EPA Support
Retail & Trade
Baker
Bakers work in one of the largest, most dynamic and fastest growing sectors of the food and drink industry. Every day bakers make and sell millions of loaves of bread and baked goods, such as cakes, pies, pastries and biscuits to customers in the UK and around the world. Bakers are passionate about their industry and the products they make and take great pride in their work. There are many varied employment and career opportunities in the bakery industry. Bakers may be employed in a traditional craft bakery or in a large automated processing plant; a specialist retail shop or supermarket. Many bakers opt to set up and manage their own businesses. The industry offers many ongoing career development opportunities to suit their own particular interests, whether they aspire to being a manager of the future, a specialist baker, product designer or retail bakery expert.
View the standard at the Institute for Apprenticeships here.
Butcher
Butchery is one of the oldest crafts in the world, and is often where innovation meets tradition to create an industry full of character and camaraderie that plays a critical role in our social and economic future. A successful butcher must demonstrate dexterous knife skills together with craft to be able to produce the most cuts to make every carcase profitable. Butchers work in the meat and poultry industry, which is worth several billion pounds in the UK and employs thousands of workers in the farm to fork supply chain. Qualified butchers can look forward to rewarding careers in a range of environments with different types of employers. Employers include both processors and retailers. Processors range from multinational processing businesses supplying meat or meat products to, for example: large food outlets, supermarkets and hotel chains; to smaller processors supplying for example, independent/local food businesses. Retailers could include supermarkets, independent retailers and farm shops. Those with an entrepreneurial spirit may be particularly attracted to butchery as the sector relies on a high proportion of small businesses, offering the potential for experienced butchers to set up on their own.
View the standard at the Institute for Apprenticeships here.
Fishmonger
A career as a fishmonger is hugely rewarding and no two days are ever the same. They carry out a wealth of different tasks and develop a multitude of different skills. Fishmongers are responsible for preparing and selling fish, and shellfish products, to members of the public. They possess first class customer service and selling skills, and have a deep understanding of the fish and shellfish industry, species identification, preparation methods, and detailed product knowledge. Fishmongers are the face of the seafood industry, interacting with consumers, answering any questions they have, and helping them to make educated decisions on which fish they purchase. Fishmongers know about a range of fish and shellfish, and the various techniques needed to process and/or produce their products. In addition, they will be able to cut, prepare, package and present fish and shellfish products to the highest of standards.
View the standard at the Institute for Apprenticeships here
Fitted Furniture design technician
The Furniture, Furnishings and Interiors industry is of significant importance to the UK economy, particularly in the supply of end products for residential and commercial living and work places. The industry has an annual turnover well in excess of £12 billion. The ability to work to agreed targets in terms of output and quality standards is essential. Workplaces can be wide – ranging from small workshops to large factories. Furniture Manufacturers must be dexterous, have a good work ethic and able to demonstrate their ability to work individually and as part of a team.
View the standard at the Institute for Apprenticeships here.
Retailer
The main purpose of a retailer is to assist customers when they purchase products and services, which requires a good understanding of the stock being sold, the variety of ways customers can shop and the ability to process payments, for example, using a till. Retailers must be passionate about delivering a quality service that always aims to exceed customers’ expectations. Therefore, retailers enjoy direct contact with a wide range of people and are motivated by completing a sale and knowing a customer is happy with their purchase. They can work in a variety of shops and other retail establishments: small boutiques, large high street chains, supermarkets and well-known department stores are just some examples.
View the standard at the Institute for Apprenticeships here
Operations or Departmental Manager
Our end-point assessment services for the operations/departmental manager apprenticeship standard are available for registration. This apprenticeship has been designed by a range of employers to ensure that both new entrants and those interested in progressing a career in the sector have an opportunity to develop the right skills, knowledge and behaviours. This apprenticeship is a fantastic way of developing these skills whilst learning and gaining experience at work. The standard is a Level 5 apprenticeship and completion, apprentices may choose to register as members with the Chartered Management Institute and/or the Institute of Leadership & Management, to support their professional career development and progression.
View the standard at the Institute for Apprenticeships here.
Retail team leader
Retail team leaders are a critical support to managers, delivering exceptional customer service and a positive experience to customers, and may have to deputise for managers in their absence. The role is dynamic and in one day can involve a variety of different functions. Most significantly retail team leaders guide and coordinate the work of the team to complete tasks, identify and explore opportunities that drive sales, ensuring team members maintain business standards in relation to merchandising, service and promotional activities, in line with procedures. Retail team leaders gain the most of their team on a day to day basis, ensuring they are fully trained and work effectively and to the best of their ability.
View the standard at the Institute for Apprenticeships here
Trade supplier
Trade Suppliers play a vital role in ensuring an efficient flow of goods and services between manufacturers and their skilled trade customer base. They operate in a variety of sectors including electrical, plumbing, joinery and general building supplies.Typically, a Trade Supplier will operate a small warehouse and trade counter, which is visited regularly by professional trade customers who have technical knowledge about what they are buying. Trade Suppliers can specialise in roles in a trade business environment, which may include sales, purchasing, account management, logistics and administration.
View the standard at the Institute for Apprenticeships here.