According to a recent survey from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, almost a quarter of employees will be hired as part-timers. The report found that recent increases in part-time and temporary employment look set to continue, particularly over Christmas, and that fewer retailers are looking for full-time staff.

With this in mind, apprenticeships are becoming an increasingly popular route for young people looking to kick-start a career in retail. They provide on-the-job-training and develop essential skills. They also offer retail employers the opportunity to develop the knowledge and skills of their team.

Up until very recently though, small to medium-sized retailers have been deterred from introducing apprentices to their businesses, due to perceived logistical, training and administrative costs. A survey commissioned by the Retail Apprenticeship Training Agency (RATA) revealed that only 10% of independent retailers had offered apprenticeships under government schemes in the past five years while only 3% are currently using an apprentice. The survey revealed that a key barrier is the perception that 16 to 18-year-olds are low-skilled.

“We are looking to launch a new generation of retail leaders”

We are hoping to address this issue with an innovative training programme that will give young people across England an opportunity to begin a career in retail. The Retail Apprenticeship Scheme (RAS) aims to unearth and nurture the best young recruits for small to medium-sized retailers. SME retailers who sign up will be provided with a free and comprehensive recruitment service, which will match them with a suitable apprentice.

The scheme is open to all retailers in England - all that they have to do is place a vacancy with the agency and one of the NSA for Retail’s network of regional skills shops will do the rest. Crucially, each apprentice will be employed by RATA, reducing the risk, cost, time and administration for retailers. Throughout the placement, RATA retains the responsibility and management of the apprentice, while independent retailers may also qualify for a £1,500 apprenticeship grant.

This new approach to apprenticeships isn’t about creating short-term jobs. We are looking to launch a new generation of retail leaders and entrepreneurs in England, with the talent and ability to forge a long-term and successful career within the retail sector.

Apprentices have an integral role to play in today’s retail workforce and driving the economy forward. Apprenticeships enable us to tackle skills shortages, particularly within more specialised areas of a retail business, such as butchery, IT or back-office. Without a trained workforce to support expansion, it is difficult for any retailer to commit to new business opportunities.

There has never been a better time for retailers to introduce apprenticeships to their business and see first-hand the positive impact they can have. At the same time, those retailers who do run apprenticeship schemes are providing life-changing employment and progression opportunities for young people.