Summary

Gain the experience needed to meet sales targets, advise customers and thrive in fast-paced retail environments through our retail apprenticeships.

What is Retailer – Customer Service Excellence Apprenticeship?

The Retailer - Customer Service Excellence Apprenticeship equips individuals in entry-level retail roles with the essential tools they need to assist customers and ensure excellent levels of service. You’ll learn to promote products, maintain a well-presented store and meet sales targets while developing your skills in flexibility, communication and customer- focused problem solving within the wider context of retail apprenticeships.

From developing an understanding of the purchasing process to confidently processing payments, you’ll gain the experience needed to thrive in the demanding retail sector.

This occupation involves interaction with both internal and external stakeholders, requiring flexibility in working hours. Retailers maintain business standards, meet sales targets, and emphasise customer service, focusing on sustainability and individual customer needs.

Entry

Employers will set their own entry requirements in order to start this apprenticeship.

Duration

The minimum duration of this apprenticeship is 8 months

Progression

This apprenticeship provides an ideal stepping stone into specialist, team leading, supervisory or first line management roles within retail and higher level training and apprenticeships.

Cost / Funding

Levy Payers £5,000

Non-Levy Payers £300

All prices are inclusive of VAT

Level

Level 2

Functional skills

If an apprentice is aged 16-18 and has not previously achieved the required level of English and maths, they will need to complete Functional Skills as part of their apprenticeship programme.

While Functional Skills are no longer mandatory for adult apprentices (19+), literacy and numeracy skills remain essential for success.

For those without prior English and Maths qualifications, we recommend entry level 3 maths and entry level 3 English to support career growth and workplace efficiency.

Our tailored support ensures these skills are seamlessly integrated into the apprenticeship journey, helping every apprentice develop these vital skills.

End assessment

The End Point Assessment (EPA) for the Retailer Apprenticeship includes:

Observation with questions
Interview underpinned by a portfolio.

Professional support

HIT Training assigns a designated Vocational Trainer to each apprentice. Alongside the apprentice they will agree on a personal learning and development plan, setting a timetable of learning activities in preparation for the End Point Assessment (EPA).

The HIT Vocational Trainer will meet with the apprentice regularly either online or face to face to complete and review assessments, provide further coaching where required and agree the next steps of learning.

Those looking to advance beyond entry-level roles may consider the retail manager apprenticeship to develop leadership and management expertise in retail settings.

Download our factsheet

Retailer – Customer Service Excellence Apprenticeship facesheet