Apprentice Merchandising Assistant

CLELAND MCIVER LIMITED

Rochdale (OL15 8QF)

Closes in 14 days (Tuesday 13 October 2026 at 11:59pm)

Posted on 28 September 2026

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Summary

This is an exciting opportunity for someone looking to start a career in merchandising, retail planning, forecasting or business administration. You will gain valuable hands-on experience whilst studying towards a recognised Level 3 Business Administrator qualification. 

Wage

£15,184 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age

National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices

Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Training course
Business administrator (level 3)
Hours
Monday - Thursday - 8am - 4.30pm or 8.30am - 5pm Friday - 8.30am - 3pm 1-hour unpaid lunch and 2 x 15 mins paid breaks - apart from Fridays where the 1-hour lunch break is removed.

36 hours 30 minutes a week

Start date

Monday 2 November 2026

Duration

1 year 6 months

Positions available

1

Work

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.

What you'll do at work

Working alongside our experienced Merchandisers, you will learn how to analyse sales performance, manage stock, support forecasting and planning activities, and help ensure our customers have the right products available at the right time. 

You will play an important role in supporting the business to maximise sales opportunities, improve product availability, maintain excellent service levels and drive commercial performance. 

During your apprenticeship, you will gain experience in: 

  • Sales analysis and reporting
  • Stock management and inventory control
  • Forecasting and planning.
  • Supplier and customer communication
  • Purchase order management
  • Critical path management
  • Freight and logistics administration
  • Commercial decision making
  • Microsoft Excel and Power BI reporting
  • Business processes and administration 

 

Where you'll work

Hollingworth Mill
Smithybridge Road
Littleborough
Rochdale
OL15 8QF

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

Training provider

HOPWOOD HALL COLLEGE

Training course

Business administrator (level 3)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

What you'll learn

Course contents
  • Skilled in the use of multiple IT packages and systems relevant to the organisation in order to: write letters or emails, create proposals, perform financial processes, record and analyse data. Examples include MS Office or equivalent packages. Able to choose the most appropriate IT solution to suit the business problem. Able to update and review databases, record information and produce data analysis where required.
  • Produces accurate records and documents including: emails, letters, files, payments, reports and proposals. Makes recommendations for improvements and present solutions to management. Drafts correspondence, writes reports and able to review others' work. Maintains records and files, handles confidential information in compliance with the organisation's procedures. Coaches others in the processes required to complete these tasks.
  • Exercises proactivity and good judgement. Makes effective decisions based on sound reasoning and is able to deal with challenges in a mature way. Seeks advice of more experienced team members when appropriate.
  • Builds and maintains positive relationships within their own team and across the organisation. Demonstrates ability to influence and challenge appropriately. Becomes a role model to peers and team members, developing coaching skills as they gain area knowledge.
  • Demonstrates good communication skills, whether face-to-face, on the telephone, in writing or on digital platforms. Uses the most appropriate channels to communicate effectively. Demonstrates agility and confidence in communications, carrying authority appropriately. Understands and applies social media solutions appropriately. Answers questions from inside and outside of the organisation, representing the organisation or department.
  • Completes tasks to a high standard. Demonstrates the necessary level of expertise required to complete tasks and applies themself to continuously improve their work. Is able to review processes autonomously and make suggestions for improvements. Shares administrative best-practice across the organisation e.g. coaches others to perform tasks correctly. Applies problem-solving skills to resolve challenging or complex complaints and is a key point of contact for addressing issues.
  • Takes responsibility for initiating and completing tasks, manages priorities and time in order to successfully meet deadlines. Positively manages the expectations of colleagues at all levels and sets a positive example for others in the workplace. Makes suggestions for improvements to working practice, showing understanding of implications beyond the immediate environment (e.g. impact on clients, suppliers, other parts of the organisation). Manages resources e.g. equipment or facilities. Organises meetings and events, takes minutes during meetings and creates action logs as appropriate. Takes responsibility for logistics e.g. travel and accommodation.
  • Uses relevant project management principles and tools to scope, plan, monitor and report. Plans required resources to successfully deliver projects. Undertakes and leads projects as and when required.

Training schedule

You will complete your training in the workplace and be assigned a dedicated tutor who will visit your workplace to carry out regular progress reviews. As part of the apprenticeship, you will be required to complete a minimum of 6 hours of off-the-job training per week.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

  • English (grade Grade 4/C or above)
  • Maths (grade Grade 4/C or above)

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills

  • Communication skills
  • IT skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Organisation skills
  • Customer care skills
  • Problem solving skills
  • Presentation skills
  • Administrative skills
  • Analytical skills
  • Logical
  • Team working
  • Creative
  • Initiative
  • Patience

About this employer

Since 1983 we have been designing and creating unique and exclusive home textiles. We pride ourselves on our strong family values, whilst designing, sourcing and distributing value for money products.

We are passionate about promoting ethical standards, with quality and sustainability engrained in everything we do.

https://clelandmciver.co.uk/ (opens in new tab)

After this apprenticeship

Your earnings can increase over time with an apprenticeship. Find out about potential future pay (opens in new tab).

This apprenticeship has been designed to provide a long-term career pathway within our commercial teams: 
Apprentice Merchandising Assistant 
↓ 
Assistant Merchandiser 
↓ 
Merchandiser 
↓ 
Senior Merchandiser 

This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to build a successful career within a fast-paced and commercially focused merchandising environment. 

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

HOPWOOD HALL COLLEGE

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000055804.

Apply now

Closes in 14 days (Tuesday 13 October 2026 at 11:59pm)