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Job description: Retail Trainee
As a trainee retail manager, you'll be the next generation of a high profile, fast-moving industry, training both on the job and in the classroom.
Trainee management programmes vary from company to company, but typically you will start as a team leader in a store near you, on a competitive salary and benefits package.
During the first stage of your training you'll gain an overall view of how a branch operates and gain experience of every aspect of running a store.
You'll learn how to organise yourself and others, and become immersed in branch and company objectives.
Specifically, you will help to: look at ways to maximise sales and minimise costs; implement company sales and service initiatives; become involved in recruitment and staff retention; manage a sales team and sell direct to customers.
Hours and Environment
Basically, you work store opening hours. This usually works out as a 37 or 38 hour week, but is also likely to include evenings and weekends. However, part-time work is now very common and you may work a shift pattern.
Although office-based, you should be ready to spend time on your feet on the shop floor.
Skills and Interests
You'll need a range of skills to be a retail trainee, notably:
- Excellent communication and 'people' skills
- Strong planning and organisational skills
- The ability to work to deadlines and under pressure
- A strong commitment to customer service
- Confidence, drive and enthusiasm
- Decision-making ability and a sense of responsibility
- The ability to understand and analyse sales figures
- Sound business sense.
Entry
To enter retailing at trainee manager level, you don't normally need specific qualifications although you will need to be competent in maths and IT.
Most likely you'll enter a large retail chain through a management training scheme. Most companies will ask you to be qualified to at least level 3 (for example, with A levels or an equivalent such as a BTEC National Diploma).
You may be able to get into the retail industry through an apprenticeship scheme. The range of apprenticeships available in your area will depend on the local jobs market and the skills employers need. For more information, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk.
When looking for work, a foundation degree, BTEC HNC or degree in retail management, business or marketing can help. Many retail degrees are 'sandwich courses', which include a year's work placement to give you hands-on experience.
Visit the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service website to look for courses.
Training
Many employers will give you all the training and support you need, both on and off the job.
In-house training could include the chance to gain work-based qualifications, such as NVQ Level 2 in Retail Skills, Level 3 in Retail and Level 4 in Sales.
Structured graduate management training schemes usually last between 18 months and two years, and you can be fast-tracked to promotion in less than a year.
Note that many larger organisations will offer a programme of ongoing training throughout your retail career.
Opportunities
Retail is a growing industry, and reflects prevailing conditions in the economy faster than any other. In towns and cities nationwide you'll find shops and stores of all shapes and sizes, from small independent shops such as newsagents or pet dealers to large department stores.
Many stores and retail organisations now have their own web sites, which often advertise vacancies and training schemes.
Promotion prospects in retailing can be excellent, particularly in larger organisations committed to staff training. With experience, you can progress quickly to assistant manager, store manager, then area or regional manager if you work for a national chain.
You should be prepared to move companies, though. You also have the prospect of working for yourself and opening your own outlet, once you have some experience.
Annual Income
- Starting salaries for trainees are usually between £14,000 and £20,000 a year.
- With experience, typical earnings can rise to between £21,000 and £28,000.
- Some senior store managers earn £40,000 a year or more.
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