Category Assistant Review

My job title is a Category Assistant within the trading department. Daily tasks include setting up campaigns, and speaking to suppliers on a day to day basis, and keeping a good relationship with them. There are quite a few responsibilities within my role, one being that the team must try and hit a weekly target.

I have learnt many skills whilst on my apprenticeship. One basic skill that I have learnt is formal communication. whether this be through emails, or simply on the phone with suppliers. I have also learnt to use excel, as I use this on a day to day basis, which forms part of my job role. I have undergone many training courses since I have started, all done internally within the business.

I really enjoy my apprenticeship. I love my job role within the business, love the team that I am working in and the culture within the business. At first I was a little nervous and shy, but since then I have come to really love my work at Boots.

Within Boots, everyone is valued. There are forever one to one's going on with your line manager, which is great as it allows them to know how you are getting on. When you join a team, you are always involved with tasks and projects that the team are working on.

The programme is very well organised. Before I started, I went through a couple of days of induction, which allowed me to create a bond with the other apprentices. As I am studying an NVQ level 4, their is constant help on offer for my college work. We are allocated our own time to study, and get up to date with college work which is great. There are constant meetings had with apprentice leaders, who are always keen to find out how well you are getting on. Overall the programme was very well organised, and we were never left in the dark about anything.

There is always support on hand from the training provider. She is constantly having meetings with every apprentice, making sure that we are managing our work well and not letting it all pile up. There is always guidance for anything you are stuck on, and the support you receive is great.

The support you receive from your employer is amazing. As mentioned, your line manager is constantly looking out for you, making sure you are OK and not finding anything over whelming. The HR team also look out for you, making sure that the team you are in is right for you, and that you feel comfortable. Your team are also there to help, with constant advice on day to day tasks. Within Boots, the general help to supporting is fantastic, and cannot be faulted.

As I am only 18, I still live at home, and therefore the salary package is more than enough for me. However travelling to and forth every day can cost quite a bit in petrol, but I am more than happy to pay it.

As Boots is an internationally recognised business, there is a great deal of opportunities outside of work. There are always on going events happening, and company activity days which happen throughout the year.

Yes

Because it is a fantastic business to work for, as it respects all employees within the business. The company culture is great, and although some days may be tough, you really do get out what you put in.

Be yourself, don't be shy and intimidated by the whole application/interview process. Also apply for the Boots work inspiration week as it allows you to gain more of an insight into the business.