RCO Apprentice Review

I am a Retail Change and Operations apprentice. In my role I rotate around the various departments within Retail, therefore my daily tasks differ depending on which team I am in. The tasks can range from testing a new website and providing support for a project, to dealing with customer queries and ensuring we are complying with regulations. My usual day would start with looking at all my new emails received over night, then continuing with my prioritised tasks throughout the day. Some days I will include study time and/or training events.

During the time on my apprenticeship so far, I have enhanced my strengths such as communication with people and my attention to detail. I have also developed my weaknesses such as my organisation and time keeping, and my written communication. There is also a plethora of courses to choose from internally and externally, these include personal development and technical training.

I thoroughly enjoy my apprenticeship programme. I was unsure whether to go to university or not and I am very confident that I made the correct decision for myself. I particularly enjoy interacting with variety of people in the work environment to produce the best quality of work possible. M&G is a great company to work for and they strive towards outstanding customer service, which is visible in everyone's day to day work and character.

I feel I have significantly contributed to the teams I have worked with so far in my apprenticeship. I am always very involved in the projects I work on and regular meetings with my manager and colleagues provide opportunities to recognise my contributions.

My programme is well structured to provide me with enough time and experience in each of my rotations to gain an in-depth understanding of the whole retail change and operations sector. However the programme is also flexible enough to allow more time to teams that urgently require my time. The studying time is very independent, I am allocated 3 hours a week during work, which is organised around my work and my manager. I have regular one to ones with my apprenticeship manager, department manager, line manager and mentor.

I have monthly meetings with my training provider, however I can always communicate with my assessor through email, telephone or my online portfolio. They have provided strong and clear guidance with any issues I have gone to them with.

The amount of support I receive on my apprenticeship is outstanding. Everyone is happy to support me at all times, not just my mentor and managers, but everyone I work with.

The travel is convenient for me as the train links where I live are perfect for where I work. The salary is very good for an apprenticeship and covers all my living, social and travel costs. M&G also offer a fantastic staff pension scheme.

M&G offer a wide range of activities outside of work, both sport and social, as well as work related activities. They also offer discounts on various bars, restaurants, gyms, etc.

Yes

They are a fantastic company with a great ethos. There is a wide range of development opportunities for all apprentices at M&G, including social events, and training courses. The environment at M&G allows for enjoyment in the work place as well as producing work to an extremely high standard.

My one tip would be to read about M&G, their values, and what is involved in the role you are in. During the application process, assessment day and on boarding: Be confident, be friendly, but more importantly - be yourself.