Store manager Review

by B&Q

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

10/10

1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

I am a retail store manager, of a miniwarehouse format store. I lead a team of 65 people with 8 direct reports. I am responsible for the development of my team, for recruitment and retention and achieving company based KPI's

10/10

2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

I have learnt new skills within time management, Self awareness, emotional intelligence, leading and developing a team

10/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

I thoroughly enjoy the progamme I am on - it is a level 5 apprenticeship and the learning platform is excellent. The webinars are high quality and full of useful information, and the resources are second only to my coach, who is incredibly supportive, keeps in regular contact with me and gives me open, honest feedback on how I can improve my assignments to achieve a strong EPA score

10/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

Very well structured - I have sight of all learning materials, worksheets, resources, including additonal resources such as podcasts, videos, book recommendations, worksheets, knowledge tests etc

10/10

5. How much support do you receive from your employer?

I have an extremely supportive regional manager, who ensures I have the time to complete assignments in a timely manner, and am scheduled learning time off the rota as a matter of course

10/10

6. How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

Incredibly important. I ompleted a level 5 coaching apprenticeship previously and the coaching support with raise the bar is far better. My coach is personable, informative,cares about my work and is supporting me with driving towards a distinction

10/10

7. How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

Having been in a leadership role for 30 years plus, I have the opportunity to flex my skillset, learn new ideas and techniques to improve my leadership capabilities and in turn support my team and peers more effectively

10/10

8. Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)

I am about to embark on a coaching network with B&Q, as well as a mentoring opportunity for women in leadership. I am a regional trainer for newly ppoointed managers, and am the talent lead for the region I operate in - so yes, a huge amount of opportunities for me to learn and grow

10/10

9a. Would you recommend B&Q to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

The company is hugely supportive, keen to help their leaders learn and grow, allows me to perform at my best every day and gives every employee opportunities always

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to B&Q?

Be yourself - if you have joined us, it's because we see and value your skill set. Help us as a business to develop, learn and grow - add to our skills, don't just try to fit in!