Digital Content Merchandiser Review
at B&Q
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Digital Marketing, Merchandising
Southampton
Review Submitted: February 2025
Overall Rating
4.8 /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!
4.5/5
-
Overview of Role
5/5
-
Skills Development
4.6/5
-
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
As a content writer at B&Q, I produce and manage copy for our three key websites: diy.com, diy.ie, and trade-point.co.uk.
My role revolves around creating various types of content, including how-to guides, buying guides, inspirational articles, and customer support pages, all aimed at empowering B&Q customers in their home improvement journeys.
Daily tasks
- Content creation, content quality maintenance, SEO optimisation, research and analysis, and CMS management
I collaborate with teams across departments, such as the marketing and digital design team, to create visual and video assets that complement our content. I engage with our external SEO agency who support our team by creating new content and advising us with any SEO related queries.
My role revolves around creating various types of content, including how-to guides, buying guides, inspirational articles, and customer support pages, all aimed at empowering B&Q customers in their home improvement journeys.
Daily tasks
- Content creation, content quality maintenance, SEO optimisation, research and analysis, and CMS management
I collaborate with teams across departments, such as the marketing and digital design team, to create visual and video assets that complement our content. I engage with our external SEO agency who support our team by creating new content and advising us with any SEO related queries.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I thoroughly enjoyed my apprenticeship programme. The structured course provided a comprehensive understanding of marketing, enhanced by a diverse cohort from various companies, which offered valuable networking opportunities. My mentor and regular meetings with my line manager ensured I received the necessary support throughout the journey.
I appreciated the real-world applications in the course modules, which aligned with my role at B&Q. Dedicating one study day a week helped me balance my work and expand my knowledge, while collaborative workshops fostered a supportive learning environment.
Completing my final project on a marketing campaign for our app was challenging yet rewarding, pushing me out of my comfort zone and improving my time management skills. This apprenticeship has deepened my understanding of marketing, and I highly recommend it to anyone considering a similar path!
I appreciated the real-world applications in the course modules, which aligned with my role at B&Q. Dedicating one study day a week helped me balance my work and expand my knowledge, while collaborative workshops fostered a supportive learning environment.
Completing my final project on a marketing campaign for our app was challenging yet rewarding, pushing me out of my comfort zone and improving my time management skills. This apprenticeship has deepened my understanding of marketing, and I highly recommend it to anyone considering a similar path!
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Content creation – My content creation abilities have particularly improved, especially in crafting copy that aligns with B&Q’s unique tone and brand voice. The extensive work we did on brand personality deepened my understanding of how to convey our message authentically and engagingly.
Managing stakeholders – I’ve also learned to manage stakeholders more effectively, utilising a stakeholder matrix to identify priorities and enhance collaboration across teams. This approach has streamlined communication and improved project outcomes.
Presentation skills – Additionally, my presentation skills have improved drastically, as I’ve had the opportunity to present at various workshops. These experiences have built my confidence and ability to engage audiences, ensuring my ideas are communicated clearly and effectively. Overall, these skill developments have been invaluable in my role, enabling me to contribute more meaningfully to B&Q’s goals.
Managing stakeholders – I’ve also learned to manage stakeholders more effectively, utilising a stakeholder matrix to identify priorities and enhance collaboration across teams. This approach has streamlined communication and improved project outcomes.
Presentation skills – Additionally, my presentation skills have improved drastically, as I’ve had the opportunity to present at various workshops. These experiences have built my confidence and ability to engage audiences, ensuring my ideas are communicated clearly and effectively. Overall, these skill developments have been invaluable in my role, enabling me to contribute more meaningfully to B&Q’s goals.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
I found the programme well-organised and structured, providing a clear framework that facilitates effective learning and development. It was divided into distinct modules, each focusing on key aspects of marketing, such as Branding, Customer Decision Making, and Tactical Marketing. This modular approach allowed for a comprehensive exploration of each topic while keeping the content manageable.
The timeline was also well-defined, with a year allocated for mandatory learning and workshops, followed by six months dedicated to preparing and completing the final project. Regular assessments and deadlines helped keep us on track, ensuring that everyone stayed focused and motivated.
Additionally, the support system, including assigned mentors and quarterly meetings with line managers, adds to the structure. This ensured that we were given guidance and feedback throughout the apprenticeship journey.
The timeline was also well-defined, with a year allocated for mandatory learning and workshops, followed by six months dedicated to preparing and completing the final project. Regular assessments and deadlines helped keep us on track, ensuring that everyone stayed focused and motivated.
Additionally, the support system, including assigned mentors and quarterly meetings with line managers, adds to the structure. This ensured that we were given guidance and feedback throughout the apprenticeship journey.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I received substantial support from my employer throughout the apprenticeship programme. My line manager was instrumental in facilitating my learning experience, allowing me to dedicate time for study without the pressure of daily work demands. They encouraged me to block out a study day each week, ensuring I had the necessary space to focus on my assignments and personal development.
Additionally, having a mentor assigned to me was invaluable. We had regular catch-ups to discuss my progress, and I felt empowered to reach out as needed. This mentorship provided guidance and accountability, helping me navigate challenges and stay on track.
Additionally, having a mentor assigned to me was invaluable. We had regular catch-ups to discuss my progress, and I felt empowered to reach out as needed. This mentorship provided guidance and accountability, helping me navigate challenges and stay on track.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
I received excellent support from my training provider throughout the apprenticeship. The programme was well-organised, with clear learning objectives and timelines that kept me focused. Each module included comprehensive resources, such as eLearning content, readings, and assignments, which were easily accessible through a dedicated portal.
The trainers were knowledgeable and approachable, leading group workshops where we could engage with the material and receive feedback on our assignments in a collaborative environment. These sessions fostered a sense of community among the cohort, allowing us to share insights and learn from each other's experiences.
The trainers were knowledgeable and approachable, leading group workshops where we could engage with the material and receive feedback on our assignments in a collaborative environment. These sessions fostered a sense of community among the cohort, allowing us to share insights and learn from each other's experiences.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
I feel that my qualification has enhanced my performance in my role at B&Q. The curriculum provided me with a solid foundation in marketing theory and practical strategies, which I’ve been able to apply directly to my content creation and overall approach to my work.
Understanding frameworks like SOSTAC and SWOT analysis has allowed me to develop more effective marketing strategies and make data-driven decisions. The focus on branding and customer decision-making has been particularly beneficial, as it has deepened my understanding of our target audience and how to engage them through content that resonates.
The skills I gained in stakeholder management and presenting have improved my ability to collaborate with colleagues and communicate ideas effectively. Overall, the qualification has empowered me to contribute more strategically to projects and deliver high-quality content that aligns with B&Q's goals.
Understanding frameworks like SOSTAC and SWOT analysis has allowed me to develop more effective marketing strategies and make data-driven decisions. The focus on branding and customer decision-making has been particularly beneficial, as it has deepened my understanding of our target audience and how to engage them through content that resonates.
The skills I gained in stakeholder management and presenting have improved my ability to collaborate with colleagues and communicate ideas effectively. Overall, the qualification has empowered me to contribute more strategically to projects and deliver high-quality content that aligns with B&Q's goals.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
4/5
Yes, I believe there are various extra-curricular activities available at B&Q, including social events, sports teams, and networking events.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend B&Q to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Yes, I would recommend B&Q to a friend. The company offers a supportive and collaborative work environment. The focus on professional development is impressive, with opportunities for learning and growth through various training programs and apprenticeships.
Their commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive company culture, along with its emphasis on innovation and customer service, makes it a great place to work. The diverse range of projects allows for creativity and involvement in meaningful work that directly impacts customers’ home improvement journeys.
Their commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive company culture, along with its emphasis on innovation and customer service, makes it a great place to work. The diverse range of projects allows for creativity and involvement in meaningful work that directly impacts customers’ home improvement journeys.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to B&Q?
Show your passion – Whether it’s for home improvement, customer service, or digital content, enthusiasm goes a long way. B&Q values people who are genuinely interested in what they do.
Research the brand – Get familiar with B&Q’s values and customer focus. If you’re applying for a content or marketing role, understanding the brand’s personality is key.
Highlight relevant skills – Whether it’s creativity, problem-solving, teamwork, or project management, showcase how your experience aligns with the role.
Be proactive – B&Q encourages learning and development, so demonstrating a willingness to grow and take on new challenges will work in your favour.
Prepare for the interview – Expect questions about teamwork, customer focus, and problem-solving. Having real-life examples ready will help you feel more confident.
Research the brand – Get familiar with B&Q’s values and customer focus. If you’re applying for a content or marketing role, understanding the brand’s personality is key.
Highlight relevant skills – Whether it’s creativity, problem-solving, teamwork, or project management, showcase how your experience aligns with the role.
Be proactive – B&Q encourages learning and development, so demonstrating a willingness to grow and take on new challenges will work in your favour.
Prepare for the interview – Expect questions about teamwork, customer focus, and problem-solving. Having real-life examples ready will help you feel more confident.
