Team Leader Review

My role at the Co-op comes with tasks like completing ambient and chilled date code checks, reducing stock that is due to go out of date. Scanning a gap scan to ensure the shelves is as full as can be and all stock levels are correct as well as completing stock counts.I handle cash and cash tills up and complete daily safe checks. I must ensure staff are trained to the best of their ability to be able to do well in their job. I also serve customer and try to provide the best experience and service possible.

I have learnt many new skills throughout my time at the Co-op being able to adapt to different situations and people, learning how to do different aspects of my job, being able to lead a team. I've learnt especially this year how to overcome challenges ans changes and how best to train people to help help evolve to the new processes. I am currently on the apprenticeship programme to widen my knowledge to be able to progress further in my career. So far I have learnt about the legality side of my job, customers and customer retention, merchandising within stores, safeguarding, business skills ans much more.

I really enjoy my programme considering I was really nervous about the whole apprenticeship from not really being a coursework learner and more of a hand on learner but I feel I have learnt a lot from doing it and it has changed the way I look at certain aspects of my job. I feel it has made me grow as person and develop a lot more skills to be able to excel at my job. I have even considered about doing another one after this one.

Considering my course started in the middle of a pandemic and it wasn't able to run as it normally would and be able to go to meet others when we had learning conferences, I feel it has been structured very well over microsoft teams, onefile and email. Getting the forms sent off and sorted online was maybe the only part that was a little challenging as you didn't have anyone there and then to help you you it, but it was completed eventually via post. I think how they have adapted to using Microsoft teams is great as you still get to see everyone on the course and keeps everyone included.

I receive so much support from my employer, I can't thank them enough. My manager takes time out to help me with whatever I need and ensure that the resources are there to help me get the best out of this apprenticeship. I am provided with the days I am needed to participate in the learning conferences as well as the hours needed to study thought my apprenticeship. I feel I can go to him with anything I need and I know the help will be there.

I receive a lot of support from my training provider, he has helped me with any queries I have had, showed me what is expected when it's needed to be and always provided me with feedback whether that be good feedback or feedback for improvements. I know I can contact him whenever I need anything via email, onefile or phone and he will always get back to me even if it isn't on the same day but within a couple of days.

I feel that it helps me perform better in my role as I can put what I have learnt into practice in my store. I can then see the benefits if what I have learnt to see the impact that it has on my store and on my team. Especially around behaviours and dealing with difficult situations and even down to merchandising within the store. I feel it has made me understand why we do processes the way we do and what impact it has on the store.

At the moment there isn't as much we can get involved in due to coronavirus but before hand I was interested in the little extra seminars such as international woman's day, fairtrade events and LGBT events such as pride events that the Co-op get involved in and also working at the pop up shop at Leeds Festival. They usually do annual football matches between areas, and boat races which is something I would like to get involved in when it all kick-starts again.

Yes

I would recommend Co-op to a friend because you can be yourself and feel included in everything you do. You become kind if a little work family working for the Co-op as it is so community focused and their views on diversity and inclusion are what the base everything on. The balance between work life and social life is good, and the pay and holiday entitlement is really good. The benefits of being a colleague or a member at the Co-op are really good and tailored to you personally.

When applying for the Co-op don't just think about you and what you can bring to the workplace, it's all about making the customers experience the best possible and being able to provide excellent service. It's about getting involved in the community and promoting fair trade. Its based on the 4 ways of being Co-op which are be yourself always, succeed together, do what matters most and show you care.The Co-op is all for the customers and providing a diverse diverse inclusive workplace.