Fashion Buyer/Merchandiser Review

My apprenticeship looks at both fashion merchandising and buying in F&F. I spend one year as a trainee in both roles,and after this can decide which I would like to follow as my profession. Alongside this I also study part time at the Fashion Retail Academy for a Level Four Diploma.

In my current role as a trainee merchandiser I have learnt new skills using excel, analysing and negiotating.

I thoroughly enjoy my programme, and the opportunity it gives me to experience two sides of the fashion industry. I also get to travel into London and study, which allows me to experience fashion theory 'outside of Tesco'.

As apprentices we are given amazing opportunites in the business, for example regular meetings with our CEO and directors. This not only supports us in our current roles, but allows us to see other sides of the wider F&F business.

My program is very structured- two year programme, one year in each role, one day at the FRA (Fashion Retail Academy) every two weeks. This structure helps my team support me in my learning, as they understand where I am on the course.

As school leavers we have a dedicated Early Careers team that not only offer us suppor but also organise training for us. This training is less task-orientated, and focuses on developing us- for example, presentation and innovation training.

Our teams were prepped before receiving apprentices about our course and what we aim to achieve. In my experience they are eager to help with this and want to support me (whether that be through covering me when I go on training or looking at college work) whenever they can.

I have had to relocate in order to join F&F, and my salary allows me to live away from home and still enjoy my spare time comfortably.

Hatfield (where F&F is based) is a student area but it's alot quieter than I expected. Whilst teams sometimes organise social events outside of work, it is socially a very different experience to university.

Yes

Tesco has given me an opportunity to get ahead in the fashion industry that I never thought would be possible without going to university.

If you decide to apply with Tesco, just be yourself. They understand that we are young and potentially inexperienced, and so are only looking for personality, drive and enthusiasm.