Supply Assistant Review

3 placements: 1) Customer Assistant in store Oct-Dec 2011, supporting the store over Christmas period, part of Operations team 2) Project Assistant for a pharmacy project Jan-Nov 2012, administrative tasks to support the field team, delivered my own projects 3) Supply Assistant, responsible for supplying Healthcare lines to ROI stores, then took over more responsibility for UK stores Real work placements which affected the business, interacted daily with internal and external stakeholders, including suppliers and field teams. Fantastic mix of placements within the business, both in store and in the Support Office.

Level 4 Diploma in Business and Administrative Management On the job training - systems training, Excel/Word/Powerpoint training, time management and project management training Experiential events, including a 3 day residential with the theme of 'self', reflection sessions and coaching workshops Brilliant outputs from each of the events/training, have taken most of my learnings back to my day job and also applied to my Diploma course

Work was at an appropriate level for me starting into the business, given more responsbility and stretch when I asked for it/when I agreed with my Line Manager. Right level of support and coaching from my Line Managers, rather than a 'carrot and stick' approach to work. Was part of 3 teams during my apprenticeship. Once myself and the Talent Programmes team explained the course to them, they were all very supportive and offered help when necessary. Treated me like a 'normal' member of staff which was really great. Company culture sits brilliantly with my values, massive focus on leadership behaviours and feedback in the moment. Positive attitudes and really feels like everyone helps each other out. Really friendly and welcoming.

Treated like a 'normal' member of staff and also have the right level of support as appropriate. Despite being one of the youngest, I was treated like everyone else and worked with stakeholders internally and externally the same as everyone else did. Apprenticeship scheme seen as a really good thing within Boots, was not 'looked down' on at all. Was given the opportunity to manage my own projects and all tasks affected the business, so I had real responsibilities and purpose.

Great induction into Boots, learnt about the history, the programme content and what is expected of me. Continued support throughout placements and knew who to speak to if there were any issues/queries. Training and experiential events were throughout the programme, which felt like a good structure and the right content at the right time. Support was provided when studying but I was able to own this myself. There is a mentoring system within Boots for all colleagues to find a mentor, so was directed to this page. Boots have 'iCan' website which holds lots of content about the apprenticeship, as well as really useful tools such as career progression, project management, leadership behaviours, etc.

Allocated study time on a Thursday afternoon each week. All apprentices got together to have formal training sessions and independent study sessions. Always a large room booked for us to study, as well as break out areas. College tutor there to support by email/phone, really accessible for any issues or queries about work. Diploma was really varied, lots of different functional areas covered which are different to my normal day job. Really interesting to find out more about how a business works. Was able to pick 2 optional units which were subjects that appealed to me the most, great to have the choice.

Line Manager - really understood the programme, fantastic support when needed but took a coaching role instead of carrot and stick approach. Agreed appropriate levels of stretch and had a performance and development plan. HR Team - there when needed, provided support but for me I was able to approach my Line Managers first and did not have any serious issues. Mentor - owned this myself, approached someone in the business to mentor me, ended this relationship as both of our needs changed, then was able to find a new mentor. Good ad hoc support when I needed it. Knew who to speak to when needed guidance with problems or needed support.

Still living at home with parents, but saving up to move out. Salary is brilliant compared to other apprenticeship programmes. I live very close to the Support Office and travel by car, so travel costs ok.

Taken part in CSR activites, including walks for charity. Opportunities to take part in clubs and sports teams which are ran by staff at Boots.

Yes

Fantastic programme to set you up with a lasting career with a major retailer. Great support and the opportunity to own your own development and stretch yourself to the next level. Have been promoted after the apprenticeship programme within Boots. Feel very valued and that they have invested a lot in me.

Really understand Boots as a business - visit stores to find out what products we sell, our services and who our customers are. Why do you want to work for Boots? If you are passionate about the business, then this will really show in interviews and on the assesment centre. Take every opportunity that is available to you on the programme and take part in every activity. You will learn a lot more by getting involved rather than being the 'quiet' one in group discussions, college tasks, etc.