COURSE
L2 Apprenticeship Standard for Retailer
The Level 2 Retailer Apprenticeship Standard is suitable for individuals working within a retail environment. The main purpose of a retailer is to assist customers when they purchase products and services from retail organisations such as department stores, garden centres, high street chains, supermarkets and online and mail order businesses. This requires a good understanding of the stock being sold, the variety of ways customers can shop and the ability to process payments, for example, using a till.
Retailers must be passionate about delivering a quality service that always aims to exceed customers’ expectations. Therefore, retailers enjoy direct contact with a wide range of people and are motivated by completing a sale and knowing a customer is happy with their purchase. They can work in a variety of shops and other retail establishments: small boutiques, large high street chains, supermarkets and well-known department stores are just some examples. More specialist retailers include funeral services, garden centres, delicatessens and people who work in remote environments for example in telephone, online and mail-order retail.
Job Roles this qualification is suitable for:
Examples of a job role this qualification is suitable for but not limited to are:
- Sales Assistant
- Cashier
- Retail Sales Consultant
- Customer Service Assistant
- Stock Room Executive
- Retail Team Leader
- Supervisor
- Assistant Manager
- Retail Manager
Entry Requirements:
- Employers will set their own entry requirements to start on this apprenticeship standard.
- Level 1 Functional Skills in English.
- Level 1 Functional Skills in maths.
How long will it take to complete?
The qualification takes around 15 months to complete. The apprentice must be on-programme for at least a year excluding the end-point assessment duration.
Aims of this qualification:
- Customer Service
- Business and Finance
- Marketing
- Communication
- Sales and Promotion
- Product and Service
- Brand Reputation
- Team
- Performance
- Merchandising
- Stock Management
- Technology
- Legal and Governance
- Diversity
- Environment
How is it delivered?
Apprentices will be allocated a qualified tutor to support the full completion of the apprenticeship and prepare them for the end-point assessment (sometimes 2 tutors will be required at different times for teaching different elements). The tutor will undertake engaging and interactive teaching, learning and support sessions with the apprentice on a regular basis (at least every 4-5 weeks) remotely via Zoom or in the workplace if appropriate to conduct teaching, learning and assessments. These will be planned with the apprentice and employer.
The tutor will manage a portfolio of evidence using an online electronic system called OneFile and give regular updates about progress. Apprentices can contact their tutor in-between visits to discuss any aspect of their qualification and will be able to access their online portfolio 24/7.
Learning Outcomes:
- Level 2 Retailer Apprenticeship Standard
- Level 1 Functional Skills in English
- Level 1 Functional Skills in maths
On Programme Learning:
On-programme assessment of knowledge, skills and behaviours will lead to the final synoptic end-point assessment.
Assessment Gateway:
Before the apprentice is adjudged ready to undertake the end-point assessment by their employer and training provider, they will need to:
- Achieve Level 1 in English and maths Functional Skills.
- Take the tests for level 2 English and maths.
- Receive confirmation from the employer that the apprentice is working consistently at or above the level set out in the retailer apprenticeship standard.
The purpose of the end-point assessment is to test (in a synoptic way) the skills, knowledge and behaviours of the apprentice as set out in the apprenticeship standard.
The end-point assessment provides apprentices with a showcase opportunity to provide oral and documentary evidence of their knowledge, skills and behaviours developed throughout the apprenticeship. Enables the independent assessor to assess the skills and behaviours of the apprentice by observing the apprentice in the course of their normal work. Tests the knowledge acquired by the apprentice throughout the apprenticeship.
End Point Assessment:
An end-point assessment will be conducted by staff from an Independent End-Point Assessment Organisation (IEPAO) approved by the Register of End-Point Assessment Organisations.
The end-point assessment will comprise of three assessments. All assessments must be individually passed for the apprentice to be deemed competent:
- On-demand test:
The On-demand test is a 30-minute on-screen multiple-choice test. The questions will be scenario-based requiring the apprentice to demonstrate reasoning and joined-up thinking, demonstrating synoptic performance against the key elements of the standard. Some questions will require the apprentice to consider a course of action or solution to a situation/problem based on a ‘real-life’ workplace activity in line with the identified requirements of the standard.
Grading for On-demand Test: Pass
- Practical Observation:
The practical observation is a 2-hour observation of the apprentice in the retail environment and includes customer interaction. The observation covers the apprentice’s knowledge, skills and behaviours for the customer, business, communication, and brand reputation aspects of the standard. The observation is likely to also cover other aspects of the standard through naturally occurring opportunities.
During the two-hour observation, the apprentice has the opportunity if required to move from one area/function of the business to another in order to best demonstrate how they have applied their knowledge, skills and behaviours in a real-work environment to achieve genuine and demanding work objectives.
Grading for Practical Observation: Pass/Distinction
- Professional Discussion:
A professional discussion is a 1-hour structured discussion between the apprentice and the independent end assessor to draw out the best of the apprentice’s energy, enthusiasm, competence and excellence. It covers the KSBs assigned to this assessment method. It will allow the apprentice to evidence both the knowledge gained and its application through skills and behaviours.
Grading for Professional Discussion: Pass/Distinction
Overall apprenticeship standard grade: Pass/Distinction
Progression routes:
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. You can progress onto Level 3 Retail Team Leader Apprenticeship or Level 3 Team Leader or Supervisor Apprenticeship.