Customer advisor Review

My role was a showroom customer advisor. I would assist customers with the design and planning of their dream kitchen, bedroom, or bathroom. I would great customers and ask them open questions to get a good understanding of what they needed and wanted in their space. Using design software I would create 3D designs and work with my customers to get the sale.

I was very confident talking to customers but not as good asking colleagues for help. Going through the apprenticeship has taught me how to communicate with colleagues and how to lead a team effectively. The apprenticeship gave me the opportunity to take on more responsibilities and more of a coaching role within the team which I really enjoyed.

I really enjoyed the programme. The lifetime rep was very supportive and gave me lots of guidance. I love to learn and even though I'd worked in retail 20 years I learned so much more about and myself. I had a good understanding of policies and procedures in Retail but the personal development this apprenticeship gave me was what I enjoyed the most.

The programme was very well organised without being too structured. My tutor gave me the flexibility to study alongside work and to complete the modules in an order that suited the business. My tutor was always available for help, and I had lots of support from my managers and colleagues.

My employer was extremely supportive and encouraging from the beginning. I was allowed what ever time I needed to study and research. My managers also gave me the opportunities to show my development and lead projects across the store. They kept me informed of any changes I could get involved in that would help my 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] from lifetime was very supportive. She was easy to talk to and explained everything really clearly. We would arrange meetings well in advance so that I could make sure I was free and available to attend. She would send regular emails stating what module we would look at next and what that would require.

Having completed the qualification I feel far more confident in my own knowledge and abilities. I doubt myself a lot less than I did before. I am much better at leading a project and communicating clearly to the team. I enjoy coaching new colleagues and watching them succeed. I have since changed roles in store.

We do have a store football team, but it is not for everyone. We are trying to get a bigger, more inclusive social club going. It is really good to get involved in social events out of work as it creates friendships. If you work with friends you tend to be happier at work. And, happy people are more productive.

Yes

B&Q is a good place to work. The hours fit in well with my childcare. The pay is reasonable compared to similar retailers. The learning and development programmes are brilliant. It's a very inclusive place to work. From school leavers to semi retired, there's a really lovely mix of people and we all get along.

Be confident. It doesn't matter if you have no clue on diy- a lot of our customers don't. If you are willing to learn the information and support is there. It's more about how you are rather than what you know. If you're friendly, approachable and willing to get stuck in you'll be great.