Merchandisers Admin Review

I am Merchandisers Admin for Boys Toys. I keep the open order book up to date and complete tasks for my senior team members. I also work with suppliers to ensure orders come in on time to obtain maximum availability for our customers. I am currently involved in a Single Pick project which will be used to reduce our markdown and store overstocks.

I have developed my IT skills as before I had little knowledge of software used within an office environment. I also believe that I've developed my communication skills and am able to communicate in an appropriate manner, always considering my environment and audience. I have attended a number of training courses for both personal and professional skills.

I am fortunate to have a great team who all work well together. Everyone is supportive of eachother which is fundamental within the office environment. I wasn't sure of what to expect when I joined the company but I enjoy coming to work and feel a sense of achievement when I complete tasks.

I feel that Tesco value every employee and give fair benefits to all. They recognise and congratulate achievement and nothing good goes unnoticed which makes me personally feel valued.

I believe we have had sufficient training so far within the programme and I hope this continues. I believe we could have more mentor meetings, and the set up of the programme was a little messy due to store placements and the introduction of the apprenticeship was confusing, however as it was the first time the apprenticeship is running alongside the programme that was to be expected and will no doubt be improved on next time around.

We are able to contact our training provider whenever we like which is helpful, and she is very willing to help and support us all. She is also new to her role so it's nice to be able to develop together.

Although I'm aware that I must use my own time to complete tasks, I believe that I could receive more support from my team in the sense that there's no designated time to complete my apprenticeship tasks inside of work. I would like a couple of hours weekly or two weekly in which to do this which would decrease my home work load and ultimately improve my overall attitude towards the apprenticeship.

Living with my parents still means that I'm not yet paying extortionate fees to rent or pay a mortgage - saying this, I pay a substantial amount of money for petrol as I live 45 minutes away from work. Towards the end of the month I tend to run out of money, but I aim to save a portion of my salary to enable me to live independently within the next few years. I'm aware that other companies pay a higher salary for the same role (+£4000) which makes me question what they are doing differently to earn such a large amount more. I believe that this could be reviewed and potentially changed for new starters and ourselves which may increase morale and a sense of worth.

We have some social events throughout the year which are usually team based and a Christmas party within GM - I believe a company wide yearly event would allow people to network further and meet others from around the business. The location of the office restricts socialising after work as many people drive in and there aren't many amenities within walking distance. I tend to go to the gym of an evening or see friends. I often find that by the time I get home I'm tired so don't find much time to do activities outside of work.

Yes

The support network is great and everyone is of a similar caliber which makes coming to work enjoyable.

The application process seems difficult but if you are yourself from the beginning you're more likely to be successful. The interview seems daunting however everyone there makes you feel so comfortable to there's nothing to worry about at all! There are a tonne of inductions and ice-breakers, but speak to as many people as you can as when you join it's really nice to see a few friendly faces of the people you made friends with in the first stages. I would advise people to not go out and buy a load of smart clothes as it is an easy going environment where the dress code varies so much! I would always advise people to come into work with a positive attitude as others really notice it and you appear very approachable. It's also best to go and speak to people where possible rather than sitting behind your computer as it raises your profile and people will feel comfortable coming to you with questions and issues they have.