Bookseller apprenticeships - where to start
You can get into this job through
a university coursea college coursean apprenticeshipapplying directly
University
You may have an advantage when looking for work if you've completed a qualification at university, like a higher national diploma or a degree. Employers will accept any subject, although some may prefer English, humanities or the arts.
You'll usually need 1 or 2 A-Levels, or equivalent, for a higher national diploma and 2 to 3 A-Levels, or equivalent, for a degree.
College
You can learn some of the skills you need for this job by doing a:
- Level 2 Certificate or Diploma in Retail Skills
- Level 3 Diploma in Retail Skills Sales Professional
You'll usually need 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a Level 2 course. You'll need 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a Level 3 course.
Apprenticeship
You can get into this job through a retailer Level 2 apprenticeship or a retail team leader Level 3 apprenticeship.
You'll usually need 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for a Level 3 apprenticeship. You might need some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for a Level 2 apprenticeship.
Direct Application
You can apply directly for jobs. You'll usually need 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), including English and maths. Retail, customer service or publishing experience will also be helpful.
You'll need a broad range of reading interests and an enthusiasm for books.
You may need a particular qualification or understanding of a certain book type for some specialist bookshops.
For example, an in-depth knowledge of comic art for a shop that sells graphic novels, or a background in classic literature for rare book sales. You'll need sound business skills and a good grasp of the publishing and bookselling industry, if you're looking to open your own bookshop.
Bookseller apprenticeships - what it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- customer service skills
- the ability to work well with others
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- sensitivity and understanding
- the ability to use your initiative
- excellent verbal communication skills
- the ability to sell products and services
- business management skills
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
Bookseller apprenticeships - what you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
You might:
- serve customers and take payments
- give advice and answer enquiries
- review books for in-store reviews or book clubs
- organise in-store promotional events
- monitor stock levels
- work with publishing companies and order new stock
- complete admin tasks like accounting, order distribution, arranging deliveries and returns
Working environment
You could work at a store.
Career path and progression - Bookseller apprenticeships
With financial backing and a lot of experience, you could open your own bookshop.
You could work for a publishing house and sell books to retailers.
You could also work from home as a book dealer, or set up an online bookshop.