Category Assistant Review

Category Assistant- Admin work, setting up promotions, setting up new lines, price changes, handling general enquiries, managing projects. Daily I interact with suppliers and other departments in the busines making sure that everything in the Premium department runs smoothly. I get the opportunity to go to London and meet brands which is a great introduction to trading. I also get to manage projects like Gift Guide, nominating products and negotiating funding with brands.

Yes, I have been on training courses to help me learn the new systems and I have learnt how to work within a business environment. The training courses were crucial to my job role. I haven't yet got any extra qualifications although I am currently working towards a level 4 qualification in business admin and afterwards can do a degree.

I really enjoy the job aspect of my apprenticeship. I don't enjoy the college side as I find it repetitive and very school like. My team made me feel instantly comfortable, there is a laid back atmosphere in the office where I can be myself. My job met my expectations as I knew it was going to be hard work but also saw the benefits from the work I put in.

I feel valued within my team as an employee but not as an apprentice. I feel sometimes this makes them expect less from me. On the otherhand, externally and within the wider business I feel as if being an apprentice makes me more well respected. People know it is a course that takes on talented individuals which is why I feel well respected but within my team I feel it reminds my manager and colleagues that I am young which sometimes means they can under-estimate me.

Not as organised as I first thought. There is no continuity between the apprenticeship across different departments. Each recieve different levels of training and support and recieve different opportunities. Supply and HR recieve a lot of support and they tend to have the least demanding jobs. Within trading, I feel like we aren't as appreciated and respected yet we do the most work. Also when it comes to organising second placements, everyone seems to move and have the option to be promoted at seperate times.

There is lots of support networks in place for apprentices. They provided me with a buddy and a commercial lead. The business seems keen in supporting me, offering me support when I need it, regular catch ups with managers etc. We also got the opportunitity to go on an experiential day to learn about one another more and find out about more support channels.

I get support from lots of different people. Almost too many people as I don't know who I should go to with any issues I'm having with my apprenticeship. I have a buddy who was useful at the start of my programme to support me with any queries or worries I may have. i also recieve support from my assistant buying manager who I have weekly catch up sessions with to talk about my development

Very well however compared to other employees in the business doing the same job as me, I am paid much less. It is a great apprentice wage but petrol costs, parking costs etc all add up so my wage is much less. I live at home still so living costs aren't currently an issue but if I lived away from home I would struggle on the wage I am currently on.

Yes, you can get invloved with lots of things, especially if you're an apprentice. There are more opportunities opened up to you.

Yes

It's a great alternatice to university. You get paid whilst learning and gaining experience that you wouldn't at uni. There 's lots of support and you can grow a career. It's an international company but with a laid back atmosphere which I instantly felt comfortable in.

Be yourself, work hard and understand that you are coming into a business where you could have a career forever therefore this is an amazing opportunity.