Customer services

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• setting up your own business

College

You could do a college course, which may help if you want to open your own store.

Courses include:

• business start up
• preparing to set up in a new business
• retail skills
• business essentials
• retail skills sales professional

Apprenticeship

You could apply to do an apprenticeship with a retail chain to learn the skills needed in this job.

Training includes:

• Retailer Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
• Retail Team Leader Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
• Retail Manager Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
• Retail Leadership Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship

You'll do on-the-job training and spend time with a college or training provider.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

Volunteering and work experience

You can get retail experience through volunteering with charities that operate high street shops. The skills you pick up can help when applying for paid jobs.

Other routes

You can become a shopkeeper by taking over an existing business or opening a franchise. You can also set up your own retail outlet on the high street, at a market or online.

It'll help if you've got some experience in retail, sales, administration or business management.

You can find advice online about setting up and running your own business and through organisations like The Prince's Trust.

Requirements and restrictions

You'll need to:

• be over 18 to sell alcohol and other restricted goods

More information

Career tips

If you're looking to run your own store, online selling is a good way to start. You could sell products from your own website or through other established trading sites.

This can be a useful way to gain experience and research your market, before opening a physical shop of your own.

Professional and industry bodies

You may find it useful to join the British Independent Retailers Association, for professional development, training opportunities and to make industry contacts.

Further information

You can get advice about starting out in retail from the British Independent Retailers Association.

View all vacancies in this region

With experience, you may be able to run your own shop, take on a franchise or manage a store for a retail chain.