Our apprenticeship programmes, in partnership with the Fashion Retail Academy, give you the opportunity to earn while you learn, with a blend of on-the-job and classroom-based training.
When you complete your programme, you’ll gain a nationally-recognised apprenticeship standard, and have the skills and knowledge to succeed in your chosen career path. Find out more about the apprenticeship programmes we offer below.
OUR PROGRAMMES
We offer apprenticeship programmes in a range of different functions, from customer services to operation management, at Level 2 to Level 5. Find out more about each of these programmes below. Currently apprenticeships are available to those employed at the URBN UK Distribution Centre in Peterborough.
Level 2
Customer Service Professional
Designed to help anyone working in a customer care role provide outstanding service for customers at every touch point, and develop the skills to deliver brand standards with consistency and passion. Understand customer-first culture to consistently deliver excellence in line with the expectations of the brand and the modern consumer, and how to measure customer satisfaction.
Level 3
Customer Service Specialist
This programme combines technical knowledge of operations and legislation with insights into consumer behaviour to provide outstanding customer care. Learners will develop advanced communication, coaching, and service improvement skills, you'll gain competence in systems such as Excel and CRM software, leadership, and expert communication to influence customers, deal with challenges and manage stakeholders.
Level 3
Business Administrator
Boost productivity and efficiency by using initiative and problem solving skills to understand stakeholder needs. Learn to use project management tools, organise resources, understand change management and ensure compliance with relevant industry legislation. Develop a range of flexible and transferrable admin support skills and gain knowledge of legislation, regulations, and systems such as Excel and CRM software.
Level 3
Team Leader
Help to drive operational success by effectively coaching and inspiring a team. Develop leadership, communication, and performance management skills, and explore a wide range of topics such as legislation, finance, and team performance, including diversity and personal development. Become an effective communicator and problem solver, capable of leading a team in an inclusive and productive working environment.
Level 3
Data Technician
Be empowered to source, report and handle data securely to support business decision-making, by strengthening digital literacy. Build confidence in taking raw data from spreadsheets, databases and performance metrics and turning it into clear, contextual insights. Learn about data security, GDPR and ethical responsibilities alongside technical skills in data gathering, processing, and identifying trends.
Level 3
Supply Chain Practitioner
Build skills in recording, coordinating and optimising the movement of goods and services to increase efficiency and reduce waste. Develop the knowledge for a data-driven, risk-aware mindset with practical operational expertise in fast-paced environments. This programme focuses on areas such as supply chain management, capacity planning techniques, principles of forecasting and complying with health and safety legislation.
Level 4
Procurement & Supply Chain Practitioner
Gain the advanced commercial awareness, negotiation and strategic thinking skills to lead supply chain and procurement teams. Analyse individual, team and supplier performance to report to senior stakeholders and represent the business with confidence and credibility. Deepen understanding of budget and resource management. and learn to make cost-conscious decisions based on market conditions, spend evaluation and risk forecasting.
Level 4
Data Analyst
Use data to drive positive change across business areas from design and development to marketing and operations. Develop skills in data management, analysis and classification, whilst learning how to investigate and solve complex problems. Gain confidence in this sought-after skillset, learning to interpret trends, understand customer behaviour, and analyse and present findings to highlight new opportunities.
Level 5
Coaching Professional
Enhance professional performance across teams and departments through structured coaching, by building advanced interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence to drive behavioural change. Lead transformation through techniques such as setting goals, building trust, and providing effective feedback. An ideal programme for managers looking to strengthen expertise in people development techniques, with a focus on real-time, in-the-moment coaching.
Level 5
Operations Manager
Advance skills in higher-level management techniques across recruitment, team development and communication to ensure the smooth running of a department, as well as deepening knowledge of change management and finance. Build a strong operational and strategic planning foundation to drive success while inspiring and motivating team members, and develop data skills to analyse and interpret relevant insights.
If you are interested in one of our apprenticeship programmes, fill in the form below and we will get in touch with more information.
To be eligible to study an apprenticeship at URBN, you must:
- Be aged 16 or over
- Be working 24+ hours a week
- Not have any outstanding investigations or concerns (e.g. not on performance management or conduct warning; good attendance and sickness record; not currently on a live warning)
- Have been employed for a minimum of 6 months
- Be working in a relevant job role and department within URBN, and have identified a need for additional knowledge and skills in your role
If you have a qualification in a comparable field at the same level or higher, you may not be eligible. Speak to the Learning & Development team if you’re not sure.
Apprenticeships are nationally-recognised standards that develop the skills, knowledge and behaviours for specific job roles and functions. They are endorsed by experts in the industry to ensure that what you learn is relevant to the role and the sector you work in.
An apprenticeship is a way to develop your skills alongside your current role at URBN. You’ll keep doing your day-to-day job, while also having protected time for learning and development. This includes on-the-job learning and some off-the-job training, with some sessions delivered in person.
It is made up of a number of different elements, which are outlined below.
Most of your learning will be in the workplace during your normal working day. You’ll work alongside experienced URBN colleagues and have your Line Manager’s mentorship to help learn new skills directly.
You will spend the equivalent of at least six hours per week in ‘off-the-job’ training, which may include online workshops, self-directed study and group sessions taught in person.
Towards the end of your programme, your manager and the apprenticeship programme lead at the Fashion Retail Academy will decide if you have met the requirements necessary to enter Gateway, the period between completion of your training and being assessed. Evidence such as a portfolio of work will be submitted to prove that you are ready. You will then be booked in for end-point assessment.
Once you have reached Gateway, you’ll be ready for end-point assessment (EPA). This is the final stage of the programme, during which you’ll have the opportunity to demonstrate what you’ve learned in order to be awarded a pass, merit or distinction grade.
End-point assessment (EPA) is the process through which apprentices are assessed in order to complete their programme, by demonstrating their ability to perform their job duties.
The apprenticeship standard and accompanying end-point assessment plans have been developed by employers and approved by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education. They detail the knowledge, skills and behaviours apprentices are expected to have achieved by the end of their programme.
For our apprenticeships, EPA could be made up of several elements including observation, a work-based project with a presentation and Q&As, and professional discussion. EPA typically takes three months to complete.
As an apprentice at URBN, you will complete a combination of on-the-job learning and off-the-job training to gain skills and knowledge you can put into practice immediately. You’ll work alongside experienced staff to learn job-specific skills, and you’ll have time allocated for training sessions and study during throughout the programme.
Off-the-job training takes place in group sessions at the Fashion Retail Academy campus in Central London. You’ll be given time during your normal working hours to attend these classes. Depending on the level, ability and apprenticeship standard, your apprenticeship will last between 12 to 18 months, followed by a period of end-point assessment (EPA) which can take up to three months.
On successfully passing the EPA, you will have achieved a nationally-recognised apprenticeship standard in your chosen field and will be ready to take the next step in your career. After completing your apprenticeship, you may be eligible to progress onto a higher level programme to further your knowledge and skills.
The Fashion Retail Academy provides market-leading learning and development solutions tailored to the unique requirements of the fashion and retail sector. We deliver specialist apprenticeships, talent development programmes and early careers recruitment support to shape the next generation of retail leaders.
Part of Education For Industry Group, the Fashion Retail Academy is the strategic partner that some of the UK's biggest fashion and retail brands rely on to achieve their recruitment, retention and employee development goals. Education For Industry Group also includes the London College of Beauty Therapy and EFI Awards.
