Level 4 Buying and Merchandising Assistant Click here to download flyer 

Qualification  

Buying & Merchandising Assistant 

Level 

4 

Duration  

13-16 months 
Retail apprentices in a Supermarket

 

Role Profile 

This course is for Buying and Merchandising Assistants working in Food, Fashion or General Merchandise. This includes retailers who trade through stores, exclusively online and those who operate through a variety of channels. Their responsibilities are likely to include; selecting new products, identifying trends and trading patterns, communicating with external and internal colleagues such as - designers, manufacturers, suppliers, distribution centres, marketing, finance, and IT departments.  
 
What you will learn: 
Placing and managing orders for products 
Monitoring competitor activity 
Managing suppliers and key stakeholders 
Ethical and sustainable sourcing 
Effective methods of negotiation and communication 
Purchasing habits, channels and managing seasonality 
Developing self and others 
And much more... 

Qualification pathways for Buying and Merchandising Assistant Apprenticeship 

All learners study the core duties and then choose one of two pathways: 
Buying assistant duties 
Merchandising assistant duties 

End-point assessment – What is this? 

Once an apprentice has completed their apprenticeship, they will be ‘signed off’ by their employer/ provider as ready for end-point assessment of their knowledge and practical capabilities. The assessment will be graded and must show the apprentice is fully competent and productive in the occupation. 
 
End Point Assessment consists of: 
Work based project 
Professional discussion 

Progression Opportunities 

Learners progress onto roles including Assistant Buyer or Assistant Merchandiser. Once in role they can study a Level 6 qualification for Assistant Buyers and Merchandisers. 

Learner Success Stories 

Imogen B - Buying and Merchandising Assistant Level 4 - ALDI 
 
“The most enjoyable part was being set practical tasks that relate to my job - being able to collate my learnings in a centralised place not only proved to be great EPA prep but also allowed me to reflect on what I have learnt so far at ALDI and how I can onboard those learnings going forward. Training layout was clear and easy to follow. Principles of Buying understood and applied well to my role at ALDI." 
 
Georgina G - Buying and Merchandising Level 4 - Dixons Carphone Warehouse 
 
"I've found the work very interesting and I've been very well supported by my trainer Andy, he's brilliant!" 

Employers involved in creating the Buying and Merchandising Assistant standard 

Ocado, Steinhoff UK Ltd, Superdrug, Arcadia, M&S, Debenhams, JD Sports, John Lewis, Co-operative Group, Sainsburys, Mothercare, Travis Perkins 

Next Steps 

For more information on Apprenticeships or to apply for an apprenticeship, please contact the Business Development Team on; 
01329 825805 
Address 
Westfield House 
Fareham 
Hampshire 
PO16 0DH 
Phone 
01329 825805 
Email 
For Learners / Apprentices - info@fareport.co.uk 
Opening hours 
Monday - Friday: 8am - 4pm 

Recognition 

European Social Fund Logo
Ofsted Outstanding Logo
Skills funding agency logo
Apprenticeships logo
Matrix logo
Training Excellence logo
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