Commercial Support Apprentice Review

My role was to support the L'Oreal Professionnel sales team. I did this by putting together reports and trackers on excel, ordering stock for them to show to salons and helping the wider team where required. Furthermore, I regularly attend meetings to understand the overall direction of the business, which supports me in my work.

My excel skillset has come on leaps and bounds. From barely knowing anything about formulas to now being able to produce complex trackers that 70 people regularly use. Before this apprenticeship, my organisational skills were shocking. They have come on leaps and bounds. My work ethic has also improved extensively.

The majority of my time with L'Oreal Professionnel has been spent in lockdown, despite that I have been made to feel as if I am a fully fledged member of the team. This is without actually meeting the majority of them in person. The team are super friendly and are extremely supportive.

Despite the Covid-19 pandemic, and the difficulties it has added to the programme, I still feel that it has been very well thought throw and put together. The change to online learning for Uni was rapidly implemented and without too many hiccups. L'Oreal have also been fantastic, understanding the difficulties the staff have faced.

The first words my manager told me was "I say it how it is". He was not wrong! He was quick to understand that I learn far more by figuring things out for myself rather than being spoon fed. This is extremely frustrating for me at points but looking back at my progression, I would not want it any other way.

The support offered in normal times was fantastic, student services are extremely understanding and accessible. The extra barriers put up by the pandemic has made it a little harder for the Uni to support us. The tutors are really nice and happy to help where they can. I do prefer working to studying though!

The qualification and my role compliment each other extremely well. Often what is being taught in class comes up when I am at work and vice versa. It is great being able to take theories from Uni and try them out in a real life situation. Furthermore, anything I don't understand at work can be clarified without embarrassment at Uni.

Pearson offered loads of extra curricular activities, from sports teams to movie nights. I was never fortunate to attend one as the pandemic put them all on hold. However I was a member of the student council and attended a few of the meetings, it was great being able to have a voice despite being so new.

Yes

L'Oreal are one of the best companies in the world to work for in my opinion. I have had a few jobs in the past and never seen employees be so well looked after. They demand results, but do so through ensuring employee welfare. Whether it be regular team nights out, free product send outs or even summer hours where they let you leave early on Friday!

I applied for a lot of apprenticeships before L'Oreal offered me a role, and the key suggestion I can offer is that you really show what experience you have. Everyone who applies will have decent grades, what they want to see is how you have applied yourself in the real world.