Customer Team Member Review

My role involves carrying out the tasks of a Customer Team Member, which include Till operating, Product Reductions and Shelf Stacking, being on the front line of customer service. My role as an apprentice includes Shadowing management to learn and be trained by them, self researching and completing modules of my training course.

I have learnt many news skills during my time on my apprenticeship. This inlucdes Store Banking, Store Unlock Proceedure, Store Locking Procedure, Morning Cash Office, Team Management, proper use of stock control, How to go about an In-store Promotion Change Over. I have also been able to develop my customer service skills and better understand the role that customer service plays within the business.

My programme is quite enjoyable because it has allowed me to greatly expand my knowledge of my own job role and that of my supervisors. The things that I have learnt have been incredibly practical and quite interesting to learn about. However, the amount of work that I have been expected to complete along side my ordinary job has been quite significant.

This programme has been quite well structured. We received a proper induction. The Co-op also has extensive facilities that facilitate learning. I have an In-Store mentor and an external training supervisor. The externally provided training material is also quite useful. However, communication and expectations of my external training supervisor can be quite strained and unrealistic.

I have as much support and more from employer. The Team I work with in my store, which include CTMs, Supervisors, Deputy Manager and Manager have all been very enthusiastic about helping me learn and providing me with opportunities to put what I have learnt into practice. Also, the Co-op's various apps and programmes have proved to be a valuable resource.

Because I only meet with a representative from my training provider once a month this makes them quite distance. The meetings however are quite useful, and I know that if I need help from my training supervisor I can E-Mail them at anytime. The course they have provided have also been quite useful.

I already feel that this qualification has enabled me to become a more focused and conscientious worker. I feel more useful, more knowledgeable and more enthusiastic working for the Co-op. I know now that I have a stable knowledge and experience base to rely on in various situation, this means that I'll be able to perform as the business expects me to.

I have attended several Company Events as part of this apprenticeship and have been forded many opportunities to experience different things within the business. This has included 2 meetings in Manchester and a chance to have a long around Co-op HQ. I have also been provided with the opportunity to attend a meeting in Leeds about Health and Well being which very useful and very kind of the business to provide for us.

Yes

Because the Co-op as an Employer genuinely cares about their employees, I know that the business wants the best from me and has provided every opportunity to ensure that I can be the best employee I can. This hasn't come at the expense of my health or well being and the Co-op has taken care to ensure that we are well looked after and not overworked whilst we have taken on this extra work.

I would tell them that the application process is quite lengthy and can be a bit of clatt, but when you are on the apprenticeship it is pretty much smooths sailing from there. I would also tell others to be organised and efficient themselves as this makes your own life a million times easier.