Apprentice Deputy Manager Review

by Iceland

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

8.2/10

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

The role involves managing the store and team. On a day to day basis, I run the store and lead the team by ensuring they complete any given task such as completing deliveries, pick online orders, or work backstock. I also ensure inventory levels are correct for stock as well as ensure waste is completed at the end of each day.

8/10

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

I have improved my existing management skills in order to become better at managing people. I have have also developed my knowledge in existing skilled areas such as online delivery management and stock investigation. I've also learnt how to complete new tasks such as manager van checks and blocking/unblocking online delivery time slots.

9/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

I enjoy the programme as I like the variety of interactive features Aptem has to offer in order for me to learn about the various programme topics. I also enjoy the fact I have the opportunity to grown within my role and develop a new mindset to go along with this.

8/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

The programme is really well structured and organised. It's easy to find the units you need to complete as well as how to upload work. You are given provisional dates of when to complete work by so that you are able to stay on track and up to date.

10/10

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

I receive support from my area, store and deputy managers who have helped mentor me in various ways throughout the programme in order to develop my skills. I received a lot of support from my store and deputy manager in particular as they have helped by showing me how to do something or help me through resolving issues I needed support with.

9/10

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

My training provider has provided a coach who is always on hand to contact if I need anything and is regularly in contact to see how I'm doing. The work coach has also provided me with various resources that have helped me throughout the programme such as off the job examples.

8/10

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

The qualification helps me to perform in my role better as the content involved helped me to think with a different mindset in regards to business operations which is something I didn't need to think about in my previous role. I feel that because of this I am able to perform much better as I now think of how I can help contribute towards the business when implementing things to continue operations in the store.

9/10

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.)

N/A

5/10

9a. Would you recommend Iceland to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

The company allows the opportunity for in house talent to grow and progress via these apprenticeship programmes, with the option of further development available later on should this wish to be progressed. They also want their employees to develop and progress since they push these opportunities which is great to see as it is something a lot of companies hold back on.

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

Iceland is a great company to apply for if you are looking for the opportunity to develop further in a retail career in the future. There are plenty of opportunities to develop when the time is right and there is constant support provided to you by your own team and manager.