Staff Zone Banner

Achieve Sustainable Growth Together

The Blakemore Way

Retail Apprenticeships: Sign Up Now

October 30, 2020

Blakemore Retail is now recruiting its next cohort of apprentices. 

Since the business launched its Retail Team Leader Level 3 apprenticeship scheme back in 2017, we have seen some amazing success stories from people who have achieved qualifications and gained management positions.

In December of last year the Retailer Supervisor Level 2 was launched, and we are pleased to announce that we now have more than 15 learners on the scheme. 

Helen

Pictured is Helen Vinson, who started working for Blakemore Retail in August 2015 as a sales assistant on a 10-hour contract at Taylors Avenue in Grimsby. She quickly got promoted to a supervisory position and completed her supervisor training.

Helen’s area manager, Carolyne Barker, mentioned that there was a new apprenticeship programme being launched and that she thought Helen would make the ideal candidate. Helen applied and was shortlisted to attend the recruitment day. She was successful and was enrolled on the Retail Level 3 apprenticeship programme.

On completion of the programme, Helen was then promoted to the Assistant Manager at one of Blakemore Retail’s flagship stores, Laceby Lodge, a fuel site with a Greggs, Subway and Insomnia café. Helen, along with Store Manager Linda and the team, recently helped Laceby Lodge to win the title of Best Multiple Managed Convenience Store at the Convenience Awards.

Helen commented: “Having had my family, I felt it was the right time to put myself first and develop my career. Without the course, I wouldn’t be where I am today, and I want to thank Blakemore’s for giving me the opportunity. It has helped me build my confidence and even my daughter is now working for the business!”

What’s next?

We know that we have talented and hardworking people within our business, and we want to encourage and support this. Therefore, Blakemore Retail is now recruiting its next cohort of apprentices. 

What apprenticeships are on offer?

As well as retail apprenticeships, we are also now offering apprenticeship schemes to all our food service departments. Whether you work on the shop floor, Subway, Greggs, Bargain Bites, Daily Deli or Insomnia, we have an apprenticeship for you:

  • Retailer Supervisor Level 2: aimed at assistants wanting to become supervisors
  • Retail Team Leader Level 3: aimed at supervisors wanting to go into management
  • Food Service Team Member Level 2: aimed at assistants wanting to become team leaders/supervisors
  • Food Service Supervisor Level 3: aimed at team leaders/supervisors wanting to go into management

The apprenticeship scheme is only available to stores in England. However, we do offer a Your Development Programme for retail supervisors and trainee managers.

What is an apprenticeship?

  • On-the-job training – supported by your manager. You will receive a monthly contact visit from the PTP tutor
  • Learning is achieved through a blended approach of work-based assignments, discussions and projects
  • Functional skills – to increase confidence by developing maths and English up to Level 2
  • Endpoint assessment – to support the theory behind the role

What would I gain from an apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship offers you the opportunity to develop the skills needed to forge a career with Blakemore Retail, gain a recognised certificate and earn money while you are doing it. It can also lead to promotions.

How long does an apprenticeship take?

The apprenticeships will take between 12 and 15 months to complete.

And another thing…

If you think that apprenticeships are only for young people, think again! As long as you are above 16 years old, anyone can sign up to an apprenticeship.

All four schemes are now available for you to apply for. Please click on the links below and register your interest:

Retail

Food service

Look out for further information in CommX. Alternatively, you can contact Training Officer Michelle Bramhall by emailing mbramhall@afblakemore.co.uk. 

Back to news