Packaging Assistant Review

I work on the packaging team who source and manage global packaging for the business including transit and product packaging. I work on projects which support the companies sustainability strategy and packaging reduction goals to reduce our impact on the environment, working with multiple areas of the business to achieve this.

I worked at Matalan two years prior to enrolling on the degree, however wanted to further develop in my role. Since enrolling on the degree a year ago, my development has surpassed expectations, the knowledge I am able to bring to the team has been invaluable. I have been able to support my team in material knowledge and bringing new ideas and ways of working.

Since starting over a year ago I have enjoyed my time on the degree program. Initially due to covid the learning took place solely online however has since resumed to in person teaching. When physically at the university I am able to learn a lot with the facilities the university have, additionally from the lecturers who have come from the industry who can provide 'real life' knowledge and experiences.

The degree is ran quite efficiently, there is specific modules and learning outcomes you must hit. I have a work based learning coach who I have meetings with regularly with my mentor at Matalan who is my line manager. I am able to get support from the University through multiple people if required.

At Matalan I have a mentor who is my line manager who I receive a lot of support from. Additionally from other team members and other areas of the business. I have bi-weekly meetings with my mentor to discuss what support is needed and how I am progressing, which I have found really useful.

I feel like I have received a lot of support from the course leader, lecturers and work based learning coach. I cannot fault the support they have provided so far. All are so enthusiastic about the degree and what it can provide for us, it has been a great experience.

Since starting the degree myself and managers have noticed a huge improvement in knowledge and skills. I have been given a lot more responsibility on the team which I am really enthusiastic about as I know I can make a difference with what I have already learnt on the degree.

Matalan offer workshops to improve skills which are put on during working hours. Quite a few teams put on bake sales for charity and every year there are a group of people who run the London Marathon. Every week we have local suppliers come into the business such as Peter's Fudge, which a lot of people enjoy on their lunch break.

Yes

I have loved my time at Matalan, the team I work on is like a family and we all lean on each other for support. The head office is a really nice place to work, there is opportunity to progress and since Matalan have adopted a hybrid way of working it has improved moral massively.

Matalan is a great place to work with lots of opportunity so I'd just say go for it. I can't speak for other areas of the business however I have had a massively supportive team throughout the degree which I know will continue. My experience is that if you want to progress they will give you the opportunity to do so.