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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!

5/5 - Overview of Role
5/5 - Skills Development
4.8/5 - Structure and Support

Overview of Role

Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
5/5
As a Store Manager at Costa Coffee, your role is to lead the overall performance and daily operations of the store while delivering an excellent customer experience. You are responsible for managing and motivating your team, ensuring high standards of service, quality, and cleanliness are consistently met. This includes recruiting, training, and developing staff, creating rotas, and fostering a positive, productive work environment.
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?
5/5
My Level 5 Departmental Manager apprenticeship with Costa Coffee was a highly valuable experience that strengthened both my leadership and operational management skills. The programme provided a strong foundation in areas such as team development, financial performance, and strategic thinking, all of which I was able to apply directly in my role as a Store Manager.
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?
5/5
Completing the Level 5 Departmental Manager apprenticeship with Costa Coffee has equipped me with a strong and well-rounded set of management skills. I developed effective leadership abilities, including how to motivate and support a team, manage performance, and create a positive working environment.
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?
5/5
The programme was well organised and clearly structured, with a good balance between practical, on-the-job learning and structured coursework. Each module built logically on the previous one, making it easy to understand how different areas of management—such as leadership, operations, and financial performance—connect in a real working environment.
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?
5/5
I receive a strong level of support from my employer throughout the programme. Costa Coffee has provided me with the time and resources needed to complete my apprenticeship alongside my role, ensuring I can focus on both my development and my responsibilities as a Store Manager.
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?
5/5
I receive a high level of support from my training provider throughout my qualification. They provide clear guidance on coursework, expectations, and deadlines, which helps me stay organised and on track. Regular check-ins and progress reviews ensure I understand what is required and give me the opportunity to ask questions or address any challenges.
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?
5/5
My qualification through the training provider has had a clear and positive impact on my performance in my role. It has helped me develop a deeper understanding of key management principles, which I can apply directly in my day-to-day responsibilities as a Store Manager.
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.)
4/5

Recommendations & Advice

Would you recommend Costa Coffee to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I would recommend Costa Coffee to a friend because it is a supportive and people-focused company that invests in the development of its employees. Through opportunities such as apprenticeships and ongoing training, you are able to build valuable skills and progress in your career.
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?
If you’re applying to Costa Coffee, my main advice would be to show your personality and passion for customer service. Costa is very people-focused, so being friendly, approachable, and enthusiastic will really help you stand out.
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.
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