Apprentice store manager Review

My role is all about learning to become the next store manager for Iceland. I run the store in my managers absence. I take ownership of developing our people. I drive sales through spotting trends and gaps in the market. I make sure my store hits KPIs and meets profitability targets. All whilst delivering an amazing experience for our customers.

During my apprenticeship I have learnt many new coaching models such as FUEL Model and ARROW Model. I have taken my learnings and used them with my own team to help develop them. I’ve also studied different leadership styles and figured out my own leadership style. Understanding my own leadership style has shown me my strengths and weaknesses and where I can become a better manager.

After a slow start to my apprenticeship, I finally got my head down and started pushing through it. I now sit just ahead of my tracker. The fact that I am enjoying my programme makes it so much easier to do. I cannot wait to get to my assignment and get my great ideas down on paper.

My lifetime Level 4 apprenticeship is set out in different segments of learning. These are also set out in date order for when they should be completed. This helps me to understand where I am at currently with my apprenticeship and wheeler I need to be. I can also access help from coach with the touch of a button, which helps massively.

My store manager fully supports me on my apprenticeship journey and really wants me to succeed. Where possible my manager finds time to get me off the shop floor and into the office doing my apprenticeship. My area manager checks in on me frequently to see where I am up to and regularly gives me feedback.

Lifetime have so far given me everything I have asked for. I needed a device to do my apprenticeship on, I received one very promptly. I can contact my coach whenever I need help and I receive a reply pretty quickly. I get feedback from my coach that challenges me and gets me thinking in different ways.

Right now I feel as though my apprenticeship has helped me to understand the people side of my role, to an extent that I didn’t understand before. I’ve learnt how to adapt different coaching methods, and leadership methods, to get the best results from different people. I am always looking for new ways to communicate with the team.

At Iceland, the HR department host an event called The Heart of Iceland. This event gives all new store managers and trainee store managers a behind the scenes look at Iceland. We also have social events with the team, which is funded by our social fund. Iceland offers us the chance to gain extra funds throughout the year with challenges.

Yes

Iceland has no limits. There is a chance of development for anyone that wants to grow in retail. Iceland is a fair company with a good moral stance. Communication from the top is second to none, colleagues are always kept in the loop in which direction the business is going.

When applying to Iceland, be open and honest and state what you’re expecting from a career at Iceland. Always let people know if you want to travel up the ladder. You will get out of Iceland what you put in. Definitely have a passion for good quality frozen food at great prices.