Manager Review

My role involves managing relationships with a number of our partners. I have monthly account management meetings to ensure there are no issues with any of our teams. I also identify opportunities to streamline our processes and make changes where appropriate. I am also responsible for budget control, reporting and keeping the business updated of any good news stories.

Although still early days in my apprenticeship I have learnt about a number of models used within improvement and change management. From setting up a project plan and having a risk management plan to using fish bone charts and understanding the lean six sigma methodology. One of the early lessons involves understanding team formation.

I am very much enjoying the programme. My lead tutor has been great in explaining how the programme is structured and what the expectations are. The two workshops so far have given me a great insight into the training provider, the apprenticeship programme and apprenticeships in general. This is shaping up to being a very interesting and valuable programme.

The programme is very well structured. We have monthly skills workshops which we can choose if they happen remotely or in person. These are planned well in advance with some pre-reading and preparation to do ahead of time. Each week there are opportunities to build my knowledge with a multitude of resources supplied by the apprenticeship training provider.

I receive excellent support from my employer. The business ensures there are many opportunities to put new learning into practise. My line manager makes a point of discussing my apprenticeship at our monthly one to one development meetings and also attends the twelve week reviews with myself and the lead programme tutor.

Again it is still very early on in my programme but everything so far from the training provider has been excellent. The application and onboarding was very smooth with a dedicated point of contact for all my needs. I know who the dedicated safeguarding lead is and who I can contact with any queries during the evenings and weekends. My lead programme tutor is readily available and is able to support with any questions or queries about the programme content. I feel very well supported at present.

This apprenticeship programme is equipping me with the skills, knowledge and behaviours to tackle my role with greater enthusiasm as I feel more prepared and with more tools to get the required results. The training provider is able to help me put the learnings from the programme into the correct context for use with my business sector.

Within Marston's there are a large number of opportunities to get involved in social, charitable and professional events. We have a number of networks you can join to speak and network with like minded people. There are the usual pool and darts teams but also opportunities to attend events at our pub support centre - like the recent International Women's Day event.

Yes

Marston's has been around for a number of years but recently I have found them to be very progressive. They have introduced many employee related benefits and don't follow the norm as many other hospitality companies do. In addition to great rewards and incentives Marston's are not a minimum wage employer which in the current climate is very refreshing.

Don't hesitate - the opportunities are endless. There is a very well established apprenticeship development programme that can support anyone with ambitions, to go as far as they want to. From working in the pubs and bars to developing through the many functions of the pub support centre. Come as you are!