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Free Online Course:
Retail Operations - Level 2 Certificate

Develop an understanding of a wide range of retail subjects

This qualification is designed for those new to or seeking employment in the retail industry.

UK Government funded online course. Qualification accredited by NCFE CACHE

Free Online Course

Fully-funded by HM Government

100% Online

Learn from your home or office

Expert Support

Expert tutor support available

6 Week Course

4-5 hours of weekly study

About Retail Operations

The retail industry is subject to a number of pressures.

These include changes in shopping habits and the recent economic downturn which reduced consumer spending.

However, as consumer confidence begins to grow, it is important that retail support staff are fully trained and equipped to represent your business and to meet the needs of your customers. As removing staff from the ‘shop floor’ applies pressure to rotas, this training can be carried out in the learner’s own time via our tried and tested flexible learning approach.

Understanding Retail Operations

Learners will develop an understanding of a wide range of retail subjects, such as dealing with customers in various contexts, handling cash, stock management and retail law.

The optional units give learners the opportunity to undertake learning programmes specific to their interests or aspirations within the retail sector, and allow progression onto higher level qualifications within both generic and specialist areas.

Is it really free?

Simple answer – if you meet the eligibility criteria below, then, yes! No fee, no card details and no trial periods…

We connect you with training providers that use the UK Government’s Adult Education Budget to fund the free online courses.

Eligibility Criteria

*EEA nationals will need to have obtained either pre settlement or settled status and provide evidence of this.

Receive an accredited NCFE CACHE or TQUK certificate

The certificate is a record of achievement and your reward for completing a nationally recognised qualification.

NCFE CACHE and TQUK are both fully-approved as awarding organisations by Ofqual
Demonstrate to employers that you have gained a recognised and regulated qualification in your chosen subject
Last year alone, over a quarter of a million learners chose to learn via NCFE CACHE
Build the foundations to improve your job prospects

The free online course is split into manageable units

To be awarded the Level 2 Certificate in Retail Operations, learners must achieve a minimum of 18 credits: 14 from the mandatory units and a minimum of 4 from the optional units.

Mandatory units

Understanding customer service in the retail sector

In this unit the learner will consider the effect of customer service on a retail business, including customer needs, customer service procedures and dealing with customer complaints.

Understanding the retail selling process

In this unit the learner will develop an understanding of the selling model and how sales are closed. They will also consider the benefits of product knowledge and using questions to identify customer needs.

Understanding how individuals and teams contribute to the effectiveness of a retail business

In this unit the learner will consider various aspects involved in the effectiveness of a retail business including understanding employment rights and responsibilities, understanding the importance of effective team work and communications skills and reflecting on personal performance.

Understanding how a retail business maintains health and safety on its premises

In this unit the learner will consider health and safety in a retail environment, including legislation, understanding what actions to take in an emergency, understanding rights and responsibilities and general safe working practices.

Understanding retail consumer law

In this unit the learner will consider consumer legislation including protection against unfair trading practices, consumer credit legislation, data protection and age-restricted products. They will also learn about the consequences for businesses and employees of contravening retail law.

Understand how to deal with customer queries and complaints in a retail environment

In this unit the learner will develop an understanding of how to resolve queries and complaints in a retail environment and how this contributes to customer loyalty and confidence.

Optional units

Understanding security and loss prevention in a retail business

In this unit the learner will consider the range of security risks faced by a retail business and the effect crime can have on a business.
They will reflect on the actions that can be taken to prevent crime and will develop an understanding of how security incidents should be dealt with.

Understanding the handling of customer payments in a retail business

In this unit the learner will develop an understanding of the methods of payment accepted from retail customers and the risks involved in handling payments. They will learn about the cashier’s responsibility
for providing service at the payment point and when processing age-restricted goods.

Understanding the control, receipt and storage of stock in a retail business

In this unit the learner will develop an understanding of the importance of having the right stock levels. They will learn about how goods are received into a retail business and how stock should be stored to prevent damage or loss.

Understanding visual merchandising for retail business

In this unit the learner will develop an understanding of visual merchandising in retail, including window displays, floor layouts, props, events and product preparation.

Understanding how the effectiveness of store operations can be improved

In this unit the learner will develop an understanding of the process of improving store operations including communicating with and motivating colleagues and staff scheduling.

The principles of food safety for retail

In this unit the learner will develop an understanding of the responsibilities involved in food safety such as personal hygiene, a clean working area and keeping products safe.

Understanding environmental sustainability in the retail sector

In this unit the learner will consider the effects of climate change and its relevance to the retail sector. They will also learn about environmental legislation, waste management, energy conservation and water consumption in the retail sector.

Understanding the fashion retail market

In this unit the learner will develop an understanding of fashion retailing including the different store formats offered by fashion retailers, social and economic factors affecting the sector, and multichannel retailing.

Understanding how to manage stock for customer orders in business to business services

In this unit the learner will develop an understanding of how to order stock for business to business customers. They will also learn about the allocation and transfer of stock and the maintenance of stock records in a business to business environment.

Understanding the storage, monitoring and replenishment of fresh produce in a retail outlet

In this unit the learner will develop an understanding of the storage requirements of fresh produce. They will also learn about how the stock levels and quality of fresh produce are monitored and maintained.

Underage sales prevention for retail and licensed premises

In this unit the learner will develop an understanding of current legislation relating to the sale and purchase of age-restricted products and will learn how to prevent unlawful sales of age-restricted products.

Understanding how stocks of newspapers and magazines are controlled in retail outlets

In this unit the learner will develop an understanding of the considerations involved in ordering, receiving and displaying newspapers and magazines. They will also learn about the stock control process.

Equality and diversity in the workplace

In this unit the learner will consider the meaning and monitoring of equality and diversity in the workplace. They will also learn about how the rights of individuals are protected in the workplace.

Equality and diversity in society

In this unit the learner will consider what equality and diversity are, including reflecting on the effects of stereotyping, labelling, prejudice and discrimination.

Happy Learners in 2021

Limited funded seats available – act now to join thousands of happy learners

Complete the short form below to register your interest in Retail Operations

Interested in this course as a business or organisation?

Register interest and a Training Advisor will be in touch to discuss your needs or learn more about our opportunities for organisations and download our free guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Can’t find the answer to your question?

Call us on 0800 001 5910, jump on live chat or email us

Is the course definitely free?

If you meet the eligibility criteria then YES!

We connect you with learning providers that use government funding, in the form of the Education & Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) and the Adult Educational Budget (AEB).

When can I start the free online course?

We hope to get you started within 24 hours of completing the full enrolment process but this can vary depending on the learning provider.

How long will the free online course take?

The courses are designed to allow learners to fit their learning around their employment obligations and can be completed in a number of weeks or months, depending on the level. Our shorter courses are often completed within 3 weeks, whilst our longer lasting courses can take up to 3 months.

Is it all online?

Yes! All of our free courses are 100% online.

Is the qualification recognised by employers?

All of our courses are accredited by UK government-recognised awarding bodies. These include NCFE CACHE and TQUK, with whom we work closely to ensure our existing courses, and all new ones, meet approved standards of excellence and are certified as such. NCFE CACHE and TQUK are national awarding organisations that design, develops and certifies nationally recognised qualifications and awards.

All qualifications are regulated by Ofqual and are the perfect way to boost any CV.

How many free online courses can I take?

You can only take one course at a time but you can take up to 7 in one academic year.

Do I need to sit an Exam?

No, there are no exams, all courses require you to complete assessment questions based on the knowledge you have just gained from the units.

Why am I required to upload such personal information?

The courses we offer are all funded qualifications, meaning you need to be eligible for government funding in order to secure your a place. This information is a funding requirement and proves your eligibility.