Apprenticeship as a Certified Retail Specialist

You will learn the entire day-to-day business of retail, from purchasing and sales to marketing, customer advice and service, as well as merchandise management, logistics, accounting and distribution. You will also study business administration, work organization, employee leadership and human resources. The program usually takes four years and leads to qualifications as a retail salesperson and certified retail specialist.

Planning and organizing sales; procuring merchandise and ensuring availability; presenting products; implementing services; determining and analyzing business performance indicators; advising customers; managing employees; managing business processes.

Abitur or advanced technical college entrance qualification with good grades; ambition and commitment; quick comprehension and independence; ability to work in a team and flexibility; negotiating skills; sense of responsibility; enjoyment of customer contact; interest in business administration; pleasant manner and well-groomed appearance.

The program is a practical alternative to a degree in business administration and leads to two qualifications. It can open the way to responsible management positions or a role as a store manager.