Rating
- 1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
- 2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
- 3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
- 4. How well organised/structured is your programme?
- 5. How much support do you receive from your employer?
- 6. How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
- 7. How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
- 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.)
- 9a. Would you recommend Co-op to a friend?
- 9b. Why?
- 10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Co-op?
Scoping new pieces of work, working with stakeholders, plan and project management. Making sure projects are on on track and working with different parts of learning and development to make sure they what they need to a project completed within the required timelines. Managing risks and issues and the l&d plan,
Since starting the apprenticeship, its bolstered my view that having solid stakeholder relationships is key. I am working on my 2nd unit so far, with the first 3 being HR focussed. I feel this has definitely given a wider understanding of the People functions outside of L&D which has been useful, with a wider strategic focus.
I am really enjoying it, the balancing between work, home and the apprenticeship is proving tough but being organised is key to help with this. Having not been in learning for over 15 years, it feels good to learning new skills and knowledge again, with a view to career progression.
We have changed Tutor and Learning Development Coaches (LDC) since the start, so don't think this has helped in terms of organisation. We now have a new tutor who already seems more 'on the ball' with great communication. Still waiting to meet new LDC. It felt chaotic to start off with, but think this was mainly as everything was so new.
Overall - really good. My manager has been great, I have dedicated time to work on my off the job 20% activities. We also have a Apprenticeship Advisor who we can contact if we have any specific issues or queries around the provider or apprenticeship, they can then contact the provider to get answers/solutions.
We have a Tutor who covers the individual CIPD modules in the form of webinars to support the self lead learning, we recently had a new Tutor which was a little unsettling initially but he is great so all ok now. We also have a LDC (as previously mentioned), who checks in with progress and questions etc. Again this changed recently and still awaiting details of new one, which isn't ideal.
It helps me think about my role and the tasks that I perform, it also helps me think more strategically. Its already given more ideas of models and theories to help with different scenarios and experiences. There has been some great content on stakeholder mapping that I plan on using.
I don't do much currently, but this is something that I would like to get more involved in going forward. Having said that, I am tomorrow going to the Co-op Annual General Meeting to represent apprenticeships at the Co-op and my experience so far with our members and customers.
Yes
It is a great organisation, putting our communities and members at the forefront. There are lots of opportunities to develop, grow and progress, including a wide range of apprenticeships at different levels and subjects. You feel part of something special and worthwhile, that the job you do can make a difference.
Go for it! If you see a role that takes your fancy then definitely apply. We have a great resourcing team who will support you through the recruitment process. Keep an open mind and be willing to learn and it could be a great move for you, who knows where it could lead?!
Details
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Business Operations
Manchester
May 2022