Apprentice Name - Jessica Holmes
Apprenitceship Title - Retail Team Leader Level 3
Employer -Lifetime Training/Iceland Foods.
WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO DO AN APPRENTICESHIP?
In order to progress in my career at Iceland and becoming a supervisor I had to undergo a lifetime retail team leader level 3 apprenticeship.
Because i am very career driven and want a successful career at Iceland it was the best option for me to get to where I want to be.
PLEASE DESCRIBE YOUR EXPERIENCE.
If I'm entirely honest, I didn’t get off to a great start with the apprenticeship program. Iceland had only just started doing apprenticeships so I was the first person on my area and region to start the program. This meant I struggled with getting the support I needed as nobody really knew what I was to be doing. I was placed in a very busy store where I didn’t receive the allotted time for training or development and began to feel unmotivated. This all changed when my Store Manager and trainer worked together to build a plan for my apprenticeship. However, I had a fantastic tutor who pushed me to be the best I could be. She mentored me through tough times at work and gave me self belief. The apprenticeship program has given me great self confidence and has led me to have a wider knowledge on the business I work for.
HOW HAS YOUR APPRENTICESHIP HELPED YOU PROGRESS IN YOUR CAREER?
One of the requirements for my apprenticeship was to create a business project on an opportunity within the business. I created a business proposal linked to simplification and sustainability. I proposed my idea to directors within the business and my idea is currently being rolled out in all stores. Because of this I have been given so many opportunities to progress within my career. I was invited to spend two days at the head office spending time in different departments such as merchandising, marketing, buying, floor planning, hr and customer relations to expand my knowledge on the business and work out where I could see myself in the future.
I also got nominated to attended the best companies awards for the Sunday times where I represented the company.
I have also been promoted to senior supervisor within my store and as soon as I pass my driving test I will be attending store manager assessment days to become an apprentice store manager.
WHAT DO YOU FEEL ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF DOING AN APPRENTICESHIP OVER OTHER TRAINING OR EDUCATION?
As the apprenticeship is widely recognised by many retailers i think its fantastic to have this qualification if i was the leave the company.
I went to college for 2 years and the type of training you receive is completely different. apprenticeships are definitely the way forward.
the training i received during my apprenticeship was all relevant and also includes life skills.
And then stating the obvious, you get paid for doing an apprenticeship. in comparison to my previous education you work harder and feel more motivated when you get paid whilst completing your training.
