Postal Apprentice Review

My role included sorting mail and parcels to separate bags and fittings in the morning. Then I would sort mail and parcels into certain routes throughout the city before loading a prepared route onto a van.

I have learnt better communication skills as every day I would interact with new people while delivering. I also learnt how to safely use an HCT trolley all while developing my health and safety skills in office and outside of office. I also learnt safeguarding skills and how I should approach certain situations.

I enjoyed the physical aspects of the job role, and being able to control my own work pace without worrying about someone telling me how to do it, but I did not enjoy the work environment as most colleagues of mine were both rude and unprofessional in how they behaved around myself.

I would say not very on behalf of Royal Mail as I applied for a local and convenient depot, but was sent to a far depot.

I felt I received little to no support from my employer as when I was unable to get into work (as I do not drive and have to use public transport to get to my ride share who was temporarily unavailable and busses were on strike) I was told if I cannot come in to work I would be abandoning my job role.

Babbington provided excellent support with this apprenticeship, helping me understand subjects I was unsure about. Also, giving leniency when I could not make due dates. I was supported in my work and could always rely on a tutor to be available to help and assist me if I was ever stuck.

Because of the lack of stress given to me by the provider, I feel as though my work performance increased and helped me work better as I understood more about the company and how its internal systems function. I also think it helped me get through as my tutor was a previous postal worker for Royal Mail.

In the office, several people would host runs and game nights as well as pub outings for all employees to join and attend.

No

The unprofessionalism I received in both working time/hours and in getting paid for the days I worked. The latest manager especially made me feel unwelcome as I was treated as a member who had more experience then myself.

Apply only when over 18 because despite what the advertisement may be you are very limited in your work and will repeat tasks over and over again. Also do not let them send you to a different office to permanently work as it may turn out that the other has no need for apprentices.