Retail apprenticeships

There's more to retail apprenticeships than you might expect. Available in a variety of roles, from the shop floor to head office, apprenticeships are a great way of gaining hands-on experience while earning a wage

What is a retail apprenticeship

A retail apprenticeship is a structured training scheme that allows you to earn a wage while learning on the job, through a mixture of practical experience and classroom study.

If you've decided that university isn't the right path for you, an apprenticeship can open doors to a variety of careers in the sector. Traditionally, many retail apprenticeships were aimed at school leavers and only covered intermediate or advanced qualifications. However, asÌýapprenticeships are now seen as a viableÌýalternative to university,Ìýthe number of degree-level opportunities is rising.

What level of apprenticeship can I take?

Within the retail sector, apprenticeship schemes span the full range of levels from:

• intermediate (equivalent to GCSEs)
• advanced (equivalent to A-levels)
• higher (foundation degree level)
• degree (comparable to a Bachelors or Masters degree).

What kinds of retail apprenticeships are available?

On a retail apprenticeship you can train as an:

• assistant buyer and assistant merchandiser
• customer service practitioner
• retailer
• retail manager
• retail team leader
• procurement and supply assistant
• procurement and supply chain practitioner
• travel consultant
• vehicle salesperson.

Which companies offer retail apprenticeships?

• AldiÌý- provides apprenticeships in warehouse operations, stores and driving. The warehouse operations 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 (Level 3)ÌýStore Management Apprenticeship, which takes 36 months.
• AmazonÌý- offers many apprenticeships, ranging from Level 3 to Level 6 programmes in areas such as digital, commercial, finance and analysis, marketing and sales, operations and engineering and creative.
• ASOSÌý- runs Future Makers apprenticeships from Level 3 to Level 7.
• BootsÌý- offers a range of schemes in its stores, supply chain and support office.
• Co-opÌý- provides six apprenticeship pathways in food retail, logistics, funeral care, support functions, legal and food technology.
• DunelmÌý- runs a range of schemes in areas such as buying, merchandising, retail management and supply chain and logistics.
• FarmfoodsÌý- offers retail, supervisor and shop manager apprenticeships.
• Hayes Travel - provides both retail and head office schemes.
• Lidl - runs the Retail Leadership Degree Apprenticeship.
• Marks & SpencerÌý- provides three options including The Retail Leaders School Leaver programme, the Retail Leaders Degree Apprenticeship and a buying and merchandising scheme.
• MorrisonsÌý- offers three degree apprenticeships covering corporate, manufacturing and logistics.
• Pret a MangerÌý- provides a Level 2Ìýhospitality 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.
• SpecsaversÌý- apprenticeships at Specsavers reach Masters level. You could work in store, a support office or from manufacturing and distribution sites. Retail apprenticeships include customer service, optical assistant and hearing aid dispenser programmes.
• SuperdrugÌý- offers three apprenticeship pathways: Learn (retail assistant), Level Up (supervisor/assistant store manager) and Lead On (store manager).
• TescoÌý- runs two programmes, a Level 4 scheme in finance and the Level 2 Stronger Starts Retail Apprenticeship.
• Vison ExpressÌý- this scheme is ideal for those looking to become a retail optical assistant, store manager or optical professional.

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

Search retail apprenticeships.

What do retail apprenticeships involve?

The type and level of your apprenticeship will determine your tasks and degree of responsibility. For example, the structure and content of a retail management degree apprenticeship will vary considerably from an Ìýadvanced merchandising or logistics scheme.

The company that you work for will also shape your experience as an apprentice, so be prepared to do some research at the application stage to find the right programme.

One thing that all apprenticeships have in common, however, 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
• practical and written exams.

Here's an example of some of the tasks you'll be expected to complete as a retail apprentice:

• The Superdrug Level Up apprenticeship takes 13 to 15 months to complete and offers apprentices the opportunity to train as an assistant manager. You'll work up to 39 hours per week and learn through in-store experience and online workshops.
• On ´¡³¾²¹³ú´Ç²Ô’s two-year Buying and Merchandising Apprenticeship you'll identify suppliers, negotiate contracts and secure the best deals as well as learn how to manage stock levels, track trends and minimise losses.
• Those on the Retail Leaders Degree Apprenticeship scheme at Marks & Spencer will gain hands-on experience across a number of business functions, including food, clothing and home, as they work towards becoming a store manager. To accelerate your career, you can also choose to complete a Level 6 qualification.
• On the three-year Corporate scheme at Morrisons you'll gain experience in areas such as corporate services, online, marketing and wholesale while studying toward a BSc in Chartered Management.

What are the entry requirements?

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, live 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.

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

What skills do I need to succeed as a retail apprentice?

Retail apprenticeships suit those with:

• excellent customer service skills
• strong literacy, numeracy and IT ability
• the ability to work as part of a team
• commercial awareness
• an eye for detail
• analytical ability
• a hardworking attitude
• initiative.

Some schemes, such as those in driving, logistics or warehousing, may also require a full and clean driving licence. A willingness to relocate may also come in handy, especially for roles in head office functions.

How much are retail apprentices paid?

All apprentices are entitled to the National Minimum Wage (NMW), which currently stands at £7.55 per hour (from April 2025) 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 and 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 pays those on the Store Manager Programme (part of the Stores apprenticeship) £259 per week in year one, rising to £312 and £363 per week in years two and three respectively.
• Lidl offers a starting salary of £26,520 to those on the Retail Leadership Degree Apprenticeship. You could earn £37,333 as a store manager by the end of the scheme.
• Superdrug pays those on their fast-track, 15-month leadership programme 'Lead on' £28,700.
• Tesco apprentices on its Stronger Starts Retail scheme a minimum starting salary of £22,501.

How do I become a retail apprentice?

Apply for an apprenticeship as you would a job. Research the organisation thoroughly, be 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-dateÌýCVÌýand cover letter. Be prepared to use relevant examples of your experience to support your application. For inspiration, take a look at ourÌýexample apprenticeship cover letter.

Certain organisations may ask you to sit situational judgement, numerical andÌýpsychometric tests,Ìýas well as participate in anÌýassessment centreÌýor insight day. Some companies also useÌývideo interviewsÌýas part of their recruitment process.

Read more aboutÌýapplying for an apprenticeship.

Am I guaranteed a job after completing a retail apprenticeship?

In most cases, yes. After an organisation has spent time and money on your training and qualifications, it wants to retain your talent within its business. Because of this, most apprenticeships lead to full-time employment on completion.

However, be clear on this before applying for or accepting a position on a scheme.

Find out more

• Learn more about the retail sector.