Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Start Your Retail Career With An Apprenticeship

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.

Where would we be without the retail industry? Retail sales account for a massive 10% of the entire UK economy, with almost three million people employed there, according to the British Retail Consortium. Retail requires a wide range of basic skills across the industry, and you'd get them with a Retail apprenticeship. You'd be studying retail theory and working anywhere from the shop floor to the checkout, depending on your employer's requirements.

Other apprenticeships, like Purchasing and Supply Management are more focussed towards the business aspect of retailing. This one teaches supply chain principles, as in how goods and services get from the producer to the customer. Supply chain logistics are essential to the retail industry, whether it's getting farm produce to supermarkets or cookers to electric suppliers.

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.

On the subject of large purchases, if you'd rather help people with the biggest purchase they'll ever make in their lives, then there's the Property Services apprenticeship. This would teach you how estate and lettings agents help people find - and acquire - a new home or business property. Your apprenticeship would probably start in an office-based customer services role.




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