At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team as an apprentice, learning all aspects of retail while providing excellent customer service.
- Company: One Stop is a leading convenience store chain dedicated to supporting young people in their career journeys.
- Benefits: Enjoy 22 days holiday, flexible working hours, and discounts on various products and services.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience, develop new skills, and potentially become a Shift Leader after your apprenticeship.
- Qualifications: No qualifications required; just bring your passion for retail and commitment to succeed.
- Other info: Receive £4 daily towards lunch for the first four weeks and expert support throughout your apprenticeship.
About the role
What is in it for you
- Hours: 30 hours per week
- Hourly Rate: £12.31
- Holiday allowance: Starts at 22 days, increases with length of service.
What you need: No qualifications required
Location: Sarisbury Grn, SO31 7ED (Southampton)
Programme start date: 22nd September 2025
Application deadline: Roles will be filled on a first come, first served approach.
Our Stronger Starts Retail Apprenticeship delivered by Lifetime Training won’t just give you a stronger start towards an exciting and rewarding career with us, it will support you to develop new skills, build your confidence and learn about all areas of retail, as well as getting hands-on practical experience of working in different areas of our store.
We’ve partnered with The King’s Trust, one of the UK’s leading youth charities who are experts in supporting young people to transition into work with confidence.
If you have the passion and commitment to succeed, this could be a fantastic opportunity, you could even become a Shift Leader at the end of your apprenticeship.
The apprenticeship is delivered entirely in store and takes a minimum of 12 months to complete. You’ll spend time doing a range of activities such as marketing, business and technology and completing learning on a tablet device you’re provided with. You’ll then get a chance to practice your learning on the shop floor. As part of the apprenticeship programme, you may need to achieve qualifications in Maths and English called functional skills. These qualifications are the equivalent to holding GCSEs in those subjects.
Once you’ve completed the programme, you’ll be awarded your Level 2 National Standard in Retail, which is equivalent to 5 GCSE passes.
Who we are looking for
The real success in this role will come from getting stuck in, working as part of a team and getting to know and serving our customers and colleagues. We’re particularly wanting to hear from school leavers who are aged 16-18 years and applicants who were eligible for free school meals and/or attend a state-funded school.
- Passionate about retail and want to build your career
- Flexible, as you may be asked to work weekends and different shifts
- Always on time, well presented and committed
- Ready to work within a team and deliver great service
You will need to provide Right to Work identification – Passport or FULL birth certificate and proof of National Insurance number.
To become an apprentice, you’ll need to meet the following eligibility criteria:
- You’re a citizen of the United Kingdom or a country within the European Economic Area (EEA) and have been a resident for at least 3 years prior to starting your apprenticeship
- You’re not an overseas national, subject to employment restrictions or working on a student visa. Further checks on eligibility may be required depending on your individual circumstances
- You’re not planning to return to funded education/training for more than 16 hours per week in the 16 months after you’ve left school
- You’ve not already completed an NVQ/ diploma qualification or above in retail
- Eligibility criteria is set by the Department of Education and is subject to change
Support you’ll receive
Working and learning can be a challenge, that’s why you’ll have a network of people to support you. From expert 1-1 pastoral support from the King’s Trust, to a dedicated Lifetime apprenticeship coach, they’ll be someone there every step of the way. You’ll also be welcomed by our friendly store team and given a buddy who will be on hand to offer advice as well as guide and support you throughout your time with us. And we will provide you with £4.00 per day towards your lunch cost for the first four weeks of your programme.
What You’ll Be Doing
As an apprentice, you’ll be a key part of the team, helping to make sure every customer has a great experience in our store. Here’s what your day-to-day might look like:
- Customer Service: Get to know our customers and serve them with pride and enthusiasm. Always offer friendly, natural service that makes people feel welcome. Encourage customers to share feedback by completing the ‘Have Your Say’ survey.
- Working Around the Store: Help out in different areas like the tills, online orders, restocking shelves, vending, and general store routines. Keep the store clean, tidy, and safe – making sure aisles are clear and everything is in the right place. Respond quickly to calls for help at self-checkouts and explain what you’re doing to the customer.
- Teamwork & Safety: Use the training you’ve been given to work safely and follow all health and safety rules. Always wear the right safety gear and follow security procedures to keep yourself, your team, and customers safe. Follow the ‘Think 25’ policy when selling age-restricted products – always check ID if someone looks under 25.
- Being a Great Teammate: Be yourself, live our values, and help create a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere. Get involved in seasonal events, charity activities, and community projects. Support your team and step up when needed – you might even help run the shift if your manager or team leader isn’t around.
- Doing the Right Thing: Clock in and out at the start and end of your shift so your hours are recorded correctly. Understand how your work helps the store succeed and how we all work together to make a profit. Follow all policies and training to keep the store legal, safe, and running smoothly.
At One Stop, we value our colleagues as much as our customers, and that’s reflected in the great benefits we offer:
- 20% off F&F Clothing in Tesco stores
- 10% off Tesco Mobile, with shareable Colleague Deals
- 20% off Tesco Bank insurance (car, pet, home)
- Discounted eye care at Vision Express
- Tesco Pharmacy savings, including 50% off health checks
- Simply Health cash plan at a reduced rate
- Exclusive discounts on retailers, days out, gyms & more
- WeCare support service – 24/7 GP, mental health support, fitness plans & more for you and your family
- Extra annual leave with length of service
- Retirement Savings Plan & Life Assurance
- Car Allowance & Private Medical Insurance (role dependent)
- Flexible working options to suit your lifestyle
One Stop - Stronger Starts Retail Apprenticeship employer: One Stop
Contact Detail:
One Stop Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land One Stop - Stronger Starts Retail Apprenticeship
✨Tip Number 1
Show your enthusiasm for retail during any interactions you have with the team. Whether it's in person or over the phone, expressing genuine interest can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with One Stop's values and customer service approach. Being able to discuss how you align with their mission can demonstrate your commitment and fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former apprentices if possible. They can provide insights into the apprenticeship experience and may even offer tips on how to impress during the selection process.
✨Tip Number 4
Be prepared to discuss your flexibility regarding working hours. Since the role may require weekend shifts, showing that you're adaptable can make a positive impression on the hiring team.
We think you need these skills to ace One Stop - Stronger Starts Retail Apprenticeship
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read through the job description carefully to understand what One Stop is looking for in a candidate. Highlight key responsibilities and required skills that resonate with your own experiences.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects your passion for retail and any relevant experiences, even if they are informal. Emphasise teamwork, customer service, and flexibility, as these are crucial for this role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your enthusiasm for the apprenticeship. Mention why you want to work at One Stop and how you can contribute to their team. Be sure to connect your personal values with those of the company.
Double-Check Your Application: Before submitting, review your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. Ensure all required documents are included and that your contact information is correct, so they can reach you easily.
How to prepare for a job interview at One Stop
✨Show Your Passion for Retail
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for the retail industry during the interview. Talk about why you want to work in retail and how this apprenticeship aligns with your career goals. Employers love to see candidates who are genuinely excited about the role.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork Skills
Since teamwork is crucial in this role, be prepared to share examples of how you've worked effectively in a team before. Highlight any experiences where you contributed to a group project or helped others, as this will show that you're ready to collaborate with colleagues.
✨Prepare for Customer Service Scenarios
Think about common customer service situations and how you would handle them. Be ready to discuss how you would provide excellent service, deal with difficult customers, or encourage feedback. This will demonstrate your understanding of the importance of customer satisfaction.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the training process, what a typical day looks like, or how success is measured in the role. This shows your interest in the position and helps you determine if it's the right fit for you.