Trainee Merchandiser Review

I am a trainee merchandiser, and my day to day activities involve running trade reports, managing and raising orders, managing critical paths and liasing with suppliers

I have definitely improved my skills in using Excel, as well as learning about range planning and mark down systems. In addition I have attended courses on confidence, presenting skills and basic calculations. Outside of work, I study with the FRA for a level 4 diploma in Buying and Merchandising.

I feel as if the course at FRA compliments my working life well. When i first joined Tesco, I was adamant that I wanted to be a buyer, but since I have been merchandising I have found my focus has shifted and at the end of my two years, it will definitely be a tough deicision between merchandising and buying.

I feel valued by Tesco and as though my development is just as important to memebers of my team as it is to me. The environment I work in is about collaboration rather than being in competition with one another.

My programme is well structured - I am aware of when I need to attend my training days, as well as being scheduled to attend the FRA every two weeks on a Wednesday.

I receive a lot of support from my team as well at my tutor at FRA. I can also talk to my HR representative at work at more personal issues if I wish too.

My employer is suppportive - in my team I can apporach anyone and everyone is willing to help me learn new things. If I have a development need, there is training days that can me improve.

My salary is okay - as I have moved away from home, majorityof my pay packet goes on rent and house hold bills, which doesn't always leave me a great deal of disposable income to enjoy for myself. I also live about a 40 minute drive away which can be quite costly on petrol.

We have a lot of opportunity to events outside of work - we had two christmas parties and there is a ministy of fun inside of work that helps to organise functions.

Yes

Tesco has given me an opportunity to enter in to a career that predominantly other companies require degree certification for entry.

To understand that the assessment day is about collaborating with other people and showing how you can work as a team. It shouldn't be about competition or trying to shout over others to get heard as your qualities will shine through on the taks that you get involved in.