Assistant buyer and merchandiser
Level 6 · DegreeSales, marketing and procurement 2 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
An assistant buyer and merchandiser supports the buying and merchandising function in a retail, fashion, or product business, helping to select ranges, manage supplier relationships, and analyse sales data to ensure the right products are available at the right time and price. This degree-level apprenticeship develops commercial acumen, product knowledge, and analytical skills in a fast-paced retail environment. Graduates can progress to buyer, senior merchandiser, or head of buying and merchandising roles.
On the job
What you’ll learn
Retail buying process from range planning through to purchase order
Merchandising principles including open-to-buy and stock management
Supplier sourcing, negotiation, and relationship management
Sales analysis, trading reports, and commercial decision-making
Product development and garment or product technology fundamentals
Critical path management and supplier lead time planning
Consumer trends, market research, and competitor analysis
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Assist in range selection meetings and provide product analysis
Raise and track purchase orders with suppliers
Analyse weekly sales data and flag trading risks and opportunities
Manage critical path deadlines and chase suppliers on deliveries
Conduct competitor shopping trips and market research
Maintain product data, samples, and departmental records
Support seasonal range reviews and presentation preparation
The deal
How this apprenticeship works
You earn a wage from day one. You are a paid employee, not a student. There are no tuition fees - the training is funded by your employer and the government.
About 20% is “off-the-job” training. Roughly a day a week is spent learning away from your normal duties - at a college, training provider, or online - working towards a recognised qualification.
It ends with an end-point assessment (EPA). Near the end, an independent assessor checks you can do the job to the national standard - through tests, a project, a portfolio or an interview. Pass it and you are fully qualified.
How to get there
What you need to start
Level 6 (Degree) - roughly Bachelor’s-degree level. Usually needs A-levels or a Level 3 qualification (employers set UCAS-point targets). You earn a full degree while you work - with no tuition fees to pay.
What’s next: Leads into professional roles, sometimes with a Level 7 (Master’s) apprenticeship after.
Entry requirements are set by each employer and can vary - always check the specific vacancy.
Hear from employers
What it’s really like
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