Team Manager Review

by Co-op

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

9.1/10

1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

Challenging but rewarding. You need to be a fast learner as training provided for the role is not great

8/10

2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

Yes I have learned how to do the job to the fullest in terms of practical skill. In terms of people managment and behaviours, it took me a long time to develop these, as the Co-op haven't been great in the past with providing resources for this (though they have got better) I've gained most of my behavioural skills from my last 2 managers and through the apprenticeship program.

8/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

I enjoy the diverse range of topics covered and the fact that 20% of my week is set aside to focus on my development. I find the personal coaching aspect very helpful and this is something I would have really benefited from in the past too.

9/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

I find the program is structured well and modules are spaced apart an adequate amount of time. I personally have found difficulty keeping up with the assignments due to my situation at work (being put on secondment as Store Manager), but I am beginning to catch up now that my tasks in work have started to come down.

9/10

5. How much support do you receive from your employer?

I receive enough support for me, I don't particularly feel I need much from them.

10/10

6. How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

I get excellent support from my training provider. My coach goes into fantastic detail when reviewing my assisgnments and ensures I understand everything required in order to achieve a great grade.

10/10

7. How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

I feel like the qualification has given me the ability to see my role from other angles and has given me more self awareness. I also understand a lot more about retail operation outside the scope of my day to day role which I didn't know before.

10/10

8. Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)

There are always team building opportunities (albeit virtual at the moment due to COVID) and I feel included as part of the team.

9/10

9a. Would you recommend Co-op to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

They are a good company to work for and you have to work hard if you want to progress. I feel like the apprenticeship would give someone the best opportunity to do this if that's what their ambition was.

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Co-op?

Don't expect an easy ride to begin with, it is hard work. But be resilient and focus on developing your team, trying new ways of working and embracing change. Then you will reap the rewards.