Trainee Merch Admin Assistant Review

On a day-to-day basis within my role I carry out the process of raising orders and then communicating with suppliers to confirm these orders, if necessary, then making amendments. I also look at critical paths from suppliers on a daily basis. Another aspect of my role is analysis whether this be via daily/weekly sales or by phase. I also carry out market share analysis for each department vs our competition.

I have definitely learnt new skills as well as developing on the skills I already have. From my training I have built on my computer skills to become more confident using excel. I have always has quite strong numerical/analytical skills which has been strengthen during this role as this is a vital skill for a Merchandiser. Another skill that has definitely got stronger through working at F&F is my communication skills; learning to communicate to different people in the office and outside through different methods (face-to-face, emails, phone)

I am really enjoying my role as a merchandiser as I feel it fits well with my skills. I also love working in the F&F office environment as everyone is so friendly and easy to approach which has made starting a new job a lot more comfortable. I enjoy going to college once a fortnight as it splits up the week and allows you to continue learning outside the office.

It is well organised/structured however I do feel this part could be improved. However, this may have been due to the fact that this year we all started at different times rather than all in September as it was originally proposed. It varied the type of training and how well structured this training was from person to person. I also feel like the content covered on college days could be better organised and of a quicker pace.

I believe the support is good but it is a case of if you need help you have to ask for it. The office is a busy environment so there won't be someone always asking if you're getting on ok with your workload or if you need more training or a catch up. If I ever needed support with something everyone I went out of my way to ask was always more than happy to help though.

Again, if you need help with college work then ask. They are more than happy to go over areas you're struggling with or give extra time to complete work. We often had 1-2-1 tutorials with our tutor which allowed the opportunity to speak up and say how you were getting on. Onefile was also a good website we used to track our progress and what assignments were open/needed handing in.

You can definitely open your mind more in regards to the type of things you carry out on a daily basis when you do it for an assignment - as you're given more time to carry out these tasks/reflect on how/why you're doing them. It definitely helps you to prepare for the other job role you'll go into for you second year as to the type of tasks you will carry out within that role.

Yes. Me and the others on the apprenticeship (who started in the same cohort as me) meet for lunch and have done things outside of work that we have organised ourselves. There has also been a summer event and Christmas party since I've been here. I have also been out with my team on a couple occasions. So social events do get put on as well as away days to bring those in the same areas (buying/merch) together.

Yes

It is a highly reputable company/brand to have worked for as they offer a range of training courses that they encourage you to go on or you have the opportunity to put yourself on them. The vast majority of people I have worked with and met within Tesco/F&F have been extremely friendly and approachable which makes working here so much more enjoyable. Being on this apprenticeship is a fantastic opportunity/way to gain experience/get into the industry as well as continuing on learning at the FRA

Really spend time on your application. I spent a few days on my initial application which gave me time to go back each day and read over my answers with a fresh mind set. For the video interview - prepare and take full advantage of being able to record your answer before submitting. Most of all be yourself and if you're passionate about the apprenticeship/working for F&F/learning more that will show and are overall the most important parts.