At a Glance
- Tasks: Gain hands-on retail experience while studying for a degree in Business Management.
- Company: Join M&S, a leading retailer focused on customer-first service.
- Benefits: Earn while you learn, with a competitive salary and career progression.
- Other info: Dynamic apprenticeship with opportunities for rapid career growth.
- Why this job: Kickstart your leadership journey and make a real impact in retail.
- Qualifications: Strong literacy and numeracy skills; GCSEs or willingness to complete Functional Skills.
Due to high interest, this role may close earlier than advertised. We recommend applying as soon as possible.
About the Role
Get ready to roll up your sleeves and step into the world of customer‑first retail. On this entry‑level degree apprenticeship, you’ll combine hands‑on store experience with academic learning to build the skills you need to become a future M&S store leader. From day one you’ll take on real responsibility, earn while you learn, and work towards a Level 6 Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship in Business Management.
What You’ll Be Doing
You’ll start your journey as a Customer Assistant, working across departments including Food, Clothing and Home. This will give you a strong understanding of store operations and the vital role every colleague plays in delivering for our customers. By December, you’ll already be leading a project in store, building confidence and taking accountability.
Six months in, you’ll enrol onto the Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship, balancing academic study with your day‑to‑day role. With support from managers and mentors, you’ll step into your first Team Manager role, leading a team and learning how to drive performance. As you progress, you’ll prepare for Deputy or Store Manager responsibilities within 18–24 months, gaining experience of leading your own store team and supporting daily operations.
What You’ll Need
You’ll need strong functional literacy and numeracy skills (A*–C/9–4 in GCSE English and Maths or equivalent). If you don’t have formal qualifications, you can complete Level 2 Functional Skills alongside the apprenticeship. You must also have been a UK resident for at least three years before the start of the programme or hold pre‑settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.
What We Look For
We’re looking for ambitious, curious people who want to grow into leadership roles. You’ll need resilience and determination to balance study with the demands of retail, along with the confidence to step up and lead teams early in your career. Strong communication skills, a customer‑first mindset and the ability to adapt quickly will set you up for success. Above all, you’ll be motivated to learn, take responsibility and help shape the future of M&S retail.
Requirements
- Strong functional literacy and numeracy skills (GCSE English & Maths at A*–C/9–4 or equivalent, or willingness to complete Functional Skills Level 2)
- Right to work in the UK for the full duration of the apprenticeship
- UK residency for at least three years before the programme begins, or pre‑settled/settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme
- Due to eligibility requirements set by the Home Office, we are currently unable to sponsor Retail Management roles
Retail Leaders Degree Apprenticeship Programme 2026 in Kingston upon Thames employer: Marks and Spencer
Joining the M&S Retail Leaders Degree Apprenticeship Programme offers a unique opportunity to blend practical retail experience with academic growth in a supportive environment. With a strong focus on employee development, you will receive mentorship and guidance as you progress towards leadership roles, all while earning a competitive salary. Our customer-first culture fosters collaboration and innovation, making M&S an excellent employer for those eager to make a meaningful impact in the retail sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Retail Leaders Degree Apprenticeship Programme 2026 in Kingston upon Thames
✨Dive into Local Retail Communities
Get involved in your local retail scene! Join community groups or social media pages where businesses and apprenticeships are often shared. This is a great way to connect with potential employers like Marks and Spencer and stay ahead of upcoming opportunities.
✨Leverage Career Fairs and Events
Keep an eye out for local career fairs and retail-specific events. These are goldmines for meeting hiring managers face-to-face. You can chat about apprenticeships, like the one for Retail Leaders Degree Apprenticeship Programme 2026 at Marks and Spencer, and get a feel for the company culture right from the start!
✨Show You've Got Passion for Retail
When you're in an interview or networking, share your enthusiasm for retail! Talk about your favourite shops, trends, or your personal shopping experiences. It shows that you genuinely care about the industry you want to join at Marks and Spencer.
✨Apply Through Our Website!
Don't miss out on potential opportunities—apply directly through our website for the Retail Leaders Degree Apprenticeship Programme 2026 apprenticeship at Marks and Spencer! We often showcase unique roles that may not be listed elsewhere, so keep checking in to stay updated.
We think you need these skills to ace Retail Leaders Degree Apprenticeship Programme 2026 in Kingston upon Thames
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills:In retail, you’ll want to highlight your ability to interact with customers effectively. Share any previous experience where you provided excellent service, whether that’s in a part-time job, school project, or even volunteer work! Make sure your CV really showcases these experiences to catch our attention at Marks and Spencer.
Reflect Your Enthusiasm in Your Cover Letter:As an apprentice, we’re especially interested in your eagerness to learn and grow in the retail environment. Use your cover letter to express why you're excited about starting your journey with us at Marks and Spencer. Show us how this apprenticeship aligns with your career goals in retail!
Tailor Your CV for the Retail Scene:When putting together your CV, use keywords related to retail like 'merchandising', 'inventory management', and 'sales targets'. A tailored CV can help us see that you understand and are ready for the retail industry right off the bat!
Don’t Forget to Include Any Relevant Courses or Certifications:If you’ve taken any short courses or received certificates related to retail or customer service, make sure to include them in your application. These little nuggets can really set you apart and display your commitment to the field as you kick off this apprenticeship with Marks and Spencer.
How to prepare for a job interview at Marks and Spencer
✨Know Your Products
As this is for a retail apprenticeship, it's crucial to know the products or services that Marks and Spencer offers. Take some time to browse their website or visit a store if possible. Familiarising yourself with the key features will show your enthusiasm and help you stand out in the interview.
✨Customer Interaction Scenarios
Expect some role-playing scenarios related to customer service during the interview. They might ask how you'd handle a difficult customer or showcase excellent service. Think of a couple of examples from your past experiences or even imagine some realistic situations you could encounter on the job.
✨Show Your Eagerness to Learn
As an apprentice, it's all about your willingness to grow and learn. Highlight your enthusiasm for picking up new skills and how you’re excited to be part of the retail environment. Maybe share a time when you learned something quickly and successfully applied it!
✨Dress the Part
While this might sound generic, dressing smart-casual is essential in retail. Show that you understand the importance of appearance in this sector. It doesn’t hurt to reflect the company’s vibe in your outfit – think about what employees might typically wear at Marks and Spencer.
