Retail Supply Assistant Review

I am a Supply Chain Assistant working in Boots Brands and Exclusives. My daily tasks include running various reports, feeding information to the Assistant Supply Managers and to the Boots office in Hong Kong, as well as building relationships with suppliers and analysing stock level within stores. I am currently working on a project with No7, focussing on how to improve No7 sales in airports, which will involve visiting London airports and working closely with the Regional Managers to push No7 sales further.

I have developed my IT skills dramatically, particularly in Office programmes such as Excel and Outlook. I have also been on a Supply training course focussing on learning the Boots systems which was very helpful. My communication skills have also developed dramatically through daily contact with various other employees/suppliers.

I am thoroughly enjoying my programme so far. I feel I am having the appropriate amount of guidance from my line manager and team, and also feel the balance between my workload and college work has been greatly considered. There have been a few social events with the other apprentices which were a great chance to get to know eachother.

I feel greatly valued by Boots. The apprenticeship scheme is highly recognised within Boots by many, and the scheme has been set up in a way that makes you feel like part of the team as soon as you start.

The scheme is structured well. At the first college session we had, we were given a plan of the entire two years, highlighting what each college session would cover. I have also been given an Action Plan to complete during my time within my role, which clearly highlights my responsibilites and development.

The support from my training provider is good. She is easy to contact via email and will put time aside to speak to you one on one should you require it.

My team are very supportive and friendly. My line manager sets me clear tasks to complete, and we have a one to one on a weekly basis to check on my development. If my line manager is not around, I know that the others in my team are more than willing to help me should I come accross an issue, and it's great to know you have a supportive network around you.

The salary for this apprenticeship scheme is very high on comparison to others, and again makes you feel as though you are highly valued by Boots. The staff discount and staff shop opportunites are also great.

We have many social events planned within the next few weeks with the other apprentices, such as a residential night away for team building activies. We also have social events planned within the Supply department, which helps make me feel as though I am one of the team.

Yes

They are a fab company to work for as they really do appreciate their staff and the apprenticeship scheme is highly recognised within Boots.

All the way through the application process, I'd say to make sure you think about the customer as that something that Boots really focuses on. Also, do some research into the background of the company so you have knowledge of the history.