Kitchen and Bathroom Advisor Review

I start the journey with customers who come in to enquiry about a new kitchen, bathroom or home office, and talk to them about their ideas, demonstrate our amazing products, and book the follow up appointments for a home measure and in store appointment where they get to see their new space come to life. I also help with anything else they may need during their journey - even if it’s just a cup of coffee when they’re back in store.

I've definitely learnt lots of new skills since starting my career with Wickes. The 'Becoming a Design Consultant' apprenticeship in particular has been amazing, and something I’d highly recommend to anybody who wants to develop their skills in design. It really is an in depth insight into the role, learning about everything from building regulations within the fitted furniture industry, to computer aided design, to personal effectiveness. It’s very self reflective, covering insights about your method of working, and how you interact with others.

I thoroughly enjoyed the programme and found it extremely rewarding. At times it was difficult, but I felt like I'd truly achieved something at the end of each module, and enjoyed having to put my new skills into practice and show evidence of this. This really helped me absorb what I'd learnt whilst the knowledge was fresh, rather than sitting on information that could have become stale if not used until I was in the Design Consultant role.

I felt that the programme was well structured generally, although I felt a clearer understanding of Google Workplace from day one would have been beneficial in order to better understand deadlines for work, smaller segments of leaning being covered throughout one module etc. My coach did change early on into the apprenticeship so I can't say this hasn't changed, but it did take me a few weeks before I was able to navigate Google Workplace confidently and fully understand what needed to be done and by when.

I genuinely could not have asked for any more support than what I was already given by my employer as well as my colleagues in store. I was encouraged to take time to complete any coursework that was due as well as to shadow my colleagues already in the Design Consultant role, my absence was covered as much as possible to ensure I wasn't having to catch up on missed work when returning to my normal role, and had regular check ins to ensure I was coping well with the workload I had on. I think this was detrimental to my success during the apprenticeship.

My coach leader, [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], was superb and again, detrimental towards my success with the apprenticeship. [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] set the clearest of goals and really drove home the importance of making time to work on my own personal development. [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] was always on hand when I had any doubts, concerns or questions, and was just generally a very nice person to work with even whilst having high expectations from me.

I've finished my apprenticeship with such an in-depth understanding of my current role, and with the required skills to progress within my company. Whilst I already knew exactly what was required of me within my role, I now know so much more about fitted furniture and the products and services we offer - from sustainability to project management. I understand what can be achieved when discussing early project ideas and have learnt how to be creative with the products we offer when faced with a challenge whilst planning with a customer. I've also learnt more about myself and my personal effectiveness when working with others, and seen myself grow in confidence and my own desire to achieve.

As a team, we make time to socialise together outside of work, this can range from an escape room (great for team building), a meal out, or even a river cruise which has been arranged as a seasonal get together. This is often arranged and paid for by the business, although we do choose to arrange social events ourselves also. Wickes host PRIDE events to celebrate our LGBTQ+ colleagues, regularly hold events to celebrate culture and ethnicity amongst our colleagues, and also charity events such as sponsored bike rides etc - all of which I'm encouraged and supported to attend.

Yes

I would absolutely recommend Wickes to a friend! Here I've been encouraged to be the best version of myself and had time and effort invested into my development, with a true recognition of my successes and potential. Personal development is discussed regularly with lots of different apprenticeships offered to colleagues covering different areas of the business. Wickes and my colleagues have made me feel welcome from day one, and offers such a warm and inclusive environment, something which I feel proud to be a part of. I'm excited to continue working with Wickes and being part of the success of the company.

Wickes is a company where you are encouraged to develop and grow so I think ambition and drive is needed if you want to make the most of your career here. Apply with an understanding of what you want your future to look like and be open in sharing those ideas, I'm confident the company will want to see the same achievements alongside you.