Commercial Apprentice Review

My apprenticeship is a rotational apprentice focused on the commercial side - therefore I have been in Buying, Merchandise, Sustainability and Marketing (3 months per department.) Each day is different but currently, I organize activations in store, check/create signage in store and review menus to ensure they comply with legislation.

I have learnt and developed a lot of skills: From communicating with different stakeholders, I have improved this skill by adapting my method of communication by realizing what will be most effective. I have also improved in: Excel skills, Organisation, ability to analyse data.

I have enjoyed my entire programme as I have experienced 4 different departments, which before joining the apprenticeship I wouldn't know how they functioned. The culture at Fortnum's is great, everyone is willing to help and support you to develop your career.

Very organized , before each rotation I meet with my future managers to understand what roles and projects I will be completing but it allows me to tell them about my apprenticeship. In addition, at the end of each rotation we receive feedback on methods to improve.

I have received significant amount of support: From joining this organisation, everyone was friendly and providing me tips about our organisation. My managers in each department support me with my many questions. In addition, we have a HR manager who we communicate with for any questions about the apprenticeship.

Every 4 weeks, we must attend a session which we learn new subjects which will overall support us in reaching our qualification. We are assigned a coach in which we have coaching sessions and progress reviews with.

In our sessions with the provider, we have key areas to learn: GDPR, data cleaning , data validation, visualizations. From these sessions, we apply what we have learnt to our everyday role however sometimes not all the content we are taught is relevant.

We do have departments socials , plus the company have organized social activities. The culture is great at Fortnum's that it easy to build friendships with colleagues.

Yes

I would say my apprenticeship is very unique and I have learnt so many skills that have enhanced my career. As a proactive learner , I prefer an apprenticeship over a degree as I believe it is more rewarding. At the organisation, you constantly what to learn !!

Do your research - Fortnum's has a huge history which we greatly pride ourselves on. In your interview, you should highlight this area. But most importantly, be yourself !!