Full funding available, subject to eligibility
Preparing to Work in Retail
Kickstart your career in retail
If you're thinking about starting a career in retail, this course is a good place to begin. It is designed for people with little or no experience, and provides the essential knowledge needed for roles such as sales assistant or check-out operator.
- 1.5 weeks (Monday to Friday, 09:30 to 14:30)
- Highfield
Who it’s for
An 8-day course ideal for anyone wanting to work in a retail environment who has no previous experience in the sector.
What you’ll gain
- Highfield Level 1 Award in Retail Knowledge (RQF)
- Understanding the business of retail
- Understanding the control, handling and replenishment of stock in a retail business
- Understanding how individuals and teams contribute to the effectiveness of a retail business
- Understanding the retail selling process
Dates for this course
Dates are available throughout the year. Please contact the team for more information.
Two ways to start
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Route 1 · Through the Jobcentre
Ask your work coach
Tell your work coach at the Jobcentre you'd like to do this course. They'll refer you to us and confirm your funding eligibility, and we'll be in touch to book your place and your start date.
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Route 2 · Straight to us
Enquire direct
Send us an enquiry using the form, or give the team a call. We'll talk through which course fits your goals, check you're eligible for free funding, and get you booked onto the next available date.
Where this course can take you
- Before you start
- This course
- Further study
Check you have what you need in the entry requirements.
Not sure? Talk to us and we will help you find the right starting point.
Talk to us about where you could study after this course.
Careers it can lead to
- Sales and Retail Assistants £12.53 an hour
- Retail Cashiers and Check-out Operators £12.49 an hour
- Shopkeepers and Owners – Retail and Wholesale £29,900 a year
- Customer Service Occupations £23,800 a year
See all 14 careers
- Vehicle and Parts Salespersons and Advisers £29,100 a year
- Call and Contact Centre Occupations £25,900 a year
- Sales Related Occupations £28,300 a year
- Sales Administrators £29,900 a year
With further study or experience
- Sales Supervisors – Retail and Wholesale £25,500 a year
- Merchandisers £23,800 a year
- Sales Accounts and Business Development Managers £48,900 a year
- Managers and Directors in Retail and Wholesale £33,300 a year
- Betting Shop and Gambling Establishment Managers £27,400 a year
- Hire Services Managers and Proprietors £31,700 a year
Typical pay is the UK median for each job (Lightcast, October 2026).
Register your interest in this course
One short form. The team will be in touch to confirm your place.
You’re enquiring about Preparing to Work in Retail
To ask about this course or book a place, get in touch with the team.
Call 01724 294124 or email adultskillsnlc@northlindsey.ac.uk