Duty Manager Review

On some days I undertake routine tasks that are required for audit purposes .On other days I may be the only manager on shift, so I am responsible for the running of a busy store ,including health and safety, security and key holding. I am responsible for a small team of people who provide a high level of customer service to tradesmen and the general public.

I have greatly improved my computer skills. I have also developed my communication skills, and I am a lot more confident when conducting team meetings. I am more willing to push myself out of my comfort zone as I have achieved various things through this apprenticeship that I would have never considered myself capable of doing, such as conducting a presentation for someone I don't know.

The start of the apprenticeship felt a little disjointed as we had several trainers . Once we settled into having a regular trainer I really enjoyed doing the apprenticeship. I found [This section of the comment has been removed by a member of the RateMyApprenticeship Team because it did not meet our site terms and conditions] to be a very easy to understand and patient trainer . I liked meeting other colleagues and hearing how some of the challenges I face in my role are also faced by colleagues in other stores.

It was well organised once we settled into having a regular trainer. I think the trainers were learning what worked, and what needed tweaking ,as they adapted to working during COVID restrictions . The meetings were regular and informative and I liked how they were recorded so that I could refer back to them.

I had a highly supportive manager who signed me up to the apprenticeship. Before I started the work, we had a change of leadership and unfortunately the replacement was less interested in colleague development. I was given time for the meetings ,but began to feel like a hindrance. I did the coursework in my own time at home so that I was not away from the shop floor, which I would imagine would not be an option for everyone.

I was given lots of support from [This section of the comment has been removed by a member of the RateMyApprenticeship Team because it did not meet our site terms and conditions] ,especially when I was practicing for the end point assessment. I was also well supported by [This section of the comment has been removed by a member of the RateMyApprenticeship Team because it did not meet our site terms and conditions] . The meetings were recorded and posted to classrooms so that they could be referred back to, It was a good idea to ask another trainer, that I didn't know ,to assess my presentation as it prepared me for the end point assessment.

I think it has helped me to think about how I am perceived by others and be more confident in making decisions. It has helped me to question why people say or do certain things, rather than jumping to conclusions. It has also helped me with thinking about the day to day planning that is involved in running the shop and what should be prioritised.

Not really other than a Christmas meal

Yes

It is an established company with good practices in place

Be prepared to work hard and embrace every opportunity that is offered to you.