Store Manager Review

Item: Store Manager at The Co-op
Rating: 5
Author: Anonymous

at The Co-op

Higher Level Apprenticeship

Customer Service

Manchester

Review Submitted: May 2022

Overall Rating

5 /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

5/5 - 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

With 20% of my weekly contract set aside for apprenticeship working, I am able to learn new skills and develop my knowledge, to enhance my abilities in store, providing a more efficient working environment and developing the skills and knowledge of my colleagues both in store and across the business

To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

5/5

I have thoroughly enjoyed the learning experience, challenging myself to learn and find information, stretching what I previously thought I could not do.
I have found myself looking forward to my apprenticeship day, in order to complete tasks that I have been excited about and look at different theories to enhance my skills.

Skills Development

Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

5/5

I have learnt new skills around the use of Microsoft word and the use of a laptop, of which I struggled with at the start of the apprenticeship. I have learnt alot about myself as a person and as a manager, and this has increased my confidence.
I have also learnt different theories to apply into my working day, to which I would not have been exposed to prior.

Structure and Support

How well organised/structured is your programme?

5/5

The enrollment was well communicated.
I have found the connection between Coop and Hart to be seamless, with both working very well together to provide an overall learning experience. I have enjoyed the way that tasks are assigned and the communication channels whereby my line manager is involved in regularly.

How much support do you receive from your employer?

5/5

I have received 20% of my current working week dedicated towards my apprenticeship, whereby I can focus on completion of this.
I have had frequent communication with my line manager around the programme with vast encouragement during these conversations, whilst also having contact points to reach out if I am struggling

How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

5/5

The communication with Hart, particularly with my tutor has been brilliant.
The learning conferences have been well laid out, provided great support and have been welcoming.
My tutor provides honest and valuable feedback, creating a platform for success, and bringing the best out of myself, unlocking my potential and giving me the confidence

How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

5/5

I have found I am able to easily transfer the skills and knowledge I have learnt on the apprenticeship so far, and these have provided great success within my working environment. From enhancing basic skills such as communication using models and theories I have learnt, and directly encorporate these into my role

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

Whilst this is remote working, via teams due to the coronavirus outbreak, I have been able to make meaningful connections with other apprenticeship colleagues from across the country through the learning conferences, enabling regular conversations about not only work and the apprenticeship, but also personal connections and a supportive environment

Recommendations & Advice

Would you recommend The Co-op to a friend?

Yes

Why?

The coop provide the opportunity to grow, through the apprenticeship programmes provided, whilst also creating the time to complete this programme. Across the 15 years I have worked for the coop, I have felt supported throughout my development from a customer service assistant to store manager, and now as a store manager on an apprenticeship programme

What tips or advice would you give to others applying to The Co-op?

Believe in your abilities and understand that the programme will stretch you to achieve more. The growth from this programme and working in store has the potential to open new avenues for success. The coop has adapted with the challenging world of retail, and provided the ability to learn alongside the day job

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