Retail and logistics is everything involved in getting products to customers: storing them, moving them, and running the tech and business side around that. The apprenticeships are much broader than warehouse work.
Amazon is a good example. It has more than 20 UK apprenticeship programmes, including mechatronics and automation engineering, software development, cyber security, data analysis, finance, HR and a chartered management degree apprenticeship.
What to check
- Where you’d be based. Big logistics companies have loads of sites. Amazon says its apprentices might be based at fulfilment centres, in its delivery network or at offices, depending on the programme.
- Your hours. Ask about hours and shift patterns, especially for jobs at operations sites.
- Age rules. The Amazon programmes we checked need you to be 18 or over by the start date.
Supermarkets and high street retailers
Retailers use apprenticeships to train future managers as well as specialists. Lidl GB runs a four-year Retail Leadership degree apprenticeship that takes you from customer assistant to Store Manager in Training, starting on £27,040, plus an IT degree apprenticeship at its head office. Marks & Spencer has a 36-month Retail Leaders programme for school leavers, with an optional Level 6 apprenticeship, and Level 3 and 4 data apprenticeships.
Types of work and careers
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Operations and management
Running sites such as warehouses and delivery stations and leading the teams in them.
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Engineering and maintenance
Keeping automated equipment, conveyors and robotics running safely.
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Technology
Software, IT support, data and cyber security roles behind online services.
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Business functions
Finance, HR, marketing and administration.
Compare Retail and logistics apprenticeships
A quick side-by-side of what each employer publishes. Pick a level to see what each employer offers at that level, and open a profile for the full details and sources.
All employers
| Employer | Levels | Length | Pay | Entry requirements | Where |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon UK | 18–48 months | Not published | From 3 GCSEs at grade 4 to ABB at A level, depending on the programme | Operations sites, plus offices in Edinburgh, Manchester, Cambridge, Bristol and London | |
| Lidl GB | 4 years (retail); 41 months (IT) | £27,040–£28,500 to start | GCSE maths and English at grade 4; 112 UCAS points for IT | Stores across Great Britain; IT at head office in Tolworth | |
| Marks & Spencer (M&S) | 18–36 months | Not published | A levels, BTEC or NVQ Level 3 (Retail Leaders) | M&S stores and offices |
Advanced apprenticeships (Level 3)
| Employer | Programmes at this level | Length | Pay | Entry requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon UK | 2 programmes Mechatronics Apprentice (RME); Business Administrator Apprentice | 36–48 months; 18 months | Not published | From 3 GCSEs at grade 4 to ABB at A level, depending on the programme |
| Marks & Spencer (M&S) | 1 programme Data Technician Fellowship | 18 months | Not published | A levels, BTEC or NVQ Level 3 (Retail Leaders) |
Higher apprenticeships (Levels 4–5)
| Employer | Programmes at this level | Length | Pay | Entry requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon UK | 1 programme Chartered Management Degree Apprenticeship | 42 months | Not published | From 3 GCSEs at grade 4 to ABB at A level, depending on the programme |
| Marks & Spencer (M&S) | 1 programme Data Analyst Fellowship | 18 months | Not published | A levels, BTEC or NVQ Level 3 (Retail Leaders) |
Degree apprenticeships (Levels 6–7)
| Employer | Programmes at this level | Length | Pay | Entry requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon UK | 2 programmes Chartered Management Degree Apprenticeship; Software Development Engineer Apprentice | 42 months | Not published | From 3 GCSEs at grade 4 to ABB at A level, depending on the programme |
| Lidl GB | 2 programmes Retail Leadership Degree Apprenticeship; IT Degree Apprenticeship | 4 years; 41 months | £27,040 rising to £37,333; £28,500 | GCSE maths and English at grade 4; 112 UCAS points for IT |
| Marks & Spencer (M&S) | 1 programme Retail Leaders programme (school leavers) | 36 months | Not published | A levels, BTEC or NVQ Level 3 (Retail Leaders) |
Key figures
- Apprenticeship programmes listed on Amazon's UK apprenticeship site
- 20+
- Source: Amazon Apprenticeships UK (opens in a new tab)
- Length of Amazon's Level 3 mechatronics apprenticeship, including an HNC
- 36–48 months
- Source: Amazon Apprenticeships UK (opens in a new tab)
- Working week for Amazon mechatronics apprentices, which may include weekend or night shifts
- 40 hours
- Source: Amazon Apprenticeships UK (opens in a new tab)
Summary
- Retail and logistics apprenticeships go way beyond warehouse work, into engineering, tech, finance and management.
- Amazon has more than 20 UK apprenticeship programmes, from Level 3 to Level 6.
- Check where a job is based and what hours you'd work, because roles at operations sites can involve shifts.
Employers we profile in this industry
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Amazon UK
Amazon has more than 20 UK apprenticeship programmes, from Level 3 mechatronics engineering in its warehouses to Level 6 software development and management degree apprenticeships.
Industry: Retail and logistics, Digital and technology, Engineering and manufacturing -
Lidl GB
The supermarket chain with stores across Great Britain. It runs a four-year Retail Leadership degree apprenticeship from £27,040, rising to £37,333 as a Store Manager, and an IT degree apprenticeship from £28,500 at its head office.
Industry: Retail and logistics, Digital and technology -
Marks & Spencer (M&S)
The clothing, home and food retailer. Its 36-month Retail Leaders programme for school leavers trains you to run a store, with an optional Level 6 apprenticeship, and it runs Level 3 and 4 data apprenticeships lasting 18 months.
Industry: Retail and logistics
Sources and review
Last reviewed . Details can change after this date, so check the official source before you rely on them.