Trainee Merchandiser Review

I am a trainee merchandiser, I am responsible for ordering stock and contacting suppliers. I also liase with the buyers on products and the layout in store.

I have developed lots of computer skills and also communication skills, I have also learnt a lot about different types of customers and products as well as how to deal with suppliers.

I enjoy my day job but it can be difficult to mix the extra learning on the programme with working towards a promotion. I feel that a lot of the learning from our training provider does not help with our day job.

I feel very valued by Tesco as I am given lots of responsibility. We are regularly involved in big team meetings as well as whole meetings with the floor where we are given information about the company before anyone else.

I feel it could be more organised with better communication at the beginning of the programme, the structure has also been unclear throughout. I do feel like busy work times also need to be considered when arranging training.

I find communication a bit delayed between the trainers and us. Work does take long to be marked which then impacts our hand ins and us doing our corrections. They are also often not on their emails which causes delays when trying to do our work.

Support is good with regular 1 to 1's with my managers, I also get a lot of support from my manager with my training days and any work which needs to be done in my spare time.

It does meet my costs but I feel sometimes the work is too much compared to what I get paid. I often work longer hours which I feel could be rewarded however it is better pay than most apprenticeships.

There are regular team events and also a gym onsite. We get involved in big company events such as the Christmas party and also regular team days with the rest of the floor.

Yes

It is a good opportunity to get experience in a large retail company. There is room to work towards promotions and also to move departments to get a better wider knowledge.

Be yourself in all interviews because it is your personality that matters the most. Also don't be afraid to ask questions about the programme and the opportunities.