Take the next step
with an apprenticeship
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 are work based learning programmes with a mixture of face-to-face visits within your Store coupled 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?
- Tailored, role-relevant training
- Fully funded by Poundland
- Develop new skills and knowledge
- Gain recognised accredited qualifications
- Workplace delivery with flexible remote learning
- Enhance future career progression opportunities
What programmes are available?
England
- Level 2 Retailer
- Level 4 Retail Manager
Northern Ireland
- Retail Skills Level 2
- Retail Management Level 3
- Retail Sales Professional Level 3
- Business Administration Level 3
- Customer Service Level 2
- Customer Service Level 3
- Team Leading Level 2
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 haven’t already achieved Maths or English at a certain level our trainer will be able to support you in gaining these qualifications
What are they worth?
Level 2
Equivalent to 5 GCSE passes
Level 3
Equivalent to 2 A-level 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)
Functional / Essential Skills
The delivery of Maths and English is designed to develop the practical skills required in everyday life, education and the workplace.
- All apprentices aged 16–18 must achieve either Level 1 or Level 2 in Maths and English (depending on their prior attainment and apprenticeship).
- For apprentices aged 19 or over at the start of their training, the requirement to pass Level 2 English and Maths has been removed. Employers and training providers now have flexibility to decide whether these qualifications are required.
- Apprentices who already hold approved equivalents (such as GCSE grade 4 / C (9-4) or above, or a regulated Functional Skills qualification) remain exempt from further English and Maths requirements.
- For apprentices who do not hold suitable prior qualifications, providers can fund approved courses (GCSE or Functional Skills) up to Level 2.
At Inspiro, we have a team of advisers who support colleagues to achieve their required English and Maths skills — especially when Functional / Essential Skills are identified as necessary. The level of support is determined during an initial assessment at induction, and teaching is tailored accordingly to each individual’s needs.
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
- Every 4-6 weeks you will need to commit to a 2 hour learning session with your trainer
- Attend all pre-arranged trainer visits/sessions
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 16 hours per week. If you work less than 30 hours per week the minimum length of programme is increased proportionately
Northern Ireland
- Must be in a permanent new role or position
- Must work a minimum of 21 hours per week
- Must not be in full time education
"I think my confidence as a manager, and as a leader, has grown massively since doing this course. Just my understanding of the business, of the terminology, and the bigger business landscape. I would definitely advise people take this on."
