How to become a shopkeeper
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- setting up your own business
College
You could do a college course, which may help if you're setting up your own business. Courses include:
- Level 1 Business Start Up
- Level 2 Certificate in Preparing to Set Up in a New Business
- Level 2 Retail Skills
- Level 3 Certificate in Business Essentials
- Level 3 Retail Skills Sales Professional
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
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Apprenticeship
Apprenticeships relevant to this role include:
- Level 2 Retailer
- Level 3 Retail team leader
- Level 4 Retail manager
- Level 6 Retail leadership
You'll do on-the-job training and spend time with a college or training provider.
With experience you may be able to run your own shop, take on a franchise or manage a company store.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
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Volunteering
You can get retail experience through volunteering with charities that operate high street shops.
You can find information on opportunities near you from Do It .
Other Routes
You can become a shopkeeper by taking over an existing business or opening a franchise. You could also set up your own retail outlet on the high street or online.
It'll help if you've got some experience in retail, sales, administration or business management.
You can find advice about setting up and running your own business from Business is Great.
Organisations like the Prince's Trust may be able to offer training for running a business if you are aged between 18 and 30.
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Career tips
If you're looking to run your own store, online selling is a way to start. You could sell goods from your own website or through other established trading sites. This can be a useful way to gain experience and research your market, before opening a shop of your own.
Professional and industry bodies
You may find it useful to join an organisation like the British Independent Retailers Association, for professional development, training opportunities and to make industry contacts.
Further information
You can get advice about starting out in retail from the British Independent Retailers Association.