Young Apprenticeships in Retail Skills 

General Information  

The Young Apprentice Offer

The Young Apprenticeship in Retail Skills offers companies the chance to: 

• Recruit retail apprentices at age 16 that already have a BTEC First Diploma in Retailing Level 2 as well as eight to ten GCSEs (including English, Maths and Science)
• Make a free 50 day evaluation of a future apprentice before offering him or her a job
• Recruit Apprentices aged 16 that have management potential

Is there a cost to the company? 

No.  The YA programme funds all the costs of the apprentice’s travel, clothing and special equipment.  Companies are asked to make available to apprentices the same benefits available to all other employees e.g. free or reduced price refreshments.   

The programme will pay all the costs of the Health and Safety assessments, insurance and criminal record bureau checks.  

Where does the money come from?

The YA programme is a fully funded government programme.  BCOT is the lead partner for the Hampshire Retail and Logistics Centre of Vocational Excellence (CoVE) and is funded by the Learning and Skills Council. 

Where do the apprentices come from?

BCOT works with 12 schools in north Hampshire, including schools in Basingstoke, Winchester, Odiham, Stockbridge, Andover, Baughurst and Whitchurch.  Apprentices are recruited in year 9 at school (age 14).  They complete the course in Year 11 (age 16). 

How are apprentices selected for the course?

There are strict entry criteria.  These set minimum Key Stage 3 scores, minimum Teacher Assessment scores and behavioural and attendance requirements.  Headteachers must sign a statement confirming that each apprentice meets these minimum requirements –this guarantees each student should achieve at least 5 GCSEs A* to C at age 16.  Most apprentices are studying 8 – 10 GCSEs. 

After a presentation at each school by BCOT staff, the students interested in an apprenticeship in Retail Skills apply in writing to their Headteacher.  The school chooses the students it estimates as seriously interested in the retail industry, able to handle the additional work and the travelling to college and mature enough to cope with an extended placement in an adult workplace.   

All the students chosen by the schools are invited to BCOT for a presentation about the programme.  They attend with their parents and teachers.  After the presentation the students are invited to complete a formal application.  They are then interviewed with their parents and a decision is made about whether to accept them or not.  

How is the course organised?

Students attend BCOT for one day each week for two years.  They work towards the BTEC First Diploma in Retailing Level 2. The course includes theory and practical work with visits to retailers and other organisations. 

During the two years the students also undertake 50 days work experience on commercial premises.  The work experience can be single days or blocks, at weekends or during holidays.