Catering Manager - FM Level 4 Apprentice Review
at Sodexo UK
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Catering
Crowthorne
Review Submitted: March 2026
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!
5/5
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Overview of Role
4/5
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Skills Development
4.8/5
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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:
5/5
The apprenticeship I am enrolled in compliments my role fantastically. My role as a Catering Manager allows me to see operational levels of management, for a breakfast, lunch and supper service. I interact with many other departments from the site daily, from security, events, estates, logistics, just to name a few. This means that I have a fantastic amount of support and exposure to complete my Facilities Management apprenticeship level 4, where I shadow other departments and am invited to meetings and discussions to learn more about FM at our site.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I absolutely love the programme I am on, because of the amount of support I have received from so many people. From the client on site, to external Sodexo figures. Everyone has been so willing to give up their time to support me with any questions or site visits too.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
I have definitely learnt more about management across different fields from this apprenticeship, rather than just of a catering aspect. It has taught be a lot about regulations and legislations that i previously had no idea existed. Overall, it has made me a stronger and more vigilant manager even in my current role. I look forward to seeing the progress I make.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
The apprenticeship is straight forward and easy to use. I like how they have alterative learning styles for reading materials. This includes videos, podcasts, and written learning. The only comment I could make is sometimes a few glitches with the e-learning tools, however these are nothing that barrier my learning.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I get a lot of support from my manager who easily allows me my apprenticeship hours during my working week. Although my role and the team around me is not FM, certain people have dedicated so much time to me in order for me to learn. I am really grateful for this and the adjustments that have been made for me.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
I feel supported by my apprenticeship provider, as they do regular check ins with me and my tutor is always available should I have questions or am stuck on something.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
Like mentioned previously, my apprenticeship has shown me how to become a stronger manager. Along with that, I have been taught (so far) the essentials of FM, and what to expect in my first role in the industry. The learning material has been engaging and I have really enjoyed applying some of the theories and working practises in my current role.
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
I have kept contacts with people who have introduced me to site visits and lots of networking opportunities. I have also joined a few groups on LinkedIn after recommendations. I am never short of extra-curricular activities to take part in. Luckily, my work is very flexible with allowing me to attend these too.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Sodexo UK to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Sodexo has so many helpful and inspiring people that have helped me on my learning and development journey. Even people very high up have taken time out of their busy schedules and prioritised me and my learning. This is something I don't feel is too common in a lot of other large companies. They couldn't do any more for me.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Sodexo UK?
Do it! The support is fantastic and you can get as much from the company as you like, if you are willing to put in the effort yourself to ask for it! It has been the best career move I could have taken and I would recommend to anyone.
