Retail, Service, Supply and Administration Foundation Apprenticeship

On a Foundation Apprenticeship in Retail, Service, Supply and Administration, you’ll learn the skills, knowledge and behaviours needed to succeed in a real working environment while earning and gaining valuable experience. You’ll develop key employability skills such as teamwork, communication and professionalism, alongside technical skills in customer service, stock and supply processes, administration and the use of digital systems and workplace technologies.

Your day-to-day duties will vary depending on your role, giving you a broad understanding of how businesses operate and how products, services and information move from supplier to customer. You’ll also develop the digital skills needed to work confidently with modern workplace systems, helping to prepare you for a successful career in the sector.

Foundation Apprenticeships combine real jobs with structured Level 2 training, helping you develop entry-level talent aged 16-21* with clear progression routes.

*16-24 who have an EHCP or are a care/prison leavers

Why it matters to your business

✔ Fill entry-level roles with trained talent
✔ Build a pipeline for future workforce needs
✔ Improve staff retention and development

Specifically designed for: Young people aged 16–21.*

*16-24 who have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) or are a care/prison leavers

The minimum duration of this apprenticeship is 8 months.

Completion of Apprenticeship Assessment can lead to progression opportunities to further retail, supply or administration roles within a business.

The amount your organisation contributes will depend on whether you pay the apprenticeship levy and the age of your apprentice.

For new starts from 1 August 2026, eligible apprentices aged 16–24 can have their training and assessment fully funded up to the apprenticeship funding band maximum.

Non-levy employers normally contribute 5% of eligible training and assessment costs for apprentices aged 25 and over, with government funding the remaining 95%.

Levy-paying employers use the funds available in their apprenticeship service account. If those funds are exhausted, training for eligible apprentices aged 16–24 is fully government funded; for apprentices aged 25 and over, the employer contributes 25% and government contributes 75%.

Funding rules and eligibility vary, so we will confirm the funding available before an apprentice starts.

Level 2

To complete the programme, apprentices will take a knowledge test and a practical assessment, providing the opportunity to demonstrate the knowledge, skills and behaviours developed throughout their training in a range of realistic and work-based activities.