How to Succeed In Retail Apprenticeships

By Craig Abrahart


Ah - retail therapy. There's nothing quite like it. Except for when you've got something down off the shelf or the hanger and you're weighing up whether or not to take it to the till. This is when you need advice and help, and this is when you turn to a store assistant who helps you with your query, and helps you on your way to the till with what you're really after. Now if this is the kind of career that appeals to you, a Retail Apprenticeship is your stepping stone onto the shop floor or into the back office.

According to the British Retail Consortium, almost 3 million people work in retail in the UK, and retail sales account for a colossal 10 per cent of the UK economy. It's clearly a huge industry which a lot of people's livelihoods depend on. The Retail apprenticeship covers a wide range of skills which are needed across the entire sector. Your apprentice job would depend on your employer, but could involve things like helping customers find the products they're looking for, giving them specialist advice on products and handling their purchases at the checkout. As retail apprenticeships go, this is the nuts and bolts of the industry.

Other apprenticeships are more focussed on the business side of the retail industry, like Purchasing and Supply Management. Supply chain logistics are essential to retail. Whether it's getting chickens from the farm to the supermarket chiller or a tractor from the factory to the supplier, this apprenticeship gives you the knowledge you need to help move goods from supplier to customer.

If you're interested in cars, motorbikes and other vehicles, then you'll be pleased to know that there are specialised retail apprenticeships to suit you. The Retail Motor Industry: Vehicle Sales apprenticeship teaches you the skills necessary to help people make one of the most expensive purchases they'll ever make. The job of a car salesperson requires a lot of specialist knowledge, as well as the ability to negotiate with customers. Working out the most suitable vehicle for each customer is an important part of the job and the course will prepare you well for this job. You should know however, that these types of apprenticeships are better suited to those aged 21 and over.

Talking of large purchases, retail apprenticeships don't get much bigger (in terms of purchases) than the Property Services course. On this apprenticeship, you'll be learning how estate agents and lettings agents help people who are in the market for a new home or business property. As an apprentice you'll likely begin in a customer services role in an estate or lettings agency's office.




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