Assistant Manager Review

I am an Assistant Manager over a busy airport terminal containing three Boots shops. My daily tasks involve interacting with staff and customers, employee relations, reward and disciplinary and general store operations. The role is very people based and 90% of my time is involved motivating my team. Internal interactions daily are with my team, my line manager, other stores and my area team, along with our support office. External interactions include the airport authority, external suppliers and contractors.

I have learnt a wealth of new skills. I have gained a L4 qualification in Business and Administration. I have gained a lot more from my apprenticeship - people skills, communications skills, time management skills, presentation skills. All of these things I would not have encountered without my apprenticeship. We had a number of internal and external training courses which were of a high quality.

I have loved my programme. I really enjoy the work I do and the culture of the company is aligned with what I am looking for.

I feel more than valued by Boots - it's like being part of a big family. Apprentices are highly regarded and thought of in the company, not only from your own manager but from the business as a whole. I have had exposure to a number of high profile events and high profile characters that I would not have if I wasn't an apprentice.

The programme is very well structured with induction, training, support and end. The programme is however very flexible to meet the needs of the individual apprentice and my personal mentors bent over backwards to accomodate me at each turn.

I received all the support I needed. The programme was very flexible and mentors worked extremely closely with us to ensure we had the right level of support at different times in the programme. Support was easy to find if needed and the whole company were behind supporting us.

I received all the support I needed. My manager and HR team gave me a huge amount of support and time to meet my apprenticeship obligations. Thet understood what I had to do, why I had to do it and never had any quibbles. The attitude of all the line managers I have had has been the same - very understanding.

A very good staring salary at Boots on £15,000 a year. Living costs were met and travel costs even for a 80 mile return journey were met leaving an adequate salary to go out an enjoy myself! It was much better than slaving at University! The best thing is that I was on a comparable or higher salary to some of my colleagues doing the same role.

We took part in lots of external to work schemes including volunteering, CSR events and local challenges. There are numerous company events (I took phonecalls for Children in Need and supported a marathon) .

Yes

Boots are a really caring employer and are very supportive of all of my needs. I could not recommend the company any more. They have gave me the tools and skills I need to succeed in my career, and made sure I was challenged at the appropriate level at each stage of the journey. The Boots culture is fantastic and is one of support. Completing an apprenticeship with Boots has set me up for a career with the company and I am forever loyal for the help and support they have given me.

Be prepared for a challenge! The roles are real roles and are not easy! You need to be willing to put the time and effort in to both your studies and work.