Tradepoint customer advisor Review
at B&Q
Level 2 Apprenticeship
Customer Service
Northampton, Northamptonshire
Review Submitted: March 2023
Overall Rating
3.2 /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
-
Overview of Role
4/5
-
Skills Development
2.8/5
-
Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
3/5
I am a customer facing role. My main responsibility is to put through payments for customers and answer any questions they have regarding products and services. In addition to this I handle orders and also try and recruit new members into our tradepoint scheme. I also have additional responsibilities such as contacting new traders to gain feedback on their sign up process
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
3/5
I do enjoy it, I enjoy learning about new things and about the behind the scenes aspect. It's interesting as there is so much that goes into a successful business and customer service role. Noting what I've learnt helps with my own confidence in knowing I'm progressing
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
In my job I have learnt new customer skills, how to place orders and set up deliveries. Additionally I have learnt how to use our instore timbersaw and also our MEWP. I have learnt more about the products we sell and can roughly advise our customers on products they may require. During my apprenticeship I have learnt more about the formal aspects of the job
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
2/5
It's as structured as I make it. It is difficult trying to get my learning done around my work schedule. I cannot commit when I'm a member of staff down i.e. holiday as I am needed on the floor. Additionally my entire learning is online due to distance.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
3/5
As much as possible at the time. I do have to ask my team for dedicated time to complete any tasks and don't get checked on for it. Though I am grateful for my unit manager giving me a speaker for my call as I am hard of hearing so struggle to pick up some tones
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
My training provider will answer any questions I have in reasonable time but other than that I do not have much communication with her until our calls. She is lovely and does give me the time I need to make notes and doesn't tire of me asking her to repeat herself
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
I feel like it helps me understand what to expect from customers both internal and external and how much my role has an impact on the business. Additionally I can understand how the company functions and the culture behind it. It also helps me understand how else I can help my customers
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
2/5
There isn't but we have additional benefits from work such as gym discount, hapi app (benefits off certain companies). B&Q occasionally take part in Pride, this year they are trying to organise a float. The staff try to occasionally organise something but it never holds up unfortunately for us
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend B&Q to a friend?
Yes
Why?
It is a good rate of pay no matter of age with a number of benefits for staff. The breaks are well thought out and shift patterns good to make sure staff do not get burnt out and there are opportunities for staff to progress and learn new skills such as timber saw
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to B&Q?
Be yourself and try to learn a little bit about products on your department if you really want to excel in customer service. Try and be a team player so it makes the store's life easier. A little bit of empathy and kindness goes a long way for our customers and staff
