Sign up for job alertsLevel 2 Retail
If you're looking to take the first step in a successful retail career, this is the perfect path for you. Through a combination of formal training and on the job learning as a customer, our Level 2 Retail apprenticeship can open the door to all kinds of exciting opportunities.
Don't have a CV? Click hereWhat happens on the programme?
Combining a hands-on customer facing role with learning across a range of modules, you’ll develop all the key sales, communication, commercial awareness, and understanding of product marketing you need to be a fully-rounded retail professional.
It’ll be challenging, and you’ll need to balance work and studies but you won't be alone. Your manager and a personal coach will be there to support you every step of the way, and make sure you get 20% of your contracted hours each week to complete your apprenticeship.
Career path
We couldn't be more supportive of your career progression here at Co-op. There are genuine opportunities to go beyond customer assistant, either by joining our Boost development programme or continuing your development on one of our apprenticeships.
- Customer team member
- Customer team leader
- Store manager
- Area manager
As a customer team member you’ll be part of a business that’s truly different. There’s lots to do this role and the pace is always fast, with different duties to take on through your shift. From giving great customer service and keeping the store well stocked, to preparing bakery products and promoting our membership offer. It’s a varied role and a great place to start your career in retail.
closeAs a customer team leader, you’ll help the store manager with the day to day running of your store. Leading the store team, you’ll be responsible for maintaining high standards, supporting your colleagues to provide great service, and making sure the store is always well stocked and presentable. You’ll also be a key holder, and we’ll look to you to help ensure your store is always safe and secure. Being a team leader will give you the foundations you need to become a Co-op leader and grow your career in retail.
closeStore manager is one of the most important roles in our business. As a store manager you’ll need to combine your community spirit with commercial awareness and leadership skills to deliver great sales results. We’ll also look to you to grow and lead the store team and show every customer you’re here to help them and their community. Being a store manager isn’t easy, but with opportunities to get involved in projects and plenty of development on offer, it’s one of the most rewarding jobs in retail.
closeAs an area manager you’ll lead a large team of store managers across circa 20 stores. We’ll look to you to inspire your team to deliver an amazing customer experience, and coach them to drive sales and community contributions. Being an area manager is about more than simply managing a group of stores – you’ll also drive change and bring to life Co-op strategies through exciting projects and programmes. And with a wide range of development and support on offer, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to grow your career in retail.
closeMy Co-op Career
Within the first 12 weeks of joining the Co-op, you’ll enrol on the Core programme. This allows you to get to know our Co-op, understand your role and how you fit in, as well as ensuring you meet the standards expected within your role. This would include online modules, coaching and on the job development, with regular catch-ups and reviews with your line manager.
After completing Core, you can apply to join our Excellence programme. This is designed for colleagues who are achieving in role and want to develop and broaden their skills further. There are 5 main modules which include leadership, making stores profitable, using technology in store, customer service and community & membership.
We’re truly committed to helping our colleagues grow and develop. If you’re interested in progressing your retail career, we can offer you the opportunity to join our Boost programme, which is open to all levels in store from customer team member to area manager. Whichever role you apply for, this programme will help you get where you want to be.
You can join an apprenticeship as a new or existing colleague to grow as a person and as a professional. With multiple intakes a year across 4 programmes from retail basics to a management degree there are opportunities for everyone at all levels, whether you’re looking to move up the ladder or become even better at your current role.
What’s in it for you?
As well as developing as a person and a retail professional, you’ll also receive the level 2 Retailer industry standard, which is equivalent to 5 GCSEs, plus Maths and English qualifications if required. And as if career-boosting training wasn’t enough, a guaranteed 30 hours mean you'll also earn a good wage.
Beyond your level 2 apprenticeship there are plenty of career options. This could be joining a level 3 programme and moving up the ladder or exploring the wider development opportunities available across Co-op. Either way you can continue your learning in store or in other areas.
How to apply
We'd love to hear from you as long as you:
Don't have any retail qualifications already and are passionate about developing a career in retail and sudying towards an apprenticeship
Are ready to work 30 hours or more across a variety of shifts
If you're already employed as a colleague at Co-op, you can ask your line manager about joining our Level 2 Retail programme or click to search for relevant apprenticeships.
Click hereIf you're already employed as a customer team member at Co-op, you can ask your line manager about joining Level 2 Retail programme or click to search for relevant apprenticeships.
Click hereIf you're new to Co-op, you can apply for our Level 2 Retail (Customer Team Member) programme, or search for other opportunities, by clicking the button below.
Click hereOur apprenticeships are available at various times throughout the year so if you can't find a suitable programme right now, register for job alerts at the bottom of the page and you'll be notified when new opportunities become available.
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