Retail Assistant Apprentice - Ventnor Botanical Garden

Job Posted: 13 April 2026

• Contract Term: Apprenticeships
• Location: Ventnor, Isle of Wight
• Contract Type: Full time
• Salary: £8.00 per hour
• Industries: Apprenticeships Customer Service Retail

Here at The Isle of Wight College, we’re proud to partner with a wide network of dynamic employers across a diverse mix of industries. A fantastic opportunity has arisen to work as a Retail Assistant Apprentice for Ventnor Botanic Garden.

Welcome to Ventnor Botanic Garden. The garden is internationally recognised for its remarkable microclimate—often described as the warmest in the UK—which allows a diverse range of subtropical and Mediterranean plants to thrive outdoors.

With temperatures averaging around 5°C higher than much of mainland Britain, the garden supports thousands of rare and exotic species from regions such as Australia, South Africa, and the Mediterranean.

Rather excitingly, Ventnor Botanic Garden are now looking to recruit a Retail apprentice to work across their Retail stores on-site.

This apprenticeship offers a great opportunity to start a career in Retail while gaining an industry recognised qualification.

As a Retailer Level 2 Apprentice, you will work in a customer-focused environment, supporting the day-to-day running of the Retail business.

Apprentice Role and Responsibilities will include:

·         Deliver excellent customer service, assisting customers with enquiries and purchases

·         Operate tills and handle transactions accurately

·         Maintain stock levels, including replenishment and merchandising displays

·         Ensure the shop floor is clean, organised, and visually appealing

·         Promote products and support sales activities

·         Follow company procedures, including health and safety and security

Full training will be provided for you to:

·         Develop strong customer service and communication skills

·         Gain product knowledge and sales techniques through internal training

·         Learn stock control and retail operations

·         Understand business standards, policies, and procedures

Essential Skills and Qualities:

·         Friendly and confident

·         Enjoy working within a team

·         Positive attitude and willingness to learn

·         Reliable, punctual, and responsible

·         Good communication skills

Qualifications Required:

GCSE grade C/4 or above in English & Maths is desirable (or equivalent qualification and/or ability to work towards these Functional Skills if not previously achieved).

Apprenticeship:

·     Level 2 Retailer Apprenticeship

·     Functional Skills in Maths and English, if required

·     Alongside your practical daily work, you’ll take part in off-the-job training hours—dedicated time within your working week to develop your knowledge, skills, and behaviours through any new/online learning

Working Week:

·         37 hours per week over 5 days a week

·         Weekend work will be required

Wage:

·         £8.00 per hour

Additional information below:

The current National Minimum Wage (NMW) rate for apprentices is £8.00 per hour. This applies to all apprentices in the first year of their Apprenticeship. The Minimum Wage for Apprentices applies to time spent on the job plus time spent training. For more information visit: www.gov.uk/national-minimum-wage-rates

Once qualified and dependant on needs of the business at the time of apprenticeship completion, there may be the potential to grow within the company and become part of a the workforce as a permanent employee.

So, if this sounds like the next, or indeed first step you want to take with your career, please apply with a cover letter telling us why you feel you would be the ideal person to take on this brilliant opportunity and don’t forget to attach your latest CV!!