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Apprenticeship training course

Retailer (level 2)

There are 74 training providers who offer this course. Check if a training provider can deliver this training in the apprentice's work location.

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Information about Retailer (level 2)

Helping customers buy products or services from retail organisations such as department stores, garden centres, high street chains, supermarkets and online and mail order businesses.

Knowledge, skills and behaviours
View knowledge, skills and behaviours

Knowledge

  • The customer profile of the business and customers’ purchasing habits.
  • The business aims and objectives and how their work contributes to them.
  • The principles of running a retail business to support the overall financial performance for example by aiming to exceed targeted sales and reduce wastage and returns.
  • The make up of the local community and the requirements of customers within it.
  • The business approach to sustainability and its carbon footprint such as approaches to product sourcing, waste reduction and recycling.
  • Methods for communicating with customers, to support and increase sales, and encourage customer loyalty.
  • The brands, products and services provided by the business including knowledge of the technical specification of a product and aftercare service.
  • The importance of brand and business reputation and what can affect it.
  • The use of visual and/or digital merchandising skills including the use of “hot spots” and the relationship this has with sales and use of space.
  • How to maintain stock levels and the conditions they must be stored in to meet customer demand, sales opportunities, marketing activities and seasonal variations.
  • How to operate IT and digital systems, and applications.
  • How to support and influence the team and how all colleagues and teams work together to meet business objectives.
  • Relevant regulatory and legislative requirements which impact on the retail sector such as the sale of bladed items, high fats, salt and sugar, safety requirements, and age restricted sales.
  • Principles of equality, diversity and inclusion and the impact on the customer experience and business.
  • The support requirements and/or coaching needs of their team.
  • The business’s policy for exchange and refunds of products for in-store and/or on-line purchases.

Skills

  • Communicate with customers to meet their requirements and encourage customer loyalty and repeat business.
  • Serve customers in line with brand standards, legislation, business procedures and the values of the business.
  • Provide a retail service that balances the customers’ needs with additional linked products and services.
  • Use face to face or online sales techniques such as product and price comparisons to support or influence the customer in their purchasing decisions.
  • Promote seasonal or local offers through in-store or online promotions.
  • Identify situations that may damage business reputation in line with company policy and escalate as required.
  • Maintain good merchandising to meet the needs of the business whilst ensuring safety.
  • Maintain stock levels and storage conditions such as correct temperature, lighting, ventilation, packaging to meet customer demand and minimise stock loss.
  • Use technology and applications to support sales and service ensuring that maintenance issues are reported.
  • Support team and colleague development through buddying and/or coaching.
  • Comply with regulations and legislation relevant to their role and business.
  • Contribute to continuous improvement activities which focus on improving sustainability within the business.
  • Handle complaints within remit or escalate as appropriate.
  • Support sales across a range of promotional events throughout the calendar year.

Behaviours

  • Acts in a professional manner with integrity and confidentiality.
  • Acts as an ambassador for their business and brand.
  • Seeks learning opportunities and continuous development.
  • Has accountability and ownership of their tasks and workload.
  • Works flexibly and adapts to circumstances.
  • Acts in an open and approachable manner to build and maintain inclusive relationships with others.
Apprenticeship category (sector)
Sales, marketing and procurement
Qualification level
2
Equal to GCSE
Course duration
12 months
Maximum funding
£5,000
Maximum government funding for
apprenticeship training and assessment costs.
Job titles include
  • Counter assistant
  • Customer team member
  • General assistant
  • Retail assistant
  • Retail sales advisor
  • Retailer
  • Sales assistant

View more information about Retailer (level 2) from the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education.