Team Leader Review

On a day-to-day basis my role includes anything from ensuring customers have an amazing experience, to handling cash. My role includes many other tasks such as: assisting with promotion changes, completing date code checks (both ambient and fresh), completing waste and waste parades to ensure our leakage is kept to a minimum etc. I often have communication with not only my colleagues but also customers from all walks of life, our customer demographic ranges from young children to elderly customers too.

I have learnt many new skills during my time both that I will use in my professional life and personal life. I have had such a large increase in confidence since I have started within my role and am now able to 'put myself out there' for more experiences and conversations with those I wouldn't necessarily always talk to.

The course has been a really enjoyable thus far. I have met many individuals from both the food retail side of the business as well as some from funeral care. It has been amazing to discuss how things are different or similar depending on which area of the business you work for. As well as this it has been eye-opening to see the different walks of life and different career experience from those on the course with me.

I have constantly been supported throughout my course so far. I have spoken to the apprenticeship team from the Co Op several times, they have always been helpful and if they didn't have the answer for me they would signpost me to the team that would be able to help. There have been plenty of opportunities to get involved with other campaigns etc which they are running which has been nice to feel included within.

The apprenticeship team within the co op have been extremely helpful and have always supported me where they can and if they haven't been able to, they have signposted me to who could. Whether that is another team within the co op or if I would need to go through anglia ruskin. My manager hasn't been as involved since I have begun the course, any mention of the course does seem to be a bit of a chore for him to get involved in, however I am managing myself more because of this.

The qualification so far has been incredibly enjoyable and support is incredibly easy to access if I need it. Regular calls/meetings with my personal tutor have been a god send and have really helped me to understand what is expected of me during this time on the course. I have had a couple of problems such as difficulty accessing the ARU systems, however these have been quickly resolved and apologies have been sent.

This qualification has so far enabled me to perform my role better due to the fact that I have a deeper understanding of those around me, such as my team and my line managers. I have managed to put a lot of the theory into practice so far and I now understand better how I can be a better leader for my colleagues and my peers in my day to day life.

Co op is especially good at offering volunteering opportunities specifically for the local causes near my store and others in the local area. I have volunteered several times in the past for multiple different local causes and I plan to do so more frequently in the future as I have established a great connection with one of the current local causes.

Yes

Since I joined the co op I have had nothing but support from my managers. Unfortunately in my first job my confidence was knocked massively, however when I moved to the co op my manager was incredibly helpful and built me up rather than knocked me down. They helped me feel like I was a part of a team rather than an outsider which has helped my anxiety massively.

Be yourself. There is no shame in asking questions. The best way to learn is to ask questions and be who you truly are. you can be the best leader possible if you are able to be comfortable in yourself. As well as this, having some experience of dealing with customers is helpful but it isn’t necessary as you will soon gain experience of this within your role. Make sure you show that you care. Co op has a real family feel to it and everyone supports one another, whether that be in developing yourself or developing your career prospects.