Apprentice Store Manager Review

I work as part of a management team to ensure the smooth running of the store. This includes maximising sales, reducing costs and performing to all budgets set , for example shrinkage and waste as well as customer satisfaction. It is also important to ensure all legal and health and safety obligations are being met. Communication with all colleagues is key in achieving this.

Having worked in the business for a long time I have had the opportunity to learn a few new things but so far it has been more about developing the skills I already had and gaining a greater insight and understanding into why I do the things the way I do.

I enjoy the programme and have received encouragement to work hard towards achieving my goals. It has been a lot more involved than I originally expected so it has taken time trying to strike the right work/life balance to make time for training as well and I haven't always felt supported in achieving that aim. However, I do believe the company are behind me but not necessarily all individuals.

The programme has been very well thought out with good structure. My trainer from lifetime is particuarly supportive and knowledgeable and is great for guiding me in the right direction. I have had the opportunity to talk to others going through the same programme which is useful and helps to gain insights into what to expect as time goes on.

Initially there was a lot of support and information coming from my employer but communication seems to have gone a bit quiet lately, which has left me unsure about certain aspects. I do have several avenues of support where I can go when needed, but feel some of those I work closely with have a lack of understanding of the programme and as a result the support is not as good as it should be.

My trainer is very supportive and approachable. I feel like she is behind me encouraging me along. She has a lot of knowledge which helps me to see things from a wider variety of angles which in turn will increase my knowledge and make me better at my job. I enjoy working towards the qualification, but just feel like I struggle to make enough time.

The training I receive helps me to look at things from a much wider perspective. I try to put some of the theory into practice when the opportunity presents itself. It helps to increase my confidence in that I know what I'm doing is the right way to do it.

There are occasional social activities to get involved in both on a store level and an area level. I have also been lucky enough to have the chance to go on a professional networking event known as the heart of Iceland. I found this very interesting and insightful and the experience was definitely a benefit to me.

Yes

Iceland is a fun and exciting company to work for. You are treated as individuals and not just a number. The people you work with definitely make it so much more than a job. There is and always has been an opportunity to progress your career for anyone that has ambition.

Talk to people already working for the company so you truly understand what life at Iceland is like. In my opinion it is a unique but great company to work for. However you get out of it what you put in, so if you are passionate about what you do you will reap the rewards.