1

Retail Apprentice Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

We offer a better retail and digital experience that prioritizes safety and expertise in a cool ... Apprentices undergo a minimum 6-week paid piercing training program inclusive of classroom style ...

We offer a better retail and digital experience that prioritizes safety and expertise in a cool ... Apprentices undergo a minimum 6-week paid piercing training program inclusive of classroom style ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Retail Apprentice information

What does a retail apprentice do?

A retail apprentice assists customers, stocks shelves, processes transactions, and learns about store operations under supervision. They develop skills in customer service, sales, and product knowledge while gaining practical experience in a retail environment.

What is the difference between Retail Apprentice vs Retail Sales Associate?

AspectRetail ApprenticeRetail Sales Associate
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma or equivalent; sometimes prior sales experience
Work EnvironmentTraining environment, often in retail stores or training centersCustomer-facing retail stores, sales floors
Employer & Industry UsageRetail companies, training programs, entry-level positionsRetail stores, supermarkets, fashion outlets
Comparison Search IntentLearning and training roles in retailCustomer service and sales roles

The main difference is that a Retail Apprentice is in a training or learning phase, often with structured programs, while a Retail Sales Associate is an experienced employee focused on customer service and sales. Apprentices are gaining skills, whereas associates are actively selling and assisting customers.

What are the most commonly searched types of Retail jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Retail jobs in Illinois are:
Infographic showing various Retail Apprentice job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 64% Full Time, 34% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Apprentice Piercer

STUDS

Wilmette, IL • On-site

$24/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 9 days ago


Studs rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Studs is a category-defining ear piercing and earring brand named one of "the 10 most innovative companies in retail for 2023" by Fast Company. Studs connects ear piercing with aftercare and earring shopping to create an end-to-end Earscaping® experience. We offer a better retail and digital experience that prioritizes safety and expertise in a cool, fun and welcoming environment, along with a wide earring assortment—all at an accessible price point.

Want to get paid to become a piercer at Studs? Apprentices undergo a minimum 6-week paid piercing training program inclusive of classroom style learning, observation, and hands-on training. We are looking for Apprentices to join our training program that will kickoff for the first 6 weeks in September in our NYC or Tampa, FL studio location. Upon successful completion of the program, graduated Apprentices will become eligible for Part Time Associate Piercer positions at our Plaza Del Lago studio.

Hourly Rate:

  • Graduated apprentices make $24/hour as Associate Piercers, plus tips
  • During the 6-week training program, apprentices make $19/hour, plus tips

Key Responsibilities:

REVENUE

  • Service Oriented
    • Embodies our performance-oriented culture by meeting and exceeding expectations
    • Serves as a brand ambassador: educates clients on the unique Studs' experience through our selling cycle
    • Delivers confident, clear, and professional communication with clients during their entire Studs' experience

OPERATIONS

  • Decision Quality & Execution
    • Leverages Studs' resources and policies in decision making
    • Becomes well-versed in piercing operating procedures and regulations to ensure client experience and work safety standards are met
    • Shows consistent and detailed record keeping of all maintenance, sterilized inventory and tools

TALENT

  • Integrity
    • Prioritizes Studio compliance and is accountable to standard operating procedures and company policy
    • Admits mistakes and is not afraid to escalate when help is needed
    • Lives out our Core Values
    • Shows consistency by providing best in class service to everyone in the Studio
    • Provides solutions-oriented feedback and is open-minded to receiving it

Requirements:

  • 3 years of relevant work experience
  • At least two years as a Medical Assistant or Phlebotomist (performing venipunctures and/or finger sticks) preferred
  • Full Time:
    • Must be available to work a flexible schedule up to 5 days per week (32+ hours), including evenings, weekends, and holidays. Must maintain consistent availability
    • Weekend availability (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) is required, excluding approved PTO
    • Schedules may vary based on business needs, and Full-Time employees are expected to prioritize Studs as their primary employment commitment
  • Part Time:
    • Must be available to work a flexible schedule of varying days and hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays
    • Must have availability to work on Saturday and Sunday, excluding approved unscheduled time away
    • Reliably attend work as scheduled for up to 29 hours per week, in line with local laws and subject to any approved accommodations
  • Must pierce a minimum 18 appointments a day
  • Must be able to visually inspect ear anatomy to execute advanced piercings
  • Must be able to deliver piercings with a steady hand
  • Must be able to lift 20 lbs
  • Must be able to handle chemicals safely
  • Travel to NYC or Florida for the duration of the training program (paid by Studs)
  • Driven, creative problem solver that consistently acts with integrity and speaks up
  • Owner's mindset, with the ability to approach feedback and problems with a positive attitude.

Benefits & Perks

  • Paid Safe & Sick Leave Accrual
  • FSA Health and Commuter Tax-Advantaged Accounts
  • 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan
  • Exclusive Employee Discounts on Piercings and Jewelry (we've got your friends and family covered too!)

Studs is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a work environment that fosters diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity without regard to race, color, gender, age, creed, sex, religion, national origin, disability (physical or mental), marital status, citizenship, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, or any other legally protected status. Studs considers qualified applicants with criminal histories. We comply with applicable state and local laws prohibiting discrimination in employment in every jurisdiction in which we operate. If you require an accommodation for the application process, please fill out this form.

Massachusetts Applicants: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Click here for the Studs Privacy Notice for California Applicants.


What Studs employees say

Pay

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom