Apprentice Deputy Manager Review

by Iceland

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

6.1/10

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

Managing my team in absence of the store manager. Assisting in store needs for day to day running, whilst undertaking tasks such as changeovers and reviews.

8/10

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

Emotional intelligence, managing a team, how to do reviews and interviews, developing myself to become a role model.

7/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

There are some things that I have learnt to develop me as a manager, however there is a fair bit of content in my apprenticeship that isn’t company specific and I will never need to know within my role. Also little support from the company to help me complete.

5/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

Well structured, had some issues during COVID but that was expected.

9/10

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

Very little. Expected to be an assistant manager from day one with little background support to complete my apprenticeship. Stores aren’t credited for my learning so all had to be in my own time which is difficult given the expectation of you.

3/10

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

My trainer is always there to help with any questions, helps explain things I’m not sure about, fairly flexible for meetings and supportive.

9/10

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

Few things I’ve learnt which help me, but nothing that shadowing and support from other managers could not achieve.

7/10

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.)

No.

1/10

9a. Would you recommend Iceland to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

Good for part time work, physically demanding but is enjoyable. Work/life balance is horrendous in management. Expected to work way over contract for free, whilst completing an apprenticeship in any spare time given to you.

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Iceland?

Be prepared for the physical and fast paced work. Also, work hours can constantly change and colleagues need to be on their toes around what hours they are put in for.