Data Management Specialist Review
at The Co-op
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Business Operations
Manchester
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
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Overview of Role
5/5
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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
I complete on-the-job learning activities such as learning about my topics relevant to my apprenticeship, completing further research on these topics, and working on my final project and assessments.
I also complete tutoring sessions with my apprenticeship provider.
I also complete tutoring sessions with my apprenticeship provider.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I thoroughly enjoy my programme. It gives me dedicated time to work on new skills that are useful for my current role and for increasing my potential for future promotion opportunities. I enjoy the self-paced learning and research, but also my sessions with my tutor as they are informative and engaging. I appreciate that the assessment methods also ensure I have a well-rounded set of knowledge, skills and behaviours. I like that I am also assessed on practical elements, so I have hands-on experience which I can take away and use in current and future projects and opportunities.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I have developed existing skills such as presenting, researching, and critical thinking. I have also learnt new technical skills which are specific to my apprenticeship programme that I can use tangibly in my current role and future opportunities, such as process improvement and project management methodologies.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
My programme is well structured - I have regular tutoring sessions and there is a clear assessment criteria that influences the topics covered in them. However, I think it would feel the most structured for me if there were clearer outlines and advance notice on which topics will be covered in which sessions.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
My on-the-job learning is prioritised by my manager and I am given the space to organise and engage fully with my apprenticeship content in timeslots and methods that suit me. I am also able to discuss my progress with my manager regularly and I am given support to adapt my daily workload to allow for time to work on my apprenticeship.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
My tutoring sessions are insightful and my tutor is very knowledgeable. I am also given the confidence and support to pursue self-paced learning and present my research in my sessions which are then given helpful and constructive feedback. My tutor also organises revision sessions & helpful activities to ensure I feel ready for my assessment. In addition, my tutor is always on hand to support me in 1-2-1 sessions when I need any guidance on my project.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
I have been able to utilise the new skills and improved skills learnt on my apprenticeship in my daily role. I am given new tools and methodologies that I can apply to all areas of my current role, in addition to using them on specific projects and process improvement activities. I have also been able to share my new skills and tools with my colleagues to help them with their own projects.
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 many activities I can get involved in at my work place. The business regularly holds events and activities, and colleagues and departments are actively encouraged to set up their own events, networks, teams or activities to encourage cross-department engagement.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend The Co-op to a friend?
Yes
Why?
The Co-op is a great place to work and a great supporter of on-the-job apprenticeships. I have felt supported while working here and also throughout my apprenticeship course. I also think The Co-op is a great place to work as they hold a very strong moral standpoint and try to make a difference by tackling issues that face our communities.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to The Co-op?
The Co-op appreciates and actively encourages their employees to think about our behaviours when we act. I would encourage anyone who applies to The Co-op to consider and demonstrate the 'Why' as well as the 'How' in what you do.
