Gateway Level 2 Diploma in Retail Skills

Course Overview

With a three million-strong workforce, and year-on-year growth, the retail sector is a significant contributor to the UK economy. Between 2013 and 2020, the retail sector workforce is projected to grow by 54,800.

This qualification is aimed at individuals who are either already working within retail or would like to enter into the sector. It enables learners to develop their knowledge and understanding of the retail sector, as well as the specific knowledge needed to work efficiently as part of a retail team.

The course will enable you to develop skills and knowledge that are essential for a positive transition into employment and to develop skills that are required by today’s employers.

Level: Level 2
Duration: 1 year full-time
Awarding Body: Gateway
Course Fees: Click here for fee information
Aged 19 and over? Click here to find out about our financial support available

Units and Structure

A wide and varied range of subjects will be studied including:

Customer Service in the Retail Sector
Understanding how Individuals and Teams Contribute to the Effectiveness of a Retail Business
Visual Merchandising for Retail Business
Health and Safety in Retail
Retail Law
Employability Skills
Retail Selling Skill

A strong focus is placed on developing English, Maths and IT and softer skills such as business awareness, communication skills, teamwork, self-management and people skills.

Entry Requirements

You'll need to have:

No prior knowledge, understanding, or skills are required before learners register for this qualification. You should hold 4 GCSE’s grade D (3) or above to include English and maths.

All applicants must complete an initial assessment in Maths and English and attend an interview.

For equivalent qualifications see our Entry Requirements Explained page.

EU students: From January 2021, how you apply for a course will change. For more information, read the UK Government's guide for the UK points-based immigration system for EU students (pdf).

Tutors and Student Support

Victoria Heaton

I am passionate about retail and business in general. I come from a retail sales back ground in which I have worked in roles such as cosmetics account manager to area training manger roles. I am extremely passionate about business, and as well as my teaching role have my own successful business.

My aim to to pass on the knowledge that I have gained throughout my experience to give you the skills and abilities needed to enter this competitive environment.

Look forward meeting you all in September!

Student Support and Facilities

As a student, you’ll have access to a wide range of facilities, services and support, including:

Step outside the classroom and access our state of the art facilities as well as 3 huge Learning Resource Centres with thousands of resources to use
With hands-on experience you’ll be prepared for employment with a competitive edge.
A dedicated impartial careers advice team to help you on your future path
Our wide range of courses means that we can offer the right paths to get you where you need to be
Our Hub campus is right in the heart of the town centre meaning you can find your way to us easily
Outstanding student support throughout your studies with us.

Progression and Employment

Typical starting salaries for retail managers range between £20,000 and £30,000 but depending on the organisation, this can vary significantly, without any retail work experience Assistant positions will generally be where you enter the industry and range between £17,000 and £23,000.

With experience, salaries can rise to £35,000 to £60,000 or even up to £70,000 in larger shops or supermarkets.

Employment opportunities in the retail sector also include:

Buying;
Customer services;
Loss prevention and security;
Merchandising and allocation;
Store management;
Visual merchandising;
Warehouse, distribution, logistics and supply chain.
You could choose to work within a specific area such as: fashion, books, jewellery, music, sport, online, an optician’s, or supermarket retailing.

There are also opportunities in the finance, human resources (HR), marketing and IT departments of retail companies.

Progression and Employment

Courses that you can progress to:

Business Administration Level 2 / and or Level 3

Courses you can progress to

More about this course...

Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme

We're proud to be able to offer Dual Career Accreditation via the Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme. This is a Sport England funded partnership between athletes, education institutions, and national governing bodies of sport.

The Scheme helps athletes in education – aged 16-plus – to get the very best from their sporting and academic careers without having to choose between the two.

Click here to find out more about TASS

Apply or Enquire

Want to know more or chat to us?

Have any further questions about this course? You can contact someone specifically about it by using the details below or filling in the enquiry form.

Victoria Heaton
01302 553694
victoria.heaton@don.ac.uk

Make an enquiry

Course Enquiry Form

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