RETAILER LEVEL 2
About The Course
The Retailer Level 2 apprenticeship equips learners with the essential skills and knowledge needed to thrive in a retail environment. Covering key areas such as customer service, sales techniques, stock management, product knowledge, and teamwork, this programme prepares individuals for front-line retail roles, ensuring they deliver excellent service and contribute to business success.
Delivered over 13 months, the apprenticeship combines hands-on workplace training with expert support, allowing learners to develop practical skills while gaining a deeper understanding of the retail sector. This programme is ideal for those starting their career in retail or looking to enhance their skills in roles such as retail assistant, sales associate, or customer service representative.
Apprenticeship Details
📌 Apprenticeship Standard: Retailer Level 2
📌 Duration: 13 months
📌 Funding Band: £5,000
📌 End-Point Assessment (EPA): Highfield
📌 Delivery Model: Blended learning with workplace training and support from our expert Skills Coaches
📌 Progression: This apprenticeship provides a strong foundation for a career in retail, leading to further qualifications and career growth in roles such as Senior Retail Assistant, Team Leader or Visual Merchandiser.
What Are Knowledge, Skills, and Behaviours (KSBs)?
The Knowledge, Skills, and Behaviours (KSBs) framework is a key part of apprenticeship standards. It ensures apprentices develop a well-rounded understanding of their role, gain practical expertise, and demonstrate the right workplace attitudes.
Click below to explore the full list of Knowledge, Skills, and Behaviours (KSBs) for the Retailer Level 2 apprenticeship 
Customer: Understanding customer profiles, purchasing habits, and strategies to increase sales and customer loyalty.
Business: Understanding the purpose, values, and objectives of the business and how they align with the sector.
Financial: Knowledge of financial performance, including sales impact, profit margins, and wastage reduction.
Marketing: Understanding marketing principles and how they support business objectives.
Communication: Knowing how to communicate with customers and colleagues effectively.
Sales and Promotion: Understanding product knowledge, sales techniques, and promotional activities.
Product and Service: Gaining knowledge of products/services, handling returns, and resolving complaints.
Brand Reputation: Understanding how individual performance impacts brand perception.
Merchandising: Learning merchandising principles and stock management techniques.
Stock: Understanding stock control, monitoring, and processing orders/deliveries.
Technical: Gaining knowledge of equipment and systems relevant to the role.
Team: Understanding teamwork, roles, and responsibilities within the business.
Performance: Learning how personal performance affects business success.
Legal and Governance: Understanding relevant legislation, such as consumer rights and health & safety.
Diversity: Gaining awareness of equality, diversity, and inclusive working practices.
Environment: Understanding how to minimise environmental impact in retail operations.
Customer: Engaging positively with customers to support sales and service.
Business: Applying business values and objectives in daily activities.
Financial: Contributing to financial success by managing sales and minimising waste.
Marketing: Assisting with marketing activities such as promotions and campaigns.
Communication: Adapting communication styles for different audiences.
Sales and Promotion: Using effective sales techniques to promote products/services.
Product and Service: Applying product knowledge to improve customer satisfaction.
Brand Reputation: Representing the business professionally and maintaining standards.
Merchandising: Managing product displays and ensuring compliance with merchandising standards.
Stock: Handling stock orders and maintaining stock levels.
Technical: Operating equipment and retail systems effectively.
Team: Collaborating with colleagues to achieve business goals.
Performance: Taking responsibility for self-development and performance improvement.
Legal and Governance: Complying with all legal and regulatory requirements.
Diversity: Promoting an inclusive and respectful work environment.
Environment: Reducing waste and improving sustainability in retail operations.
Customer Focused: Approachable, friendly, and committed to delivering excellent service.
Professionalism: Acting with integrity and demonstrating commitment to business success.
Financial Responsibility: Understanding the impact of actions on business profitability.
Marketing Awareness: Taking an interest in how the business positions itself in the market.
Effective Communication: Speaking confidently and clearly with customers and colleagues.
Sales Driven: Proactively identifying ways to enhance sales and service.
Pride in Products & Services: Maintaining a strong understanding of the business’s offerings.
Brand Advocacy: Representing the business positively at all times.
Merchandising Excellence: Taking care to present products according to business standards.
Stock Responsibility: Handling stock with care and ensuring availability for customers.
Technical Competence: Using retail technology efficiently and safely.
Team Player: Supporting and working collaboratively with colleagues.
Self-Improvement: Taking responsibility for learning and career development.
Compliance-Oriented: Following policies and regulations to ensure a safe and lawful environment.
Inclusivity: Respecting equality and diversity in all workplace interactions.
Sustainability Mindset: Making responsible decisions to reduce environmental impact.
Entry Requirements
This apprenticeship is suitable for:
✅ Individuals working in or aspiring to a retail role in any industry
✅ Those employed in a relevant job role, where they can develop and apply retail and customer service skills in the workplace
✅ Candidates with GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Maths at Grade 4/C or above (if not already achieved, Functional Skills support is available)
✅ Employees who want to develop their customer service, sales, stock management, and merchandising skills to enhance business performance and career progression
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for apprenticeship funding, learners must:
Be aged 16 or over Be employed in a relevant role for at least 30 hours per week Have the right to work in England and have been resident in the UK/EEA for at least 3 years (some exceptions apply) Not already hold a similar qualification at the same or higher level
Employers may set additional criteria depending on business needs. If you’re unsure about eligibility, get in touch with us for guidance.
Career Prospects
Upon completion of this apprenticeship, learners can progress into a variety of retail roles, including:
💼 Senior Retail Assistant
💼 Sales Advisor
💼 Customer Service Assistant
💼 Visual Merchandiser
💼 Stock Control Assistant
This apprenticeship also provides a pathway to further qualifications, such as the Retail Team Leader Level 3 apprenticeship, supporting career progression into supervisory and management roles within the retail sector.
Employers: Why Hire a Retailer Apprentice?
Hiring an apprentice can enhance customer service, sales performance, and overall business efficiency. Retail apprentices develop essential skills in customer interaction, merchandising, stock control, and sales techniques, bringing fresh energy and industry-relevant expertise to their roles.
✅ Cost-effective workforce development – £5,000 funding available, with government incentives for eligible employers
✅ Boost productivity – Train staff in key retail skills to enhance customer experience and drive sales
✅ Improve retention – Invest in employee growth, creating a motivated and loyal retail team
Interested in hiring a Retailer apprentice? Get in touch to discuss how we can support your business needs.