Assistant Category Manager Review

by Co-op

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

7.8/10

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

My role as an assistant category manager is to support my team (Category managers and Senior category managers) with projects that have been allocated out from our annual planning sessions. The projects can range from new tenders, a review of the service currently provided or new ways of working.

8/10

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

The skills i would say i have not learned but greatly improved upon are Communication (Not just written and verbal but how you interact with suppliers vs internal stakeholders and how you taylor communications dependent on the level of the audience) as well as negotiation tactics.

8/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

So far i have really enjoyed the working environment. and the different stakeholders that we need to deal with, the projects have also been very varied so there has been no chance of boredom.

9/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

The apprenticeship is well organised however currently there is a large amount of book learning before any lessons take place with any given topic. I would personally prefer to be taught by one of the tutors and then undertake the personal revision.

6/10

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

My employer is very supportive and has always allowed me time to get my revision in around my exams. it helps that my day to day role directly benefits my learning and vis versa.

9/10

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

Regular catch ups with my mentor and the opportunity to contact any of the lecturers regarding the content on Aptem.

6/10

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

Completing the theory while being able to implement my new found knowledge on the projects I am currently working on is without doubt the best way to learn.

8/10

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.)

Their are a number of associations and clubs however if I am honest I have not yet joined any. My wider team is good at arranging social events so I feel that I have the option to meet and interact with all the team on a personal level.

8/10

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

Yes

9b. Why?

They are a good employer that not only looks after its staff but the wider community. There is also good opportunity to progress into a number of different roles and specialisms.

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

Be yourself, and do your research on the job your applying for.