How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- applying directly
College
You could do a college course to learn some of the skills and knowledge you need in this job. Courses include:
- customer service
- principles of customer service
- retail skills
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
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Apprenticeship
You may be able to apply to do an apprenticeship with a Post Office shop or counter service. Options include:
- Customer Services Practitioner Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
- Retailer Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
These can take around a year to complete and combine on-the-job training and time spent with a learning provider.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
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Direct Application
You'll need a good standard of education with numeracy and literacy skills, alongside good customer service skills, to apply for jobs.
You will be given training in Post Office products, services and computer systems by your employer when you start.
Many post offices are run as a franchise and are part of shops selling other goods and services. Each franchise will have its own recruitment and selection methods.
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Career tips
Customer service experience in retail, banking or hospitality will be helpful when applying for jobs.
Further information
You can find out more about working as a counter assistant from the Post Office.