Warehouse operative Review
at Howdens
Level 3 Apprenticeship
Engineering
Bedford, Bedfordshire
Review Submitted: February 2023
Overall Rating
4.5 /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!
4/5
-
Overview of Role
5/5
-
Skills Development
4.2/5
-
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
Job involved off loading stock and distributing stock, meanwhile also checking that all the sock that has come in is correct (quantity an product type). Part of my job role also involved interacting with customers and making sure they are satisfied with what they are getting (make sure they get the right stock etc).
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
The programme was really good as it let me develop into a different more grown and mature person. Transitioning from school student into an apprentice gave me a lot more responsibility's and allowed me to turn into and adult in a sense. I also really enjoyed the programme a lot because of all the new people that you meet (staff and customers).
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I have developed a lot of my existing skills such as punctuality and formality. Speaking to customers day in and day out allowed me to learn how to be more clear and kind when speaking. I have learnt a lot of new skills also, such as learning how to use new computer systems such as K8, CAD etc.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
The programme as a whole was structured really well as it has a really clear schedule and really clear goals that it expects you to achieve over the duration that it runs. The organisation of the programme is also really good as it trains you to help you achieve the goals that you have for the end of year tests.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
I received a lot of support from all of the employees that I have worked with, everyone is kind and always offers to help and guide me with anything that I struggle with. I also had the opportunity to receive that much support from my employer to the extent where I was offered a full time job.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
I received a lot of support from my training provider, I have had monthly virtual lessons throughout the whole year which there e trained my knowledge to complete the end f years tests to the best of my standards. So overall the support you receive from the training provider is humongous.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
The training provider describes exactly what you need to know when applying for an apprenticeship. All of the things that were said to me were correct and described to a tea. The monthly training received also helps you to know what to change etc. Emails with advice (updates) are also given out at times.
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
Yes there are a lot of after work activities that go on such as ; going Go Karting, dinners, yearly rounders tournaments and many more. There are also a lot of competitions throughout the company with rewards such as getting extra holidays, dinners and the shard, bonuses. so overall yes there is a lot of extra-curricular activities.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Howdens to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Howdens is a really a kind and lovely company as a whole from all the things that I have listed above. Also I think they are really generous as they always give stuff to employees such as Christmas hampers to us every year. The treatment overall is just a lot better from any other place that I have seen.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Howdens?
Don me scared to ask questions if you don't know a certain things and there is a lot of learning to do within the company, and the follow staff members will never say no to teaching you. Also make sure to try your hardest while working as you will be rewarded for it.
