What is the purpose of this qualification?
This qualification is suitable for learners who need a comprehensive introductory level 2 course in retail. It will be of specific relevance to:
• Young people, aged 16 and over, who are aspiring to a career in the retail sector but are not yet sure in which precise area, and who intend to access level 3 qualifications or a level 3 apprenticeship but need a fairly extensive learning programme at level 2 before they will be ready to access level 3
• People aged 16 and over, usually with prior attainment at level 1 and below, including those who have had a significant break from or disjointed experience of education, who wish to work in the retail sector but need a fairly extensive grounding in the subject and an opportunity to develop more general workplace skills over an extended period before identifying the most appropriate job roles and applying for work.
What skills, knowledge, or understanding does this qualification develop?
This qualification provides learners with a wide range of introductory skills, as well as core knowledge, relevant to retail, alongside generic employability skills which are needed both in the retail sector and across other sectors. You must take the following mandatory units:
• Understanding the Retail Sector
• Working in a Retail Team
• Understanding customer service in the retail sector
Optional units include knowledge and skills relevant to different job roles in the sector (such as merchandising displays, packing goods, labelling products) alongside generic employability skills (such as leadership skills and setting and meeting targets at work).
How is this qualification different from other, similar qualifications?
This qualification is part of a suite which includes an Award, Certificate, Extended Certificate and Diploma. Learners should take the Diploma if, before progressing to employment (with further training where possible), to a level 3 Apprenticeship or to a Level 3 qualification, they need an extended introduction to the sector, including the opportunity to build up a range of skills and knowledge, explore a number of potential job roles and career pathways in the sector, and gain a set of more generic workplace skills.
The Diploma will be suitable for learners who would benefit from an extended period of time working at level 2, up to 2 years, before progressing to employment or to a level 3 qualification or apprenticeship.
Which sector does this qualification support?
This qualification could lead to a number of roles in retail such as retail or sales operative, customer service officer, assistant merchandiser or assistant store manager.
What are the progression options?
Learners can progress to a Level 3 certificate or diploma in retail or to a Level 3 Apprenticeship in Retail in any of the available pathways.
Progression & entry requirements
Learners do not need any prior qualifications or a specific level of attainment to take this qualification. However, learners will benefit from having English and maths skills at level 1. The qualification is available to learners aged 16 and over.
