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Branch Manager Review

at Post Office

Higher Level Apprenticeship

Finance, Customer Service

Croydon, Greater London

Review Submitted: April 2021

Overall Rating

4.7 /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!

5/5 - Overview of Role
5/5 - Skills Development
4.4/5 - Structure and Support

Overview of Role

Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
5/5
Running one of the busiest Post Offices in the UK. Dealing with a very diverse customer base and 20 team members.Making sure that all customers are dealt with professionally at all times with the correct level of customer service. All staff are trained to give the best experience at all times
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I have enjoyed the programme because I had control of what and when Modules I could complete. I enjoyed the varied content and ease of use. The different trainers I have dealt with during the programme have all been very professional on each visit or phone calls they have made

Skills Development

Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I have learnt a lot more aspects of running a retail outlet that is different to how a Post Office runs.I have learnt how to control stock and understand many new legal and compliance measures.I have also reinforced my ways of working in relation to how a performance manage

Structure and Support

How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
Due to the COVID pandemic the programme has been very difficult to complete in the allotted time scales. I have had 4 different trainers with the first only visiting once in Branch before being replaced by a remote trainer, I then had a different trainer during lockdown before being replaced again by someone who was finally allowed to face to face visit
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
I had monthly meetings with my Area Manager on how I was progressing with each Module and what I had learned from them by me providing feedback. I also had communication from Post Offices head of the apprenticeship section to see how I was coping and if I needed any help
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
I had lots of help from all my trainers with different support throughout. I have had phone calls to practice speaking or presentation skills and through lockdown I also received practice mock exam papers which helped me greatly on the real ones. I was also able to send my business plan to my trainer Michelle for her to review to make sure I was following the brief
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
I have worked for the Post Office for over 30 years since leaving school at 16. I have been a Branch Manager for 20 years and although I have attended many training events throughout my career I have no evidence or certificates to show what abilities I have in relation to the work I perform
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
We have monthly area team networking meetings with other Post Office Branch Managers where we can share best practices and learning experiences. Once a year the Post Office also have a Conference where all the different teams within the Post Office meet to review and introduce the company’s strategy

Recommendations & Advice

Would you recommend Post Office to a friend?
Yes
Why?
The Post Office is a very diverse business that has no barriers in stopping you achieving your goals. I have worked for them for over 30 years and seen many changes taking place whilst still upholding their business beliefs. I feel they are a brilliant employer who treat all employees as equals
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Post Office?
Advice I would give would be first visit a few Post Offices to see how different each can be. I would also recommend that people research what the Post Office is all about and what it’s values are and how it’s supports all types ofdiversity and local communities
In This Review
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