Stronger Starts Apprentice Review
at Tesco plc
Level 2 Apprenticeship
Customer Service, Merchandising
Ilkley
Review Submitted: March 2026
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
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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
My role as a Tesco retail apprentice involves supporting the day to day running of the store while developing key skills in customer service, teamwork, and operations. On a typical shift I work across different areas of the shop floor, including serving customers, replenishing stock, maintaining high standards, and ensuring availability.
I regularly use store systems and equipment such as PDAs to manage stock and complete tasks efficiently. A big part of my role is delivering great customer service, helping customers with queries, and ensuring they have a positive experience in store.
Alongside this, I am developing my understanding of how the business operates, including performance targets, teamwork, and how different departments work together. The apprenticeship allows me to learn while working, build confidence, and take on more responsibility over time.
I regularly use store systems and equipment such as PDAs to manage stock and complete tasks efficiently. A big part of my role is delivering great customer service, helping customers with queries, and ensuring they have a positive experience in store.
Alongside this, I am developing my understanding of how the business operates, including performance targets, teamwork, and how different departments work together. The apprenticeship allows me to learn while working, build confidence, and take on more responsibility over time.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I have really enjoyed my apprenticeship so far as it has given me the opportunity to gain real work experience while also developing valuable skills for my future career.
I particularly enjoy the variety of the role and working as part of a team. The programme has helped me build confidence, improve my communication skills, and understand how a large business operates day to day.
I also appreciate the support from colleagues and managers, who are always willing to help and guide me. Overall, it has been a positive experience that is helping me grow both personally and professionally.
I particularly enjoy the variety of the role and working as part of a team. The programme has helped me build confidence, improve my communication skills, and understand how a large business operates day to day.
I also appreciate the support from colleagues and managers, who are always willing to help and guide me. Overall, it has been a positive experience that is helping me grow both personally and professionally.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I have developed a wide range of new skills through my apprenticeship, particularly in customer service, communication, and teamwork. Working in a busy retail environment has helped me build confidence when speaking to customers and handling different situations professionally.
I have also learnt how to use store systems such as PDAs, improved my time management, and developed a better understanding of stock control and store operations. My problem solving skills have improved as I regularly support customers with queries and help keep the shop floor running smoothly.
Overall, the apprenticeship has helped me grow in confidence, become more independent, and develop skills that will be valuable in my future career.
I have also learnt how to use store systems such as PDAs, improved my time management, and developed a better understanding of stock control and store operations. My problem solving skills have improved as I regularly support customers with queries and help keep the shop floor running smoothly.
Overall, the apprenticeship has helped me grow in confidence, become more independent, and develop skills that will be valuable in my future career.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
Although no two days in retail are the same, the programme is still well organised and supported. There is a clear structure in terms of training, expectations, and progression, but also flexibility to adapt to the fast paced nature of the store.
I feel well supported by my managers and colleagues, who are always available to offer guidance and feedback. Tasks are explained clearly, and there are regular opportunities to learn and develop within the role.
The balance between structure and flexibility works well, as it allows me to gain consistent training while also experiencing the variety of real day to day retail operations.
I feel well supported by my managers and colleagues, who are always available to offer guidance and feedback. Tasks are explained clearly, and there are regular opportunities to learn and develop within the role.
The balance between structure and flexibility works well, as it allows me to gain consistent training while also experiencing the variety of real day to day retail operations.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I receive a high level of support from my employer on a day to day basis. Managers and colleagues are approachable and always willing to offer guidance, whether that is with tasks on the shop floor or my overall development.
There is a supportive team environment where I feel comfortable asking questions and learning from others. I am given clear direction, regular feedback, and opportunities to improve, which has helped me build confidence in my role.
Overall, I feel well supported and valued as an apprentice, which has had a positive impact on my experience.
There is a supportive team environment where I feel comfortable asking questions and learning from others. I am given clear direction, regular feedback, and opportunities to improve, which has helped me build confidence in my role.
Overall, I feel well supported and valued as an apprentice, which has had a positive impact on my experience.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
I receive good support from my training provider throughout my apprenticeship. They provide clear guidance on coursework and expectations, and are available to help when needed.
Regular check ins and feedback help me stay on track with my learning and development. The support provided has helped me understand my qualification and build my knowledge alongside my practical work.
Regular check ins and feedback help me stay on track with my learning and development. The support provided has helped me understand my qualification and build my knowledge alongside my practical work.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
The qualification supports my role by helping me understand the reasons behind what I do day to day in store. It builds my knowledge of customer service, teamwork, and how a retail business operates, which I can then apply in a practical environment.
It has helped me become more confident in my role, improve how I approach tasks, and understand expectations more clearly. The combination of learning and working allows me to develop both knowledge and real experience at the same time.
Overall, it has had a positive impact on my performance and development.
It has helped me become more confident in my role, improve how I approach tasks, and understand expectations more clearly. The combination of learning and working allows me to develop both knowledge and real experience at the same time.
Overall, it has had a positive impact on my performance and development.
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
There are opportunities to get involved beyond the day to day role, including working with different teams, supporting store activities, and building relationships with colleagues across the business.
The environment encourages teamwork and communication, which creates a positive and social workplace. There are also opportunities to develop professionally through networking and gaining experience in different areas of the store.
Overall, there are good opportunities to get involved and develop both personally and professionally.
The environment encourages teamwork and communication, which creates a positive and social workplace. There are also opportunities to develop professionally through networking and gaining experience in different areas of the store.
Overall, there are good opportunities to get involved and develop both personally and professionally.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Tesco plc to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I would recommend Tesco as it provides a supportive working environment with good opportunities to learn and develop. The apprenticeship allows you to gain real experience while building valuable skills such as communication, teamwork, and confidence.
It is a fast paced environment which helps you grow quickly, and there are opportunities to take on responsibility and develop within the business.
It is a fast paced environment which helps you grow quickly, and there are opportunities to take on responsibility and develop within the business.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Tesco plc?
Be honest about yourself when applying and show a willingness to learn. Do not be afraid to ask questions, as this helps you develop and shows initiative.
It is important to be committed and have a strong work ethic, as retail can be fast paced and challenging at times. If you stay positive, work hard, and get involved, you will gain a lot from the experience.
It is important to be committed and have a strong work ethic, as retail can be fast paced and challenging at times. If you stay positive, work hard, and get involved, you will gain a lot from the experience.
