Store Manager Review
at The Co-op
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Retail Manager
Crieff
Review Submitted: April 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
I completed the Operations and Departmental Management Level 5 apprenticeship alongside my role as a Store Manager. Day-to-day I lead a team, manage store performance and deliver against KPIs such as sales, waste and customer service.
The apprenticeship links closely to the role, covering areas like project planning, financial management and communication. I’ve applied this learning in real situations, from improving performance in my own store to supporting large-scale Co-op festival operations, where planning, leadership and adaptability are key.
The apprenticeship links closely to the role, covering areas like project planning, financial management and communication. I’ve applied this learning in real situations, from improving performance in my own store to supporting large-scale Co-op festival operations, where planning, leadership and adaptability are key.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I’ve really enjoyed the programme. It’s been challenging at times balancing it with a full-time role, but the learning is practical and relevant.
Being able to apply it in both store and festival environments has helped build my confidence and develop my leadership skills. It’s made a real difference to how I manage and lead day-to-day.
Being able to apply it in both store and festival environments has helped build my confidence and develop my leadership skills. It’s made a real difference to how I manage and lead day-to-day.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I’ve developed a range of practical skills through the programme, particularly in project planning, financial understanding and communication.
It’s helped me take a more structured approach to running my store, using data to make decisions and putting clear plans in place to improve performance. I’ve also built confidence in leading change and developing my team.
Applying this in both my store and festival operations has strengthened my ability to plan, prioritise and lead in fast-paced environments.
It’s helped me take a more structured approach to running my store, using data to make decisions and putting clear plans in place to improve performance. I’ve also built confidence in leading change and developing my team.
Applying this in both my store and festival operations has strengthened my ability to plan, prioritise and lead in fast-paced environments.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
The programme is well structured with clear stages and expectations, which makes it easy to stay on track alongside a full-time role. The mix of learning, practical application and regular reviews helps keep progress consistent and relevant to the role.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I’ve had strong support from my employer throughout. There’s a clear understanding of the importance of the apprenticeship, with encouragement to apply learning in-store and time given where needed. Support has also extended to wider opportunities, including involvement in festival operations, which has added to my development.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
The training provider has been supportive and accessible throughout. Regular check-ins, clear guidance and feedback have helped keep me focused and confident in completing each stage of the programme.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
The qualification has had a direct impact on my performance. It’s helped me take a more structured, data-led approach to running my store and improved how I plan, communicate and lead my team day-to-day.
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 good opportunities to get involved beyond the day-to-day role. For me, this has included supporting Co-op festival stores, which provided experience in a different environment and helped build networks across the wider business.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend The Co-op to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I would recommend the Co-op because there are strong opportunities to develop and progress. I’ve been able to complete an apprenticeship alongside my role and apply the learning directly in my day-to-day work.
There’s also a good culture of supporting colleagues and giving opportunities to get involved in different areas, such as festival operations, which helps build experience beyond the store.
There’s also a good culture of supporting colleagues and giving opportunities to get involved in different areas, such as festival operations, which helps build experience beyond the store.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to The Co-op?
Be open to learning and getting involved in different opportunities. The more you put into the role and development, the more you’ll get out of it.
Take the chance to build your skills, ask questions and get involved in wider opportunities across the business, as this will really help with your development and progression.
Take the chance to build your skills, ask questions and get involved in wider opportunities across the business, as this will really help with your development and progression.
