Assistant Manager Review
at Greene King
Level 3 Apprenticeship
Hospitality Management
Edinburgh
Review Submitted: November 2020
Overall Rating
4.3 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
4/5
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Overview of Role
4/5
-
Skills Development
4/5
-
Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
4/5
Pretty much touching all aspects of the business, training team, planning events, implementing operational plans, cellar upkeeping, opening, closing, cashing up, control quality and cleanliness as well as health and safety, welcome customers, take their orders and serve their food and drinks, coordinating back of house and front of house operations, jumping in the kitchen to help, ensuring the business is covid safe, social media posting, ordering drinks and food for the business, decorating and creating back bar displays etc
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I really enjoyed the programme, especially when we could meet up face to face. I got to meet a lot of people which is always great for networking purposes but also it is interesting to discover how everyone runs their pub. The trained was very motivating and friendly so I was put at ease despite being scared of talking in public. It was harder when we had to operate remotely because I do not have the equipment but I still found it enjoyable and helpful.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
I learnt a lot of new skills :
- Merchandising
- Financial controls in the business
- How to use excel software
- How to train the teams and ensure they stay engaged
But I also developed existing skills :
- Communication : I am quite shy so the course helped me with confidence to speak to the team about issues
- How to discipline the team : I now feel at ease addressing any issues when I used to worried if wouldn't be well received and the team is better for it
- Merchandising
- Financial controls in the business
- How to use excel software
- How to train the teams and ensure they stay engaged
But I also developed existing skills :
- Communication : I am quite shy so the course helped me with confidence to speak to the team about issues
- How to discipline the team : I now feel at ease addressing any issues when I used to worried if wouldn't be well received and the team is better for it
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
The programme was well structured. It was great to have days out of the business to learn and to be able to come back with new ideas. Trainers and speakers were good at keeping us on point and the documents and exercises provided were really useful and interesting to work on. I struggled at times with some of the requirements but my trainer worked hard at keeping me on topic and guided me through it, making the programme a straight path to success.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
3/5
At first not so much as I had to attend the classes on top of my full time working hours but after talking to my GM this was fixed. She regularly offered to help but in reality we didn't really have time to sit down and talk about things. Towards the end she was able to support me more by helping me complete my portfolio and brainstorming with me. I wish Greene king would have been able to provide me with a similar arrangement for the next level but I was told I would have to do it on my free time which is understandable considering the incredibly difficult circumstances under which we currently have to operate
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
[This section of the comment has been removed by a member of the Higherin Team because it did not meet our site terms and conditions] was extremely helpful ! Friendly and approachable all the while staying professional. When I felt like I was stuck, she always found the words to steer me in the right direction again and motivate me to succeed. A very positive outlook which made me feel like I could accomplish everything I wanted and focused on finding solutions. This was probably one of the main highlights of the programme for me. I hope she is my trainer again next time around.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
The qualification has taught me to break down every action we take and boil it down to the values of the business which is an incredible tool to be able to communicate these better to the team. I am a lot more confident with them and am able to provide them with more support thanks to the training tips provided by the qualification. I no longer shy away from difficult discussions and communicate more openly with my manager as well.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
4/5
My work sometimes organised events for people to meet up (it could be a training day or an awards event). There also are some fundraising activities such as : Macmillan tartan trek where members of the team walk through Edinburgh to raise money. I am fond of Macmillan coffee morning and really enjoy planning it and baking cakes and biscuits to sell to customers. The team is looking forward to restrictions easing up to have a well deserved staff night out !
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Greene King to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Greene king does have its faults : you feel like just a number until you get into a better job role and more perks become available to you. The training opportunities are great and job security is a must in these troubled times. The pay is fairly low but there are bonuses opportunities and some managers work hard at giving employees a bit of recognition where deserved. I think It depends hugely on who is your direct manager
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Greene King?
Find a friend who works there and get them to recommend you for the kings bounty ! Look for a work place where you get on with the team as they can make or break your experience. Make sure you communicate openly and let your personality shine. Diversity is a key part of success and we celebrate our differences : opening up about it is a great way to connect with others. Finally remember to stay on top of training and take ownership of it : ask away if you would like to learn something new !
