Buying and merchandising assistant
Level 4 · HigherSales, marketing and procurement 1.5 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
The Buying and Merchandising Assistant apprenticeship develops the analytical, commercial and supplier management skills needed to support buying and merchandising teams in retail or e-commerce businesses. Apprentices learn how product ranges are selected, bought and planned to maximise sales and profit. It leads to buyer, merchandiser or product manager roles in retail.
On the job
What you’ll learn
Retail buying cycle and range planning processes
Merchandising principles including open-to-buy and OTB management
Supplier sourcing, negotiation and relationship management
Sales data analysis and forecasting for product ranges
Retail pricing, margin and mark-down strategies
Product lifecycle management from selection to clearance
Supply chain and logistics in a retail context
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Analyse sales reports and flag trading trends to the buying team
Maintain product information databases and line sheets
Support with supplier communications and sample management
Monitor stock levels and raise replenishment orders
Assist with range review and seasonal selection meetings
Coordinate with logistics on delivery schedules and intake
Prepare trading reports and present findings to the team
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 4 (Higher) - roughly Foundation-degree level. Usually needs Level 3 (A-levels, a T-Level, or an Advanced apprenticeship) or relevant experience.
What’s next: Can lead to a Level 5/6 apprenticeship or a more senior role.
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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