Sales/ Trade counter assistant Review

My role as a sales assistant and trade counter supplier involves interacting with customers on a daily basis, whether that is taking calls over the phone or dealing with customers at the counter. My daily tasks includes calling regular customers to take orders and reaching out to new customers to see what projects they have upcoming and if we can price the job up for them. My job role also includes making sure we are being competitive with prices when dealing with our customers, this is what will make us stand out to other companies.

I have learnt a great deal of skills as well as developing current skills, such as customer service which I think have vastly improved, by staying calm when dealing with customers and being able to explain thoroughly situations. I have also learnt how to build rapport with people resulting in gaining new customers.

I am really enjoying the programme as I am learning so much about the industry and all the different types of materials and products we supply. The programme is also allowing me to go on different courses such as, Zentia ceilings and British Gypsum training to learn about the different products and materials, which is giving me practical and theory knowledge.

The programme is very well put together, although sometimes I feel like a real life class once in a while would be beneficial , this would allow a better interaction with other apprentices and to be able to discuss and support each other face to face, whereas as it is, it is all done via webcam over the computer. Having said that, in general the programme has a good layout and is very clear in when modules start and finish, and what the tasks entails.

There are many colleagues within the branch that are supportive and are always willing to lend a hand, whether that is to help with the apprenticeship or carrying out my job. As well as colleagues in branch there are also many people within the company that I know I can reach out to, such as area technical manager.

I know I can reach out to my apprentice coach, and other apprentices for support. Travis Perkins which is the training provider are always there to support no matther what the situation is, this could be regarding the apprenticeship or a personal matter. For example there are many mental health first aiders on hand.

I believe the qualification is helping me perform better in my role because I am constrantly learning new skills, new products and materials, as well as learnign about existing products and materials. The qualification is also helping me to improve my customer service skills and how to deal with complaints and enquires. All in all this is helping me to be better at my job and help people, and also build rapport with people.

I started the apprenticeship i April 22 and so far I have been on 4 work nights out, some of which were organised by some of our suppliers. for example one of our suppliers recently took us out to Roxy ballroom, and another time was the works Christmas night out which was paid for by the company. There are also courses to attend to keep our knowledge up to date and learn, such as thr Zentia course I have been on.

Yes

CCF is a good company to work for as there are many benfits, including the discount on materials and products. Going away from that, there are opportunities to progress within the company, and across the TP group. The working environment is great with amazing people that are always supportive within your work but are also very friendly and welcoming.

My tips and advice would be to be yourself as that is what they are looking for, diversity and inclusivity is key. I would also say this is a job that suits someone with work ethic and is commited to giving 100% to the job on a daily basis. The job is demanding but is rewarding, for example when you win a job it gives me great satisfaction.