Customer Service Advisor Review

For my apprenticeship I worked in funeralcare customer service, taking ‘bringing into care calls’, helping customers with direct debits and amendments for pre paid funeral plans and answering general queries about funerals. I also worked on our colleague support team, supporting funeral homes with their admin and funeral plan redemptions.

I have learnt a number of new skills in my apprenticeship including telephony skills, how to handle complex finance queries, how to deal with customer conflict and a lot of personal management skills in my first office job. I also learnt a lot of coaching skills as I became a go to for support within my team.

I really enjoyed my apprenticeship and the experience I had. I’ve enjoyed working at the Co-op and I have loved the team I work with. I have had some incredible opportunities while being an apprentice and can’t recommend it enough. I didn’t expect to enjoy my role as much as I do and can see myself doing it for a long time.

At the start of the programme there is we’re a couple of issues with the organisation of the apprenticeship but this was due to last minute changes with the global pandemic. As we got to know the college and the company the structure of the apprenticeship went a lot more smoothly.

I received an unbelievable amount of support from my employer. My managers have been so inspiring and supportive the whole way through. My employer has given me opportunities to meet other apprentices across the business as well as high profile stakeholders so I could share my experiences and build my opportunities.

I received a lot of support from my training provider. My main coach got to know me very well despite the challenges with virtual working and always knew my role as well as she could. The college encouraged and supported me when I was struggling and took the time to understand my learning style.

My qualification has helped me massively in my role and has helped me to progress through the company, helping me to step up to management quickly after completing my apprenticeship in December. Studying along side my role meant I had a better understanding of my role and why the work I do is important.

I have been involved in organising morale boosting activities in the office such as social catch ups, coffee mornings and bake sales. I have also attended social gatherings organised by my managers on a couple of occasions. There is usually something going but this was limited during the lockdowns last year.

Yes

The coop have supported me and encouraged my growth in a way no organisation has ever done. It’s such a positive working environment and I have had the best experience. I have made true friends in my colleagues and know I have people who genuinely want to see me succeed everyday.

Be yourself! Co-op is really focused on its values and one of them is to be yourself always. They nurture authentic and dedicated people and don’t expect you to know everything straight away. If you’re applying to Co-op keep in mind to be honest and genuine and they’ll help you succeed.