Team leader Review

I am a team leader at a local co op store, my duties involve deliveries, stock rotation, cash control, staff development, general housekeeping, store security, date checking and reductions. Also within my busy day I work on the tills whilst delivering excellent customer services to all customers all of the time. There are weekly stock checks and small stock takes to do on a regular basis whilst managing the store in the managers absence. This is a rewarding role

Whilst doing the apprenticeship programme, I have learned a lot about my self and my role. Before starting the programme I thought I knew everything but as we progress through the programme it shows how little you do know. Working in retail is very challenging and with the help of this programme it has gave my knowledge a huge boost. I have learned all about the companies ethics around our amazing fair trade scheme and how it helps both ourselves and the community

I was very sceptical at first due to my age, as I have just hit 50 and the thought of returning to the classroom and taking exams seemed quite daunting. However, with the help of the tutors and other staff on the apprenticeship programme we have came together as a team (family) and supported each other. I would definitely recommend the apprenticeship programme to anyone who is currently thinking about it as it gives you a better insight in to your specific job role and can be very rewarding on completion.

The whole programme is very well planned and structured. We have monthly sessions as a whole group which involves a good catch up along with a specific topic to concentrate on for the upcoming month. We also have a weekly virtual meeting with our nominated tutor who also sets us work for the following week and month. As well as a tutor for the apprenticeship you are graded and tested on your functional skills (maths and English) and in order to have you at the required level you are assigned a separate tutor to take you through the functional skills and gain a recognised qualification

I receive as much support as required from my employer. You are given 6 additional hours per week in order to carry out your apprenticeship work and this can be done either at home or at work in the branch. This all depends on the tasks you are working on to decide where you are working. My manager has been massively supportive throughout my whole journey and has out my mind at ease regarding exams etc.

I have received a huge amount of support from my functional skills tutor with both maths and English. I have a weekly meeting with her which usually lasts for 1 hour and then I am given tasks to complete to support the training received on the previous week I also get a lot of support from my course tutor as she sets out my plan of tasks for the entirety of the programme. There is not as much support as the functional skills tutor

Once I gain my final qualification from the apprenticeship programme it will put me in line for a higher position within the company I currently work for. I am aiming to be a store manager after the completion of the programme. The course covers all aspects of laws and compliance which is needed for management roles along with HR policies and procedures. The apprenticeship aids in my daily role as know through the programme I understand as to why I am doing a specific tasks rather than just doing it without thinking about it

Due to our companies ethics and how we boast about caring and working within the community, we are always looking for better ways in which to give back to the local community We hold regular raffles and look to give donations to good causes such as MIND We also help with the local food bank on a daily basis We are the store and company to come to as we are local and handy for the convenient shopper

Yes

I would definitely recommend CO OP to all my friends and people I talk to on social media. They are a very caring company and always put their staff first During the current pandemic of covid 19 we have been frontline staff with 100% support from our line managers and head office, we even receive regular correspondence from the companies CEO to wish us well and gives us ongoing praise I feel a part of a family and treat as a person rather than just a number

Come and work for co op. With a role at co op you are set for life and if you inform your manager your intentions for the future then you will be supported to achieve your full potential Everyone is an individual and your treat that way. You should check out our employment website and read the blogs and jobs available There is never a dull day at co op and your always busy with a smile on your face at all times It’s great. I love it here at co op