Program Development Assistant Review

I am in the Global Brands Supply department in the development team. My team looks after projects that are going on and I am doing a program manager role. My day to day job includes ensuring all project team members are held to account and to inform all on information. I interact with a wide range of people within and out of the business.

Since starting my apprenticeship 7 months ago my confidence has grown massively. Within work and at college there have been various occasions where I have delivered a presentation. I have also been involved in external and internal training, therefore meaning my conversation skills have improved as i'm in a professional envirnonment.

I do enjoy my programme as it's evident that Boots place a lot of emphasis on the apprenticeships. However, within my role I don't always have a lot of work to do. Sometimes I feel that I am not treated the same as others because I'm an apprentice. It's a lot different to what I thought it would be but hopefully when I move roles it will be better.

I do feel valued to an extent as the apprenticeship programme is looked highly upon and a lot of people applied. Sometimes I don't feel appreciated by my manager as I feel I'm given little bits of work that she can't be bothered to do, there is no structure around my role. I don't feel involved in some things and some people internally view me as being unimportant.

The overall Boots apprenticeship structure is good, however I am the first apprentice within my area meaning there is no structure. I have had no real training on the area and I'm just expected to know everything. The college side of the programme is well structured and I know exactly what I need to do.

The support from my training provider is good as I receive support and help whenever I need it. I have progress reviews every few months with my training provider to discuss my work and how well I'm progressing. Although I have been in work 7 months now, I don't have a mentor yet which I would like to.

I do receive support from my manager and team as they want me to succeed and do well, however sometimes I feel like I am not considered the same as everyone else and not listened to. As I'm moving roles in September I feel like my manager can't be bothered to support my development as I've not got long left with her.

My salary is very good for my age compared to other companies. It supports my travel costs and social costs. The location of work is sometimes quite difficult as it sometimes takes me an hour to get to and from work but I don't mind too much. As I begin to look for a house in the next couple of years my salary will need to increase.

There are opportunities and activites displayed within the hubs at work, such as clubs and leisure. As being part of the apprenticeship programme, there has previously been opportunities to go to London for the day and there are always opportunities to go to schools to speak about the apprenticeship. There is a gym at work and local classes are always advertised.

Yes

As you are valued by the company and looked highly upon for completing an apprenticeship. This apprenticeship sets you up well for the future and there are so many opportunities within Boots to move around departments and develop. The pay is good for an apprenticeship and there are a lot of expertise within the business.

For the application process I would advise to do as much research as possible about the company and prepare well for the interviews. For the telephone interview prepare competency based questions and for the interview practise the presentation thoroughly. The onboarding process is fairly easy, make sure you sound enthusiastic and willing to participate. I would've liked to have been told more about what role I was going in to.