Rating

6.8/10

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

Managing the overall operation of a Co-Op Group supermarket and leading a team of people.

7/10

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

9/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

10/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

3/10

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

6/10

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

7/10

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

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.)

The apprenticeship takes up a lot of personal time, on top of a job that already demands a lot of hours, including evenings, mornings and weekends. Group the 2 together and it is a cocktail for having hardly any free time. Holidays and days off are often spent on the apprenticeship.

5/10

9a. Would you recommend Co-op to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

They are investing heavily in me and are really pushing me to succeed. The industry of food retail is unsocial and demanding and doesn't really lend itself to things like this. But that's not my employers fault. They have been very fair and accommodating all things considered and are right behind me.

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Co-op?

It's a great scheme and a great investment in people. I would highly recommend. Other employers in the industry will never invest in their people in such a way and it really makes you fell valued. Be warned though, that the apprenticeship is your new hobby for 3 years. Even though you are paid for a day per week to participate (and your hours credited to your store), the day job still needs to be done and your responsibilities do not change. But it's not supposed to be easy. Supermarket managers are highly skilled hard working people, and no other business within this industry will be this supporting and accommodating.