Apprenticeship in retail at REWE Group
Do you like being around people, helping others and want to start a career with prospects straight after school? Then an apprenticeship in retail offers you an ideal start to your career. As an apprentice, you will gain practical experience right from the start and learn how retail works on a day-to-day basis.
During your retail apprenticeship, you will work directly in the store, be in constant contact with customers and gain insights into sales, organization and merchandise management. You will learn how goods are presented, how customers are advised and what processes are required for the product range. The retail sales assistant apprenticeship combines practical work with commercial knowledge and provides you with important skills for your future career. Depending on the company offering the apprenticeship, the focus may be on different product ranges and areas of specialization.
As a leading retail group, REWE Group Austria offers BILLA, PENNY (food retail) and BIPA (perfumery and drugstore), a nationwide network of stores with numerous apprenticeships and different sales focuses throughout Austria.
Tasks and content of retail apprenticeships
As part of your apprenticeship, you will learn about all the key activities involved in retail. The apprenticeship is varied and gives you a comprehensive understanding of sales processes, organization and the flow of goods in retail. The focus varies depending on the retail company, but the basics of the retail sales assistant apprenticeship remain the same.
Typical tasks during your retail apprenticeship include
- Support in sales and advising customers on the right product selection
- Cashiering and carrying out payment transactions
- Accepting orders and checking the goods
- Proper storage and recoating of the products
- Designing and maintaining the presentation of goods in an appealing manner
- Familiarization with ordering processes, the product range and the resulting goods requirements
- Assistance with inventories and stock checks
- Collaboration in day-to-day business and teamwork
You will gain theoretical knowledge about the retail trade in lessons at the vocational school.
Jobs and vacancies Apprenticeship in retail
Requirements and qualification for an apprenticeship in retail
We do not require any previous professional knowledge or practical experience for an apprenticeship in retail. Much more important are your attitude, your interest in the job and your interaction with people. As an apprentice, you need to be willing to learn and motivated, and you will learn everything else step by step in the company.
What you should bring with you for your apprenticeship in retail:
- A positive compulsory school leaving certificate is required
- Interest in sales, consulting and customer contact
- Enjoy dealing with people and always have a polite and respectful demeanor
- Reliability and ability to work in a team
- Openness to learning new things and taking on responsibility
Your training company and vocational school will support you in recognizing and developing your strengths.
Course and duration of the apprenticeship
The retail apprenticeship lasts three years. During this time, you alternate between practical training in the company and lessons at vocational school.
The training regulations are clearly defined and the content builds on each other from year to year. With each year, you will deepen your knowledge of the product range, take on more responsibility based on your strengths and be specifically prepared for the final exam. Throughout your apprenticeship, you will receive personal support from your trainers and - depending on the region - additional support from regional supervisors. At the end, you will be a qualified retail salesperson.
Income and earnings
During your retail apprenticeship, you will receive a monthly apprentice salary well above the collective agreement for the retail sector. The amount increases with each year and varies depending on the retail company and apprenticeship occupation.
Your income during your apprenticeship is:
- Year of apprenticeship: from € 1.220,-
- Year of apprenticeship: from € 1.350,-
- Year of apprenticeship: from € 1.580,-
After successfully completing your apprenticeship, you will officially receive the title of "Retail Sales Assistant". Compared to the rest of the industry, REWE Group Austria offers particularly attractive starting salaries and many opportunities for further development for retail sales assistants.
Further training and career opportunities
Once you have completed your training as a retail salesperson, there are many career paths open to you in different areas of retail - for example in food retail, wholesale or perfumery. You can develop your professional skills, take on additional responsibility or specialize in certain areas.
Possible next steps for a job in retail with us are, for example:
- Work as a qualified specialist in the store
- Specialization in certain key areas
- Further training in sales or organizational areas
- Development in the direction of deputy or branch management
Jobs and vacancies Apprenticeship in retail
FAQ
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The start date depends on the respective training company. Many of our apprenticeships start in the fall. You can find detailed information in the respective job advertisement.
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Yes, because your success is also our success! Our aim is to take you on after your successful apprenticeship. If you are motivated and on board, all doors are open for you to continue to be part of the team as a specialist.
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After completing your apprenticeship as a retail sales assistant, you will have various development paths open to you. You can focus on specific areas, take on additional responsibility within various divisions and develop step by step towards a managerial position.
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During your apprenticeship, you will receive personal support from your trainers - depending on the region - additional support from regional supervisors, you will be accompanied by experienced colleagues and introduced to the day-to-day work of retail. You will receive guidelines, regular feedback, support with questions and, together with the theoretical content of the vocational school, you will be specifically prepared for the final apprenticeship examination.
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A positive compulsory school leaving certificate is a prerequisite for an apprenticeship in retail. More important than grades are your motivation, your interest in retail and your willingness to learn new things.