Store Apprentice Review

I have a lot of different responsibilities on a day to day basis some can include putting the tills on making sure there is the correct money and enough change and also counting the safe and making sure all the money is right. During the day whilst the store is open to customers I usually supervise the till, authorising voids, no sales and any lifts or change runs the sales assistants need. I also help stock replenishment doing picklists to try and fill any gaps on the shelves and if the stock isn't found doing a zero to zero so the system knows more of the products need ordering. I also respond to emails which could be about our stores figures for the day or if a product needs recalling.

10/10 During my apprenticeship I have developed a lot of my skills, especially my customer service skills, I now feel a lot more confident speaking to customers and handling any problems or enquires. Also my money handling skills have massively developed as it is a day to day job to handle money whether counting the safe or on the till. I have also notice I work a lot better in a team now and how much good communication can effect the team as a whole.

Overall I can say that I have really enjoyed my apprenticeship. I have developed such a good relationship with my team and especially the management team as well. I feel it has opened up a lot of opportunities for me to begin to work my way up and begin a career, I feel really settled in my store as a lot of the team members look up to me and know they can come to me if they are ever in need of help and visa versa as well. I am happy with working in Savers and to continue working here in the future.

I feel like a very valued member of the team and store, especially by my store management team, as a full member of staff I get to see quite a lot of the team throughout the week and they are always saying praises to me, and how proud they are of me for actually completing my apprenticeship, and that they would love to see me become a higher member of management. I am very happy. I wouldn't necessarily say that I have a critique on the system however to improve it slightly i would say that it would be nice to have a sit down chat with a supervisor once a month perhaps to get anything off my chest if i need too and general checkup etc.

I feel my programme has been structured very well, I don't feel like I have been rushed or felt far behind in any of my work, everyone has treat me like an adult and allowed me to develop in my own time and proceed to my goals. I also feel the course work and the in store training always suited me, like when I was ready to step up a level it did. I think that the supervisors could track my progress a little more perhaps and ensure that i have goals and targets to reach so i feel better integrated and part of the team a little more and track my progress through the company too.

I feel I have had a lot of support from my training provider, she has always been really lovely and never tried to push me to far or never set too much work. She always makes sure I am happy with what I works been set and makes sure I always have a full understanding of what I have to do and if I get something wrong she always go's back over it with me and make sure I understand it fully. I know i can also go to her if i have any problems, whether they are work-related or general ones she would try to help me no matter what.

I have had a lot of support from my management team, I feel I have created a good relationship with them which has enabled me to be able to ask for help when I need it and go to them with any problems that I have. They have all always made me feel like doing my best and that I can reach any goals set and strive in the workplace. I think that the team within the store bounces off one-another and help each other rather than one person being a "go-too" type of person. It's nice and friendly and i feel as though we are all happy working in this environment.

I am really happy with the recent pay rise for apprentices in October, it is very helpful and good for someone who is my age considering I still live with my parents, it has aloud me to begin my driving lessons and be able to afford a car, and also have some money for myself. I thought that apprenticeships didn't have such good wages for apprentices so i initially prepared myself for the worst possible but to my happy suprise it has not been like this. Although the wages are fairly low compared to some full time supermarket staff members, they are better than apprentice minimum wage and better than i thought they would be.

I haven't really been looking to leave the store I'm currently at as I am more focused on working my way up here as I feel very settled in and pleased with my job at the moment. I am sure there will be a lot of oppertunities available to me if I did feel I wanted to leave and work somewhere else though. In terms of team work and activities we have been asked to help out at some local events to raise money for a couple of partnered charities during winter/christmas time lately which was nice and i volunteered for this. I think it's nice we are involved in the community more and help out.

Yes

I already recommended savers to a friend and she is now one of our sales assistants, I feel we have a very laid back nature and it is very equal and that's what I love about out store because if you work your best it really does pay of and your given a lot of privileges when it gets noticed my management. I think Savers i also a good company and perhaps easier to work your way up compared to bigger global firms and companies where you need technical skills and a high level of education to get to management level. In savers, you need knowledge as well as the education however this can be gained through the apprenticeship.

Be confident and try your hardest, try to enjoy it as much as you can because a year may seem a long time but it's flew over for me and I have really enjoyed it and didn't want it to finish. There are a lot of local Savers stores around a lot of towns in the UK so usually you don't have to travel far to get to one. Ensure that you know a bit about the company and work they do. Try to be enthusiastic about the apprenticeship and let the management team know how much it would mean to you to get on board and gain the skills to work there whilst on the job.