DEVELOP ENTRY-LEVEL TALENT TO SUPPORT ON DELIVERING AN EXCEPTIONAL PRODUCT OFFER
Designed for those starting out on a career in buying and merchandising, this Level 4 Buying & Merchandising Assistant apprenticeship explores all aspects of these functions, covering topics including the retail business environment, planning and budgeting, range creation and trading.
Learners on the buying pathway will develop skills to support new product selection, development and monitoring in today’s omnichannel environment, while the merchandising pathway examines the collation and analysis of performance reports, identifying trends, trading patterns and highlighting anomalies within datasets.
KEY INFORMATION
- Explore budgeting, sales planning, sourcing and product development models
- Develops commercial instincts and strategic thinking
- Builds confidence using data and key software like Excel
APPRENTICESHIP DETAILS
The Level 4 Buying & Merchandising Assistant apprenticeship is designed for those in the early stages of a career in buying or merchandising.
- Open cohort starts in March/April and September/October
- Closed cohorts can start at any time
- Hybrid, online and in-person delivery
- Practical experience balanced with theoretical learning
The Level 4 Buying & Merchandising Assistant programme is best suited to those who are new to buying and merchandising and have been in their role for less than 12 months, for example a buyer's admin assistant who looking to step up to buying assistant. Offering a full overview of buying and merchandising best practice, this apprenticeship explores all aspects of these functions, including planning and budgeting, range creation and trading.
Apprentices will gain the knowledge, skills and behaviours to support new product selection and development, ensuring that products are sustainably and efficiently sourced. They will also learn to analyse and report sales and performance data to identify trends and trading patterns, and use this to create action plans and updated forecasts.
The Level 4 Buying & Merchandising Assistant apprenticeship costs £6,000 per learner which includes End-Point Assessment.
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 £300 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.
- 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 FRA resources including WGSN, LinkedIn Learning, Global Data, Business of Fashion, Fashion/Beauty Monitor and Drapers
- Online e-Portfolio
- Monthly progress report
Duration: 16 months
The Level 4 Buying & Merchandising Assistant Apprenticeship typically takes 16 months to complete, followed by a period of end-point assessment.
Open Cohort Intakes
March/April
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 10 learners to offer a closed cohort for Level 4 Buying & Merchandising Assistant apprentices.
For our closed-access programmes, the programme duration and delivery model can be flexible to support business objectives – 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 2-3 weeks, which may take place online or in person.
Buying & Merchandising Strategy
- Develop strategic and operational buying approaches.
- Understand product lifecycle and critical path management.
- Align buying plans with organisational strategic objectives and brand strategy.
- Plan stock densities and routes to market.
- Use financial frameworks to guide commercial decisions.
Customer & Market Insight
- Build customer-focused product ranges reflecting brand identity.
- Analyse customer journeys, habits, seasonality, and profiles.
- Forecast demand using trend data and buying patterns.
Commercial Performance & Financial Management
- Monitor KPIs and evaluate product commercial performance.
- Manage stock to meet sales and profit forecasts.
- Negotiate to balance financial returns with ethical standards.
- Understand external cost factors like currency and global sourcing.
Product Development, Quality & Compliance
- Contribute to product innovation and development.
- Ensure product quality, legal compliance, and ethical sourcing.
- Maintain industry standards in buying and merchandising.
Data, Business Intelligence & Analysis
- Use data to shape strategic and operational decisions.
- Analyse trends, stock levels, competitor activity, and forecast internally.
- Present data insights to support KPIs and business strategies.
Collaboration, Stakeholder & Supplier Management
- Build and manage relationships internally and externally.
- Influence and communicate trends, product ideas, and competitor insights.
- Support cross-departmental collaboration to meet business goals.
Leadership, Ethics & Professionalism
- Coach, mentor, and develop team members.
- Foster adaptability, resilience, and risk management under pressure.
- Uphold ethical, sustainable sourcing, and compliance standards.
End-point assessment
For the Level 4 Buying & Merchandising Assistant apprenticeship, end-point assessment is provided by EFI Awards. EPA typically takes 3 months to complete.
EPA comprises work-based project including presentation and Q&As, and professional discussion.
Success Story
Harrods Retail Academy in partnership with EFI Training
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We've had great quality work from many of our previous Buying and Merchandising apprentices who have studied with EFI Training.
Hannah Adams, Head of Business Learning & Development, ASOS