Retailer apprenticeships - why a job in retail isn’t just for Christmas!

As we rush to complete our Christmas shopping, let’s spare a thought for retail staff who work so hard to meet our seasonal needs, wants and desires. 

Of course, retailers will have been preparing for this, their busiest time of year for months – stocking up on best sellers so they’re more than ready to meet customer demand. 

The run up to Christmas is also when many of the larger supermarkets and big stores take on temporary staff in roles such as delivery driver and fulfilment as well as in in-store, assisting shoppers. These seasonal jobs offer a taste of what it’s like to work in a busy retail environment, but what opportunities are there for people looking to join the industry on a permanent role? 

Unwrapping the new retail foundation apprenticeships  

While temporary seasonal recruitment eases Christmas trading pressures on retailers, the sector continues to experience year-round skills shortages – which is why the government has named retail among its latest wave of foundation apprenticeships aimed at getting young people into work.  

It’s a move that’s been warmly welcomed by the sector, with retail employers keen to see more school leavers opt for a career in retailing.  

Responding to the announcement on the new foundation apprenticeships – which are entry level, paid jobs with structured training lasting a minimum duration of eight months – Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive of the British Retail Consortium, said: 

“We welcome the new package of reforms to the Growth and Skills Levy, particularly the introduction of short courses from April next year. Retail plays a crucial role in helping young people into work, so it is vital that it receives the same priority as industrial strategy sectors. 

“We look forward to further detail on the proposed foundation apprenticeships for retail and the Youth Guarantee, as well as any additional measures that will add greater flexibility in how retailers can spend their Levy funds to boost skills development across the country.” 

Other apprenticeship routes into retailing  

As well as the new foundation programme there’s the well-established level 2 retailer apprenticeship for new entrants to all parts of the retail industry. A broad-based occupation standard, it’s for retail staff who help customers buy products or services in physical outlets such as supermarkets, department stores and garden centres as well as from online and mail order businesses.  

This course is currently delivered by 36 training providers across the country, including some local councils and FE colleges. Attracting funding up to £5,000, it typically takes 14 months to gateway and has an EPA period of three months. It is relevant to a number of job roles, including customer assistant, customer team member, retail sales adviser and sales assistant.  

Sainsburys, Halfords, John Lewis Partnership, Tesco Stores Ltd, ASOS, Vision Express, DFS, Marks & Spencer, ASDA and Holland and Barrett are just some of the big retail employers involved in creating this occupation standard. 

Managing learner needs with Onefile  

The fast-paced, quick turn-around nature of retail keeps everyone – apprentices included – on their toes. Retail staff often work unsocial hours and must be responsive and flexible, covering weekend and evening opening when required.  

For retail apprentices this means finding a time to study that fits in with their shift patterns, so they’re able to balance their workplace training with the demands of off-the-job learning.  

Onefile gets this, which is why our user-friendly learner management platform has been designed to be accessed anywhere and on any device. 

Talk to us today to see how we can deliver the best possible service for your retail apprentices.