Commercial Apprentice Review

by Fortnum & Mason

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

9.5/10

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

My apprenticeship is a rotational apprentice focused on the commercial side - therefore I have been in Buying, Merchandise, Sustainability and Marketing (3 months per department.) Each day is different but currently, I organize activations in store, check/create signage in store and review menus to ensure they comply with legislation.

10/10

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

I have learnt and developed a lot of skills: From communicating with different stakeholders, I have improved this skill by adapting my method of communication by realizing what will be most effective. I have also improved in: Excel skills, Organisation, ability to analyse data.

10/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

I have enjoyed my entire programme as I have experienced 4 different departments, which before joining the apprenticeship I wouldn't know how they functioned. The culture at Fortnum's is great, everyone is willing to help and support you to develop your career.

10/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

Very organized , before each rotation I meet with my future managers to understand what roles and projects I will be completing but it allows me to tell them about my apprenticeship. In addition, at the end of each rotation we receive feedback on methods to improve.

10/10

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

I have received significant amount of support: From joining this organisation, everyone was friendly and providing me tips about our organisation. My managers in each department support me with my many questions. In addition, we have a HR manager who we communicate with for any questions about the apprenticeship.

10/10

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

Every 4 weeks, we must attend a session which we learn new subjects which will overall support us in reaching our qualification. We are assigned a coach in which we have coaching sessions and progress reviews with.

10/10

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

In our sessions with the provider, we have key areas to learn: GDPR, data cleaning , data validation, visualizations. From these sessions, we apply what we have learnt to our everyday role however sometimes not all the content we are taught is relevant.

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.)

We do have departments socials , plus the company have organized social activities. The culture is great at Fortnum's that it easy to build friendships with colleagues.

9/10

9a. Would you recommend Fortnum & Mason to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

I would say my apprenticeship is very unique and I have learnt so many skills that have enhanced my career. As a proactive learner , I prefer an apprenticeship over a degree as I believe it is more rewarding. At the organisation, you constantly what to learn !!

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Fortnum & Mason?

Do your research - Fortnum's has a huge history which we greatly pride ourselves on. In your interview, you should highlight this area. But most importantly, be yourself !!