BOOST RETENTION WITH A SMOOTH PROGRESSION PATH FOR BUYING & MERCHANDISING TEAMS
The Level 6 Assistant Buyer/Assistant Merchandiser apprenticeship is a specialist route for buying or merchandising admin assistants, allocators and other junior roles to move forward to more senior roles and build their knowledge and skills in areas such as range planning, finance and effective trading.
Building on existing foundational skills, this programme develops learners' commercial and operational understanding in order to drive increased growth and profit. Offering a complete overview of best practice in buying and merchandising, learners will explore the core responsibilities of their role while gaining skills in leadership, project management and financial planning.
Key Information
- Explores trading and develops commercial instincts and strategic thinking
- Develops leadership skills and managerial decision-making
- Builds confidence in analysing market data, budgeting and sales planning
APPRENTICESHIP DETAILS
The Level 6 Assistant Buyer/Assistant Merchandiser apprenticeship offers focused progression routes for buying and merchandising teams across the retail sector.
- 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 6 Assistant Buyer/Assistant Merchandiser programme explores the modern retail landscape and the buying and merchandising functions within it, while developing effective project and team leadership skills. Learners will build on these foundations and increase their knowledge of budgeting and sales planning, product development and sourcing, and interpreting and reporting sales performance.
Apprentices develop confidence in researching, analysing and presenting market trends and business data to inform efficient and commercially-driven decisions. The buying pathway will introduce a range of product development models and responsible and sustainable sourcing, while the merchandising pathway looks at analysing trading patterns to identify trends and produce accurate forecasts.
The Level 6 Assistant Buyer/Assistant Merchandiser apprenticeship costs £10,000 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 £500 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: 18 months
The Level 6 Assistant Buyer/Assistant Merchandiser apprenticeship typically takes 18 months to complete, followed by a period of end-point assessment.
Open Cohort Intakes
March/April
September/October
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 6 Assistant Buyer / Assistant Merchandiser 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 weeks, which may take place online or in person.
Product & Market Knowledge
- Understanding product portfolio, brand image, lifecycle management, and quality standards.
- Awareness of customer buying behaviours, trends, loyalty, and future needs.
- Knowledge of UK/global market influences, emerging technologies, and new product development.
- Awareness of digital delivery, fulfilment channels, and changing customer demands.
Buying & Merchandising Strategy and Operations
- Planning, forecasting, critical path, and range development aligned with business strategy.
- Cost, profit, pricing strategies, and financial levers to maximise profitability.
- Negotiation and managing supplier and internal stakeholder relationships.
- Managing compliance, legal and ethical standards.
- Using data and analytics to drive decisions and optimise product allocation and merchandising space.
Leadership & Team Development
- Leading, motivating, coaching, and developing the team for capability and capacity.
- Applying effective leadership styles to drive business objectives.
- Building collaborative relationships internally and externally to maximise outcomes.
- Taking accountability, resilience, commercial awareness, and proactive initiative.
Customer Focus & Engagement
- Understanding and anticipating customer needs, journeys, and purchasing trends.
- Collaborating with customer engagement teams to target profitable channels.
- Using research and data to inform customer-centric buying and merchandising decisions.
Communication, Problem Solving & Decision Making
- Clear communication with stakeholders and suppliers.
- Problem-solving, time management, and decision-making based on data and market insight.
- Reporting and presenting performance and forecasts.
Innovation, Adaptability & Continuous Improvement
- Embracing new technologies and digital advancements to improve buying and merchandising.
- Reviewing and revising systems and processes to maintain effectiveness.
- Fostering creativity and seeking opportunities for personal and team development.
- Acting ethically and responsibly as a business ambassador.
End-point assessment
For the Level 6 Assistant Buyer/Assistant Merchandiser 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
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