based and mix face-to-face visits at your site with remote learning sessions with a dedicated trainer. There’s also access to bite sized e-learning modules accessible 24/7 and on any device.
What are the benefits?
- Apprenticeships are nationally recognised
- Training is delivered at your place of work
- You’ll receive guidance, support and mentoring throughout
- On-the-job training to help develop your skills and career
- You can apply for Apprentice Extra card - which offers discounts at many major retailers
- There is no cost to you
- Gain maths and English qualifications (if needed)
What programmes are available?
England
- Level 2 Retailer
- Level 3 Retail Team Leader
- Level 4 Retail Manager
Wales
- Level 2 Retail
- Level 3 Retail Sales Professional
- Level 3 Retail Management
- Level 4 Retail Management
All apprenticeships denoted with an * are Frameworks & qualifications, which are delivered in Scotland and Wales.
Some of these Frameworks may not be available in your area. Please contact us using the details at the bottom of this page for further information.
What do apprenticeships look like?
- Apprenticeships take between 12-24 months to complete depending on the level and apprenticeship you take
- You’ll get an introduction and an initial assessment from your trainer who will run through the different modules you will take
- Your trainer will arrange to visit you at your workplace every 4-6 weeks either through a face-to-face visit or a remote session
- You’ll have access to your training through e-learning at anytime on any device
- If you are age 16-18 and haven’t already achieved maths or English at a certain level our trainers will be able to support you in gaining these qualifications
- If you are age 19+ you will be able to opt to work towards maths and English, achieving these is not a requirement for end point assessment
What are they worth?
Level 2
Equivalent to 5 GCSE passes
Level 3
Equivalent to 2 A-level (or Highers) passes
Level 4
Equivalent to the first year of an undergraduate degree, or a Higher National Certificate (HNC)
Level 5
Equivalent to a foundation degree, or a Higher National Diploma (HND)
What will be expected of you?
- Be committed to completing the programme
- Participate in on-the-Job observations and discussions with your trainer
- Off-the-job learning that is done in work time but is not part of your usual day to day activity
- Commit to 2 hours in work learning for every visit/session with your trainer
- Attend all pre-arranged trainer visits/sessions
Completing the Retail Team Leader Level 3 programme didn’t just sharpen my skills — it transformed the way I lead. I now inspire with confidence, support with purpose, and drive results through empowered teamwork.
Who is eligible for an apprenticeship?
England
- No age restriction
- You can't be in any form of government funded education
- You must be a European citizen or have lived in the UK for more than 3 years and have the right to work in the UK
- Must be in a permanent role
- You must be working a minimum of 20 hours per week. If you work less than 30 hours per week the minimum length of programme is increased proportionately
Wales
- Age 16-65 years for Welsh Government priority areas and qualifications at level 4 and 5. (Priority areas include hospitality and tourism.)
- Non-priority areas we deliver include; Level 2 & Level 3 Business Administration, Customer Service and Retail. Level 2 Team Leading and Hospitality*
- Minimum of 16 hours per week
- Employees can have a degree, HND or HNC if achieved in a different sector for Level 3 qualifications and above.
- The Learner:
- For the non-priority sectors level 2 – 16-24 Or 25+ Within 12 months of commencing role.
- For the non-priority sectors level 3 – 16-24 Or 25+ Within 12 months of commencing role.
- For Level 2 “other sectors” eligibility includes - aged 16-24 or All-age & intending to immediately progress to level 3
- Must not be in any form of government funded education
- Must be a European citizen
- *This criteria does not apply for disabled individuals
Level 2 Retailer gave me more than knowledge - it gave me pride in what I do. I’ve grown in confidence, built stronger customer connections, and discovered the value I bring to every part of the store.
