John Lewis Partnership

Buying and Merchandising Apprenticeships

Our Buying & Merchandising apprenticeship programmes, in collaboration with EFI Training, give Partners the opportunity to earn while you learn, with a blend of on-the-job and classroom-based training.

When you complete the programme, you’ll gain a nationally-recognised apprenticeship standard, and be ready to embark on a fulfilling career in Buying & Merchandising. Find out more about the apprenticeship programmes we offer below.​

If you are interested in one of our Buying and Merchandising apprenticeship programmes, fill in the form below and we will get in touch with more information. 

What apprenticeship are you interested in?


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You must be aged 16 or over to be eligible for an apprenticeship.

Partners must be in a relevant job role and department within the Partnership, 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.

An apprenticeship is a paid job combined with learning to achieve a nationally-recognised standard in a specific role. 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 an experienced Partner to understand the day-to-day responsibilities of the role and learn new skills directly from them.

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 at the Fashion Retail Academy campus in Central London.

If you don’t have the necessary Maths and English GCSEs or Functional Skills, these will be embedded as part of your learning. You must complete these modules to meet the minimum requirements to complete your programme.

Towards the end of your programme, your manager and the apprenticeship programme lead at EFI Training 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 certificates of English and Maths qualifications and/or 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 Buying and Merchandising apprenticeships, EPA is 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.

Our Buying and Merchandising apprenticeship programmes are assessed by EFI Awards, an Ofqual-recognised organisation which can be found on the Apprenticeship Provider and Assessment Register.

As an apprentice within the John Lewis Partnership, 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 16 to 18 months, followed by a period of end-point assessment (EPA) which can take up to three months.

On successful completion of the EPA, you will have achieved a nationally-recognised apprenticeship standard in Buying and Merchandising. After completing the Level 4 apprenticeship, you may wish to progress onto the Level 6 programme to further your knowledge and skills.

"The apprenticeship is a great opportunity that I wouldn't have previously known about had it not been introduced to the Partnership. It's a scheme that allows me to develop myself and hopefully further my career in the Partnership. So far the sessions have been really informative with in depth learning on a number of subjects."

- Apprentice

EFI TRAINING

EFI Training 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, EFI Training 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 Fashion Retail Academy, the London College of Beauty Therapy, and EFI Awards.

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