Developed exclusively to meet the specific needs of the retail sector, our Level 3 Retail Service Excellence Supervisor with Visual Merchandising programme is the only apprenticeship of its type in England. Designed to develop commercial, creative and operational skills, apprentices will learn to conceptualise exciting new ways to encourage customers to shop in order to achieve sales targets.
On completion of this programme, learners will gain a broad knowledge of retail transformation, exploring the current retail and visual merchandising climate to understand how strategic and effective visual merchandising solutions drive customer engagement, brand recognition and sales.
KEY INFORMATION
- Teaches the basic principles, science and psychology of visual merchandising
- Develops skills in creative display and storytelling to drive commercial KPIs
- Explores use of VM to create a seamless, multichannel customer experiences
APPRENTICESHIP DETAILS
The Level 3 Retail Service Excellence Supervisor with Visual Merchandising apprenticeship is the only course of its kind, interweaving a nationally-recognised programme with VM best practice.
- Open cohorts start in April/May and September/October
- Closed cohorts can start at any time
- Hybrid, online and in-person delivery
- Practical experience balanced with theoretical learning
Unique to the Fashion Retail Academy, this programme develops commercial, operational, and creative capabilities, enabling you to conceptualise exciting new ways to encourage customers to shop. Learners will learn to conceptualise and execute new and exciting ways to encourage customers as well as explore strategic and effective solutions to drive customer engagement, brand recognition and sales.
On completion of this apprenticeship, learners will gain an understanding of how successful VM feeds into wider business objectives, having explored and analysed customer journeys and VM techniques. Apprentices will also be equipped with fundamental leadership skills to motivate and monitor their team for optimal performance.
The Level 3 Retail Service Excellence Supervisor with Visual Merchandising apprenticeship costs £4,000 per learner which includes End-Point Assessment.
Funding
Apprenticeships can be funded from your Apprenticeship Levy or by Government Co-Invest. If you do not pay the Levy, the Government will fund 95% of the programme, meaning you pay as little as £200 per person you enrol. We are also able to offer privately funded places for any employees not eligible for apprenticeship funding. For further information about funding options, eligibility and costs, please contact us.
Cost Includes:
- Bespoke off-the-job learning plan
- Programme Manager overseeing the learner journey and apprentice experience
- Delivery of the programme by retail experts
- Blend of sessions including online learning, webinars, in-person workshops, and individual coaching and support
- Preparation and support for End-Point Assessment
- Dedicated Client Manager
- Access to resources including WGSN, LinkedIn Learning, Global Data, Business of Fashion, Fashion/Beauty Monitor and Drapers
- Online e-Portfolio
- Monthly progress report
Duration: 12 months
The Level 3 Retail Service Excellence Supervisor with Visual Merchandising apprenticeship typically takes 15 months to complete, followed by a period of end-point assessment of approximately 3 months.
Next Open Cohort Intake
April/May
September/October
Enquire now to secure places for your team
Closed Cohorts
We can begin a closed intake apprenticeship at any time that suits your brand. We require a minimum of 16 learners to offer a closed cohort for Level 3 Retail Service Excellence Supervisor with Visual Merchandising.
For our closed-access programmes, we can devise a flexible programme and delivery model to support the needs of your business – please get in touch to find out more about the options available.
- Off-the-job learning is delivered through a combination of full day and half day group workshops approximately every 2 weeks, which may take place online or in person.
BUSINESS & BRAND
- Supervisors develop an understanding of how the
business operates within its wider market context,
exploring business strategy, culture and brand
positioning, and how brand reputation is built and
protected. Supervisors will align team behaviours
with brand values and business objectives.
COMMERCIAL SALES & SERVICE
- Supervisors will focus on delivering strong sales
and service performance through people, including
how to support promotions, use effective selling
techniques, manage team performance and drive
continuous improvement. Emphasis is placed on
customer satisfaction, commercial awareness and
leading teams with confidence and emotional
intelligence.
CUSTOMER JOURNEY
- Supervisors navigate the end-to-end customer
journey, from first interaction through to resolution
and follow‑up, covering the handling of complaints,
building positive customer relationships, managing
service level expectations, gathering and reporting
information, and communicating effectively with
diverse customers.
SERVICE CULTURE
- Supervisors build their understanding of professional
conduct, compliance and responsible service delivery,
learning about legal and governance requirements,
environmental awareness and business compliance,
alongside how to communicate and cascade
information clearly to reinforce a positive, consistent
service culture.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
- Supervisors develop the personal and professional
skills needed to lead themselves and others
effectively, looking at methods of motivation,
managing conflict, collaborative working, knowledge
sharing and team dynamics, helping supervisors
manage workloads and support high performance in
themselves and their teams.
STRATEGIC IMPROVEMENT
- Supervisors are introduced to structured
improvement and change activities, developing
skills in project management, resource planning
and performance analysis, using insights from
the end‑to‑end customer journey to contribute to
service improvements, commercial performance and
operational effectiveness.
End-point assessment
For the Level 3 Retail Service Excellence Supervisor with Visual Merchandising apprenticeship, end-point assessment is provided by EFI Awards. EPA typically takes 3 months to complete.
EPA includes:
1. Practical observation with Q&A
2. Work-based project and interview
3. Professional discussion with portfolio of evidence
Our apprentices really enjoy their time coming in to study, they're well supported, and EFI Training are very accommodating with their schedules.
Robyn Dunsford, Talent Development Advisor, Harrods