Lead Visual Merchandiser Review
at B&Q
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Customer Service
Southampton
Review Submitted: February 2023
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
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Overview of Role
5/5
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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
I am a Lead Visual Merchandiser, managing the team responsible for the visual proposition for the outdoor category for B&Q. This role is not only creative, but heavily project based and requires collaboration with stakeholders cross functionally alongside a good understanding of managing projects.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
The programme is very engaging, with a lot of varied content, and I am finding the relatable nature of it compared to my role extremely helpful. Given that the programme is also in bitesize chunks, its easy to fit around my role.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I am definitely learning a host of new skills, and with the initial sections on Leadership, it has allowed me to consider my own leadership style, as well as think differently about how the business works.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
The programme is well structured with bitesize learning and a clear learning plan of the bits you need to work on each week before being able to test your knowledge against the questions. This really helps ensure learning has been understood before moving on.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
My employer has allowed me to take the time out for studying and completing the learning, but this is something the learner needs to drive based on their activities each week.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
The training provider gives you a coach who checks in and is there if you need any help with anything. Having someone who can see your plan progress and give you real time feedback is a great asset. The fact that they can also give you a ring on teams also means you can be guided through any dashboard issues simply and quickly.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
It has definitely broadened my thinking and given me another perspective on how I could approach my work. It is also gives clear steer on how you could try some of the learning content in real life. My team are enjoying the new elements I have also been able to pass on to help them with bits like diary prioritisation and time planning.
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 a good social club and a number of social activities, alongside an onsite gym make this a great place to work. There are a number of informal clubs which operate too, so if you have a hobby or interest, you can guarantee there will be likeminded people who also enjoy the same.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend B&Q to a friend?
Yes
Why?
It has an amazing culture and everyone who works there is aligned to the same goal. The people in the business are what makes people stay and work in a huge variety of roles and locations. No day is the same either, so it always keeps you on your toes and offers a number of learning opportunities.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to B&Q?
Be yourself and have a look at the roles and opportunities on offer. The learning both from a ops and product perspective which can be gained within store roles, are invaluable in the store support office, so if you are keen to join, don't assume that the store roles aren't going to equip you for a successful career.
