Sales Support Apprentice Review

I am a Sales Support which is a fast-moving role within the company. Each day involves completing similar tasks however a lot can occur that forces us to drive away from the daily norm. For example, during March we had to complete calls and surveys to hundreds of advisers in an attempt to gain information about digital services in order to improve ours.

I have learned many new IT skills because the software I need to use each day is different and complex to anything I have ever used before. My social skills and ability to talk in front of people has also significantly improved because I have been required to carry out talks and presentations to colleges and also colleagues and external clients such as Financial Advisers. My existing skills were on applications such as outlook and excel however they have also improved massively because I now have more experience using them.

I enjoy my apprenticeship programme to a reasonable extent. There are lots of interesting things I do each day and I am working towards my Level 3 Business Administration Qualification which is great however due to COVID-19 I have been unable to meet my colleagues in person and I spend a lot of my time alone without interaction which can be difficult at times however this is all temporary.

The programme is incredibly well structured. I first noticed this as soon as I enrolled in the recruitment process. Everything was as described and I was always advised and equipped with necessary materials which is why I felt I stood a good chance being recruited. Everything inside the programme after recruitment has also been incredibly well structured. I have never encountered a problem that cannot be fixed quickly and everyone involved is so helpful and pleasant.

I receive a lot of support from M&G. There are so many routes to take when encountering a problem and everything is solved with you in mind. There is also great support for skills development as well with the workday system because there are hundreds of lessons linked for improving all areas, these are great to get on with when you have some spare time.

I receive a lot of support from my training provider and the woman I work alongside who represents them. Every singe month we have a progress check to assess my performance with the tasks and with every workbook she gives amendments of where I can improve to get a good mark/pass. She is also always there to contact via email and replies very swiftly if I just need a little help.

I believe it helps a lot because when I do tasks for my training provider they are often done on things I have done within my role. This allows me to revise what has been completed in my role and keeps things locked into memory. It also allows me to go into detail and reflect on what I have done in my role which is great because I can identify weak points and constantly ensure I am getting better as an individual and employee which is exactly what these programmes are about.

Yes there are many things made readily available to us that we can take part in and the apprenticeship manager often sends out emails with invites or articles to hings we can participate or read up on. I have not been involve in any so far but there are endless possibilities of activities that could take your fancy!

Yes

They are a great organisation to work for and I would especially recommend to a friend of a similar age because I feel as though it is a great way to test potential career choices. M&G support you in whatever you do so if it is not for you that is fine but the bonus is they make recommend you for something else that you are more suited to.

First of all, as cliche as it sounds, but be yourself and be honest from the get go. It is quite a long recruitment process and the further you progress the more your personality will shine through because at interview stage you work together with other candidates which they assess so lying won't help you. I would also make the most of it and enjoy it because for me it was very enjoyable and not just because I was eventually recruited. My confidence grew massively throughout the process and I had definitely learned a lot before starting my role to take with me elsewhere if I hadn't been fortunate enough to be offered a place. I wish I had been told not to be worried and slightly anxious because everyone you encounter is very warm and helpful.