Product Support Manager Review
at Travis Perkins plc
Level 3 Apprenticeship
Marketing
Northampton, UK
Review Submitted: February 2023
Overall Rating
4.1 /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!
3.5/5
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Overview of Role
4/5
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Skills Development
4/5
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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
I identify products that our customers buy on a regular basis, and suggest alternative products they could switch to instead. I provide reports and data about the alternative product to account managers who then present the opportunity to their customer. Ideally, the products will save the customer money and also improve our margin, so all parties benefit from the switch.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
3/5
I really enjoy the course! The mentors are very engaged and supportive, although my mentor changed at month 9 which lost some momentum and continuity. I like the balance of formal learning and free research and learning in your own time. There is a heavy workload which has been hard to manage at times, but writing up a portfolio has ment I nca really see how far i've progressed at the end.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
Learnt how to isolate what data is important to make a decision. I can clean data and present in a format that is easy to understand, and adapt the format so it suits internal and external stakeholders. I have also learnt how to influence senior stakeholders, and ensure my voice is heard. Finally, I am more considerate of my audience and sharing information, and have learnt to be more concise with my emails and meetings.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
I really enjoy the course! I like the structure of pre-work or reading, a monthly webinar, and a project assignment or write up. The webinars are delivered well and everyone is encouraged to engage. There were some early problems as the course was focused on Microsift where our business uses Google, but the program team re-recorded training materials to accomodate.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
My employer actively encourages everybody to complete an apprenticeship regardless of role or seniority, and is fully supportive of personal learning and development. Thankfully I have a role where I can focus on my apprenticeship and my work does not suffer. My line manager supports me in blocking out time in my diary for study and helpd me find suitable projects.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
I was assigned a mentor at the start of the course, and she has been very responsive when I need her. Cotnact is my email, text, or booking a short 15 minute meeting. I can also 'tag' her in an assignment document with a question or something specific which she will answer quickly. I was disappointed when my mentor had to change in month 9, but I can contact my new mentor through the same channels.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
I am learning skills which link directly to my role, and can now present data in a format suitable for my audience. I can also track my performance and the savings the business is making as a direct result of my work. I can manage stakeholder expectations, am more effective in communicating with them, and can influence their actions by presenting data to support.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
3/5
The company supports hybrid working, so it can be difficult to socialise during the day or even after work as people work on different days. Everyone is encouraged to take part in charity events (bake sale, raffle etc.) where possible. There has been a big focus on looking after mental health, and there is a 'netwalking' group which encourages you to take a walk during the day and meet new people.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Travis Perkins plc to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Very supportive of hybrid working and flexibility so you can support family or other persoinal situation. Lots of employee incentives and benefits, such as cashback through a rewards portal, a sharesave scheme, and financial or legal advice. Even the annual review is called 'At My Best' and encourages you think think about how you can be a better version of yourself at work. Very supportive of people staying within The Group if they want to change roles, this is seen right from the senior leadership team right down through all roles.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Travis Perkins plc?
Be yourself! This is a large successful company so a lot will be expected of you, so make sure you are ready to work hard. You will be supported and given flexibility, so appreciate this don't abuse it.
The culture at Travis Perkins encourages you to be your best and bring your authentic self to work, so be open and honest. I didn't think I would stay here long, I've now been here 11 years and can't imagine working anywhere else!
The culture at Travis Perkins encourages you to be your best and bring your authentic self to work, so be open and honest. I didn't think I would stay here long, I've now been here 11 years and can't imagine working anywhere else!
