Trainee Buyer Review

I have day to day contact with suppliers to communicate approval comment on products in the range. I prepare meeting rooms for my buying manager. I complete regular comp shops to assess the competitive environment. I manage samples and ensure the suppliers are sending us updated samples after we've made amendments.

My confidence has increased when using excel and has made me more familiar with the systems we use. The majority of our work is based on excel so the lessons at college really helped me back at work too. My communication skills have improved through email and on the phone when talking to suppliers.

I thoroughly enjoy what I do whether it is at work or at college. I get real experience from my apprenticeship and this is what I love about it. People are wanting to help whether needed and it makes such a nice difference to have people around you that help willingly.

The initial start up with Tesco was a bit confusing with the lack of communication as to when we were starting. However after settling in to the business there's been a lot of structure from the Apprentice and Grad team helping and sending us any training courses that will be beneficial.

There is a lot of support from the inner team within Tesco and I know I can turn to them regardless of how small or big the problem is. We have a buddy which I keep in regular touch with and who I've befriended so I can talk to her whenever.

The (FRA) Fashion Retail Academy supports within the lessons with the appropriate teachers to teach us the content we will need for the buying and merchandising side. The lessons are informative and help us with our day job as well as the qualification. Some of the lessons are unorganised and the assignments set aren't that clear.

My qualification supports my day to day role 100%. Everything I learn at college I know I will use this later on in my role. As the following year I will be doing the reversed role (Buying vs merchandising) the excel assignments for the qualification will help with the merchandising side.

Yes, there is a lot of social events that encourage participation. Race for life and Tesco have a partnership through Cancer Research and there are plenty of oppurtunities to run for them. There are many charity events and there are talks of a combined netball team with the other Tesco site.

Yes

Tesco is a great place to work or to shop in. They really care about their customers and colleagues. Everybody who I've came into contact with when working here really cares about what they are doing and wants you to be the best you can be. I would recommend Tesco.

You must really want it, so put your all into the application as it is not easy. You must research about Tesco values and other peoples experiences going through the process. If they can get work experience before hand it shows they are wanting to put in the time and effort.