store manager Review
at Costa Coffee
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Hospitality Management
Leeds
Review Submitted: April 2026
Overall Rating
4.9 /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!
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
You also oversee the commercial success of the store by driving sales, controlling costs, and meeting key performance targets. This involves monitoring stock levels, reducing waste, and ensuring compliance with company policies and health and safety standards. In addition, you act as the face of the store, handling customer feedback and building strong relationships with the local community.
Overall, your role combines leadership, operational management, and customer service to ensure the store runs smoothly and delivers both great coffee and a great experience every day.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
Through a combination of practical learning and structured coursework, I developed greater confidence in leading teams, managing performance, and driving business results. The apprenticeship also enhanced my ability to problem-solve, communicate effectively, and adapt to challenges in a fast-paced retail environment.
Overall, it was a rewarding and career-enhancing experience that has supported my growth as a confident and capable manager.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
I also strengthened my organisational and operational skills, such as planning rotas, managing stock, controlling costs, and ensuring the store runs efficiently. The course enhanced my understanding of financial performance, helping me analyse data, meet targets, and drive business results.
In addition, I built confidence in communication, problem-solving, and decision-making, enabling me to handle challenges effectively in a fast-paced environment. Overall, the apprenticeship has helped me grow into a more capable, confident, and strategic manager.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
The expectations and timelines were clearly communicated, which helped me stay on track and manage my workload effectively alongside my role. Support from tutors and regular progress reviews also added to the structure, ensuring I always knew what was required and how I was progressing.
Overall, the programme was thoughtfully designed, easy to follow, and supported my development in a clear and consistent way.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
I am supported by my line manager through regular check-ins, guidance, and feedback, which helps me apply my learning in a practical way. The business also encourages my progression by creating opportunities to develop my skills, take on new challenges, and build confidence in my role.
Overall, the support from my employer has been consistent and valuable, playing a key role in helping me successfully complete the programme and grow as a manager.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
My tutor/coach is approachable and provides constructive feedback that supports my development and helps me improve my work. They also offer useful resources and guidance to deepen my understanding of key topics.
Overall, the support from my training provider has been consistent, responsive, and instrumental in helping me successfully work towards and achieve my qualification.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
The learning has improved my confidence in leading a team, managing performance, and making informed decisions. It has also strengthened my ability to analyse business performance, manage operations more effectively, and identify areas for improvement.
Overall, the qualification has been highly relevant to my role, bridging the gap between theory and practice, and enabling me to perform more effectively, lead with confidence, and contribute more strategically to the success of the business.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Costa Coffee to a friend?
Why?
The working environment is team-oriented and encourages collaboration, while also providing the chance to take on responsibility and grow in confidence. Overall, it’s a great place to develop both personally and professionally while being part of a well-established and respected brand.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Costa Coffee?
Be prepared to demonstrate your teamwork skills and give examples of how you’ve supported others or worked in a fast-paced environment. It’s also important to show a willingness to learn and take on feedback, as development is a big part of the role.
Do a bit of research on the company’s values and what makes Costa different, and be ready to explain why you want to work there specifically. Finally, be confident and authentic—Costa looks for people who genuinely care about creating a great experience for customers.