Customer Service Apprentice - Cowries Mart

Lincoln College; Gainsborough CP; Remote; GBP 12,000 - 15,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid apprenticeship training

College attendance once a month

Workplace mentoring

Job summary

Lincoln College in Gainsborough is offering an apprenticeship in Customer Service. You will work with mentoring to learn about African and Asian grocery products, handle till transactions, and support WhatsApp/Shopify orders while keeping stock and displays organized.

The programme includes paid apprenticeship training, a dedicated work-based trainer, and monthly College attendance. Expected start date is November 2026, with progression possible into retail customer service or digital order

Qualifications

• Customer care aptitude and listening to customers' needs.
• Proactive attitude and willingness to learn on the job.
• Friendly, non-judgemental approach to customers from diverse backgrounds.

Responsibilities

• Welcome customers in-store and answer enquiries in person, by phone or online.
• Handle till payments and receipts with accuracy and proper cash handling.

Skills

Customer care

Initiative

Non judgemental

Education

GCSE English & Maths (desirable)

Job description

Develop customer service skills at Cowries Mart, Gainsborough. Learn specialist grocery products, handle till transactions, support WhatsApp and Shopify orders, and keep stock and displays organised. Includes workplace mentoring and paid apprenticeship training.

Duties will include:

Welcome customers, identify their needs and answer in-store, telephone and digital enquiries

Process till payments and receipts accurately and follow cash-handling procedures

Learn specialist African and Asian grocery names, pronunciation and culinary uses, using verified product information

Check and rotate stock, maintain price labels and displays, and report shortages or discrepancies

Support WhatsApp and Shopify orders, availability checks, order preparation and collection enquiries

Record feedback, resolve routine issues within agreed authority and refer complaints to the Director

Follow food safety, health and safety and data-protection procedures

Applicants from all ethnic and cultural backgrounds are welcome. Selection is based on relevant skills, suitability and willingness to learn. Product training will be provided.

What Training Will the Apprentice Take and What Qualification Will the Apprentice Get at the End?

The successful candidate will work towards achieving their Apprenticeship Standard in Customer Service Level 2

A dedicated work-based trainer will be assigned to the candidate to provide them with support and guidance throughout the course

This is a predominantly work-based programme with College attendance required once a month

All learning will take place at the candidate's place of employment/College and within their contracted working hours

Course outline: https://skillsengland.education.gov.uk/apprenticeship-standards/st0072-v1-1

What is the Expected Career Progression After this Apprenticeship?

Possible progression into retail customer service, digital order support or further relevant training, subject to performance and business needs

Desired Skills and Personal Qualities

• Customer care skills
• Initiative
• Non judgemental

Qualifications

GCSE in:

GCSE English and Maths (Grade A*/9 – C/4) desirable

Let the company know about other relevant qualifications and industry experience you have. They can adjust the apprenticeship to reflect what you already know.

Other requirements

Shop work includes standing, stocking shelves and safe handling of goods, with appropriate support.

Delivery duties and any driving requirements are not included as confirmed requirements for this customer-service form.

First appointment target: November 2026, subject to College intake, eligibility and onboarding. If this is the later appointment, the start is planned a few months after the first and the exact date is to be agreed.

30 paid hours per week, including training

We will respond via email or phone to answer your query and notify you of our Open Day dates on the lawful basis of legitimate interest in relation to the General Data Protection Regulations 2018. Your information is not sold or shared by Lincoln College and you will not receive further marketing emails or calls. For information on how long we hold your personal data, your rights of access and deletion of personal data click here .