Retail Service, Supply and Administration Apprenticeship

Level 2
Ages 16-24

8 Months
Flexible Start Dates

Retail Service, Supply and Administration Apprenticeship

The Retail Service, Supply and Administration Apprenticeship Level 2 is a foundation apprenticeship that gives young people their first experience working in a retail environment. They get involved in customer service, sales, stock and everyday administration. They build practical workplace skills as they learn on the job. For employers, it’s a way to bring new talent into the business and give them a solid starting point for their next step.

The Benefits of a Retail Service, Supply and Administration Apprenticeship:

  • Give young people a supported introduction to working in retail

  • Build practical customer service, sales and workplace skills from the outset

  • Develop work-ready behaviours through hands-on experience

  • Create a pathway into employment or a more specialised apprenticeship

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What’s Covered By The Apprenticeship:

Key areas of learning include:

  • Retail operations across service, supply and administration

  • Understanding customer needs and delivering positive service

  • Sales, promotions, merchandising and brand standards

  • Stock handling, availability and loss prevention

  • Digital tools and workplace systems

  • Working with others, communication and organising tasks

  • Workplace responsibilities, inclusion and safety

A final EPA includes:

  • A knowledge test.

  • A practical assessment.

These are assessed and graded by an independent assessor.

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Apprenticeship Outcomes:

By the end of the programme, apprentices will be able to:

  • Approach customers and identify what they need from their visit

  • Recommend suitable products and explain their features and benefits clearly

  • Deliver a positive service, adapting their approach to different customers

  • Support sales activity and recognise opportunities to add value

  • Keep stock, displays and customer areas to the required standard

  • Handle questions and complaints calmly, knowing when to seek support

  • Spot opportunities to improve product availability and presentation

  • Use digital tools and systems to support customer service, supply and administrative tasks

  • Handle data and administrative activities to help keep everyday workflows organised

  • Support stock management and storage to maintain accurate and efficient stock control

  • Follow relevant legislation, workplace procedures and safety requirements while carrying out their role

Funding & Employer Commitment:

As an employer, you are required to provide your apprentice with 20% off-the-job training time. This is protected time set aside specifically for learning and development. It enables the apprentice to build the essential skills, knowledge and behaviours they need to perform effectively within your organisation. Find out more about off-the-job training.

Throughout the Retail Service, Supply and Administration Apprenticeship, employers are also responsible for providing appropriate guidance, support and mentoring to help their employee complete their practical assessment to the required standard.

For levy-paying employers, apprenticeship training costs can be met using their levy funds. Non-levy employers may also be eligible for government funding. This includes incentives announced for 2026, such as full funding for eligible apprentices aged under 25.

For further information about apprenticeship funding and eligibility, visit the Government website.

Talk To Our Team

OR CALL:

0800 0868199

Getting Started

Arrange a complimentary skills assessment. We’ll help you identify the most suitable programme and check which funding options you may be eligible for.

Begin when it works for you. There’s no need to wait for a new term or fixed start date; you can get started at a time that fits your organisation.

Taking a card payment during a Retail Service, Supply and Administration Apprenticeship

Why Employers Choose Swarm Training

Swarm Training provides adaptable, workplace-focused apprenticeship programmes, delivered by experienced tutors with valuable industry experience.

Through online learning and carefully balanced caseloads, each Retail Service, Supply and Administration apprentice receives tailored guidance and support that reflects the needs of your business. Our training develops practical expertise alongside communication, teamwork and other essential workplace skills, with complimentary CPD included for every apprentice.

As a Community Interest Company, we reinvest our resources back into the community. By working with us, you can develop the skills your business needs while also contributing to meaningful social value.

Frequently Asked Questions

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  • This apprenticeship can be a good option for businesses that want to develop new talent across customer service, retail, administration, sales, stock control or supply-related activities.

    It can be particularly useful if you need an entry-level employee who can develop a broad range of practical workplace skills while learning on the job.

  • Depending on the individual's circumstances and eligibility. As this is a foundation apprenticeship it is only available to candidates aged 16-24. If your employee falls into this category then the apprenticeship can be used to develop them. It provides a structured development route for an employee who would benefit from gaining new skills and working towards a recognised qualification or apprenticeship outcome.

  • While the Retail Service, Supply and Administration apprenticeship follows a defined programme and assessment requirements, the apprentice's workplace experience can reflect your organisation and the role they are performing.

    Consequently, this means you can give them opportunities to apply their learning to real tasks, customers, systems and processes within your business.

  • Look for a provider, like Swarm Training, that takes the time to understand your business, the apprentice's role and the skills you need to develop.

    You should also consider how training will fit around your working environment, how apprentices will be supported throughout their programme, how progress will be communicated to you and whether the provider has experience working with employers in your sector.

  • Yes. Apprenticeships can give employers an alternative way to recruit and develop entry-level talent.

    Rather than looking for someone who already has extensive experience, you can bring someone into your organisation and provide structured training that develops the skills your business needs.

  • Yes. Retail Service, Supply and Administration apprenticeships can work well for businesses of all sizes, including small and micro businesses. They offer a cost-effective way to develop new talent while giving an apprentice practical experience within your organisation.

    A training provider can support you throughout the programme, helping ensure the apprenticeship works for both your business and the apprentice.