Secondment Store Manager Review

I'm currently a secondment store manager at Milburn Road in Ashington. This role was given to me two months into my apprenticeship and linked nicely with module 2. As I had to communicate and build relationships with a new team. I am responsible for all aspects of the store and my team

I've learnt how to mange my time more efficiently. However what I have benefited from is learning the difference between directional management to facilitating management. This is when you empower you team to decide what they should be doing and have the confidence to make those decisions.

I enjoy the theory behind all the modules and learning how they can be put into practice in the work place. Also I enjoy meeting new people who have different roles in the business. This gives me insight to their role and best practices.

I feel that all of us on the apprenticeship have been recognised by the Co-op and assessment day as the 'cream of the crop' within the business and this shows me that the hard work we put in has been noticed. Also we can go onto bigger and better things.

Me and my Learndirect coach have a really good working relationship. I know if I have a problem she will be able to sort it straight away. Also if I have questions or need to change something she can help. The modules have relivent to my job role.

Like I said my Learndirect coach is spot on and even though I have struggled balancing my time on the apprenticeship and running a store. My coach has adapted to my situation and my needs to help my stress levels and ensuring I get the work done.

I think when I was a Team Manager I couldn't question the question the support I was getting from my Store Manager. However when I went on secondment I felt like I had the world on my shoulders and I was paranoid about what I would do if something went wrong. I subsequently had very honest conversation with my AM and we agreed on a stucture to my learning and found a solution.

Anybody in any business wants more money that's just a fact of life. That been said I think it needs to fed back clearly how to claim expenses, set up an account on the expenses portal, how to book trains through the business etc. For example it took me 5 months to find out there was a train line that I could book tickets through and charge to the store.

I think that at the end of my apprenticeship there will be transferable skills that I have learned through the apprenticeship that I wouldn't have learned without doing this.

Yes

I believe that the business has the correct approach to internal development and in doing so it drives talented individuals and/or sees potential in future achievers. If you want to do it the business will support you.

I would say, you're becoming part of something more than a job. You're becoming part of a way life and how we can help each other achieve, develop and support one another through out the business. From the One foundation to the customer buying Fairbourne water.