Checkout operator

You can start by taking a college course like:

• Level 1 Certificate in Skills for Retail
• Level 2 Certificate in Retail Knowledge

This would teach you some of the skills needed for the job. Then you can try to find a trainee position.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 2 or fewer GCSEs at grades 3 to 1 (D to G), or equivalent, for a level 1 course
• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• funding advice
• search for courses

You may be able to get into this job through a retailer intermediate apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• guide to apprenticeships

You can apply directly to job vacancies.

There are no set entry requirements though some employers may ask for GCSE passes at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) in maths and English.

Experience of handling cash and serving customers will be helpful.

You'll need:

• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to work well with others
• customer service skills
• sensitivity and understanding
• maths knowledge
• excellent verbal communication skills
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

You'll need to:

• be over 18 to sell alcohol and other restricted goods

Your day-to-day duties could include:

• working quickly so that customers in the queue don't have to wait too long
• scanning items for customers
• weighing and pricing fruit and vegetables
• using special tools to remove security tags
• checking customers' ages for restrictions on items like alcohol
• packing and wrapping purchases
• processing store loyalty cards, coupons and vouchers
• taking payments and making sure the till balances at the end of the day
• spending time away from the till, filling shelves, checking stock or working on a customer service desk

You could work at a store.

You may need to wear a uniform.