B&Q Apprenticeships Journey Guide

Your journey starts here... Check out Mylo or Yammer for more info or apply online at www.bandqapprenticeships.co.uk

contents 3 Why do an apprenticeship 4 What’s involved 5 Top Tips for an Apprentice 6 Top Tips for a Manager 7 What apprenticeships are available 24 Apprenticeship journey 26 What our colleagues think 2 www.bandqapprenticeships.co.uk

why do an apprenticeship? You can gain an industry recognised qualification whilst doing your day job. In-role development C omplete a mix of on the job and online learning Improve your skills and knowledge L earn at your own pace Take on new challenges B e supported by dedicated learning coaches – experts in their fields L earn while you earn Q ualify for student discount O pportunity to obtain functional skills (level 1 or 2) for English and Maths O pen to all ages Good to know… Self-study is an important part of the apprenticeship. It’s recommended you complete anything up to three hours of self-study per week depending on the course you take. Self-study activities range from written work to e-learning activities. These will need to be planned in your diary. Taking on an apprenticeship involves a big commitment from you as the apprentice, so make sure that it’s something you really want to do! How to apply… You can now apply to do an apprenticeship 24/7 365 days of the year at bandqapprenticeships.co.uk Please ensure you have spoken with your manager before applying. 3 www.bandqapprenticeships.co.uk

what’s involved Are you eligible? To be eligible for an apprenticeship, the following applies: B e aged 16+ N ot be in any other form of education or external training W ork a minimum of 20 hours per week (which will extend the length of the apprenticeship) H ave been a resident in the EEA (European Economic Area) for at least 3 years N ot have a qualification at the same level or above in a similar area M ust have a good record of attendance and not be receiving any disciplinary action How will it work? T ypically takes 12-18 months to complete R emote and face to face sessions with a Lifetime Learning Coach E nglish & Maths tuition (if required) S essions can take up to 2 hours with independent learning set in-between. Activities may include practical observations, on-line activities, project work and mock assessments 2 4-hour on-line access to resources and individual learning platform Aptem A t the end of your apprenticeship you will sit your final assessment with an independent assessor Y our manager will support you through your journey including your end point assessments (EPA) Y ou can gain a pass or a distinction on completion and will be invited to the B&Q graduation event 4 www.bandqapprenticeships.co.uk

Top tips when you’re an apprentice We asked our current apprentices what advice would you give? 1. M anage your time well, life as an apprentice is slightly different to your normal day. You need to ensure you plan in enough time to study and have regular reviews with your line manager. 2. Be committed to the learning. Learning is key to growth and progress whilst also improving your knowledge, skills and behaviour. 3. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. There’s a massive network of support available from B&Q, L&D, Lifetime and other apprentices past and present that are only too happy to help. There is also lots of resources available on Mylo and Yammer. www.bandqapprenticeships.co.uk

top tips for managers What’s involved? Independent learning will be set by the Learning Coach to complete An apprenticeship is a workplace development in-between visits programme supported by our partner Lifetime Training. L ine managers provide opportunities to develop skills and behaviours in 1 21 training sessions will take place every the workplace 4-6 weeks between the apprentice and their Learning Coach How can I support my team to be successful in their apprenticeship? We know you want to get the best from your all scheduled sessions unless there apprentice, and we do too. The following are extenuating circumstances where a information has been supplied to help you minimum of 48 hours notice must be given support them. U nit Managers and Line Managers in Take the time to understand what’s England will need to provide support involved and what your role is and input throughout the apprenticeship, especially during the EPA K eep in touch with your Learning Coach to get updates on how your apprentice You will need to allow your Apprentice time is progressing during their working hours for: R egular catch ups with your apprentice S cheduled 121’s with their Learning Coach and the support you provide is vital to (approx. 2 hours every 4-6 weeks) - your their success Apprentice should schedule these at an appropriate time within their working week M ake sure you give your apprentice opportunities to develop their relevant Independent study and skills, knowledge and behaviours workplace development S tretch and challenge them This should all be booked in on the rota wherever possible in advance. Y ou must ensure your apprentice attends Top tips! Make sure you have regular conversations with your team to discuss the apprenticeship Nominate an apprenticeship champion who opportunities and how they can be included as has completed or is on an apprenticeship. part of their development. They can be used to provide extra support and advice. Reach out for support if you, or your Apprentice are unsure of anything related to Agree a preferred method of communication the apprenticeship – your dedicated Learning with the Learning Coach. It’s important they Coach, Melony Southall Lifetime/B&Q can reach you easily and provide progress Programme Facilitator, Yammer and the B&Q updates in the way that works best for you L&D team are always here to support you. (e.g email, phone call). 6 www.bandqapprenticeships.co.uk

what apprenticeships are available? Level 5 available Level 5 Unit managers looking to further enhance their for UM Operational Manager knowledge, skills and behaviours and be the best they can be in their current role. (Application form available on request) Level 5 available Level 5 Responsible for leading a team, developing their for DM/UM Coaching Professional people, giving direction, guidance and support. (Application form available on request) Level 4 available Level 4 Drive sales and great for TM/DM Retail Manager customer experience. With strong communication and leadership skills. Level 3 available Level 3 Retail Team Leaders & Trading Managers give great for TL/TM and Team Leader service to all customers. They support their customer service manager to develop their teams and drive sales. for Showroom Colleagues Level 3 Customer Showroom colleagues that give great customer Service Specialist service. Who support their team to develop, drive sales and act as a role model. Level 2 Retailer (CAs) give great service and product knowledge to all of our customers. Level 2 available Level 2 Customer (CAs) give great service for CA level Service Practitioner to all our customers. Level 2 Trade Supplier Specifically designed for Tradepoint (see separate Tradepoint guide) www.bandqapprenticeships.co.uk

YOUR JOURNEY Level Level 23 3 Every customer Team Lea experience starts here. coordinate Customer advisors provide identify and exceptional service and opportunities sales, provide product knowledge. training, and their departme to the best of it Customer Advisor Team Leader TradePoint Advisor Showroom Advisor Retail Team Leader Retailer Level 2 Level 3 Trade Supplier Level 2* Customer Service Practitioner Level 2 Customer Service Specialist Level 3** *Available only to Tradepoint colleagues **Available only for showroom colleagues Check out our apprenticeship page on Mylo or Yammer for

Y STARTS HERE Level Level 34 45 ders Trading Managers are work, responsible for delivering deliver sales targets and a positive to drive e team customer experience. ensure Leading and developing ent works a team requires excellent ts ability. communication skills. Maximising income and A Deputy/Unit Manager minimising waste. Trading manages teams, Managers must develop their business acumen and people achieving operational or management skills as these departmental goals and are essential to their role. objectives. Responsibilities may include creating & delivering operational plans, managing projects, leading & managing teams, managing change, financial and resource management, talent management, coaching and mentoring. Trading Deputy Manager Manager Unit Manager Retail Team Leader Level 3 Retail Manager Retail Manager Level 4 Level 4 Coaching Professional Level 5 *** Operational Manager Level 5 *** ***Separate nomination process – please check with L&D for more details r more info or apply online at bandqapprenticeships.co.uk

customer service practitioner level 2 standard Customer Service Practitioners (we call them customer advisor or CAs for short) give great service to all of our customers. What’s covered? U nderstand your organisation: Apprentices will look at a range of sectors and learn K now your customers: This is all about more about B&Q’s employer brand internal and external customers and understanding their needs and expectations Y our role and responsibilities: As development plans are key, apprentices will C ommunication: There are different understand how to make one, review their types of communication. Apprentices progress and take on board feedback will get to grips with these and how they can impact the customer experience Teamwork: Apprentices learn how to help make a team successful. They will T he customer experience: Apprentices understand why teamwork is important will learn how to create a great customer and how it supports great customer service experience and approach customer conflict R egulations and legislation: This is P roducts and services: This module goes all about the importance of following into detail about how to sell the features and business processes, the laws that apply benefits of B&Q’s products. The apprentice and their personal responsibilities will also learn how technology can support their learning and benefit customers End-point Assessment The methods of assessment are: O bservation Apprentice Showcase P rofessional Discussion What will an apprentice gain at the end of the standard? L earners living in England: L earners living in Scotland: A nationally recognised apprenticeship An equivalent Scottish qualification mapped certificate – Customer Service Practitioner to the standard listed above Level 2 L earners living in Northern Ireland, L earners living in Wales: An equivalent ROI & Channel Islands: A B&Q record Welsh qualification mapped to the standard of achievement to celebrate successful listed above completion. There is no external accreditation available 10 www.bandqapprenticeships.co.uk

retailer level 2 standard Retailers (we call them customer advisor or CAs for short) give great service and product knowledge to all of our customers. What’s covered? our customers the right information K now your customers: This is all about S tock control & merchandising: internal and external customers and Apprentices will learn about stock understanding their needs and expectations control and merchandising C ommunication: There are different W orking with Technology: Technology types of communication. Apprentices is a great tool. They will understand how will get to grips with these and how they to use technology and how it can support can impact the customer experience the sale of products and services B usiness and brand reputation: L egislation and Governance: Apprentices Apprentices will find out about B&Q’s will learn about legislative responsibilities vision and objectives. They will also learn relating to B&Q, their team and the more about B&Q’s employer brand products and services being sold P ersonal development: This module will E quality & Diversity: The apprentices help apprentices take personal responsibility will learn about working with people from for their learning. The apprentices will learn a wide range of backgrounds and cultures how to make changes to drive improvements and recognise how local demographics can impact on a product range T he sales process: Apprentices learn about B&Q products and service. They F inance: This is all about the importance of will look at a range of sales techniques meeting sales targets and how to drive sales and understand how these can help give P rofessional Discussion End-point Assessment The methods of assessment are: O n Screen Test O bservation What will an apprentice gain at the end of the standard? L earners living in England: A nationally L earners living in Scotland: An equivalent recognised apprenticeship certificate – Scottish vocational qualification mapped to Retailer Level 2 the standard listed above L earners living in Wales: An equivalent L earners living in Northern Ireland, Welsh vocational qualification mapped to ROI & Channel Islands: A B&Q record of achievement to celebrate successful the standard listed above completion. There is no external accreditation available 11 www.bandqapprenticeships.co.uk

trade supplier level 2 standard The trade supplier will usually operate a small warehouse and a trade counter which encourages regular professional trade customers who have technical knowledge about the products or services they are looking to purchase. When working on the trade counter, customer sales will be the focus. Training benefits O n completion of this 12-15 month standard, apprentices will demonstrate a range of excellent trade supplier knowledge, skills and behaviours. These are developed over the course of the programme via scheduled learning interventions with employer mentors and Lifetime Team Members. Learning activities and coaching sessions are aligned to support the learner to learn, practice and prepare for End-point Assessment Observation What’s covered? T rade Counter and Telesales Services: Apprentices learn to identify opportunities P ersonal Development: Apprentices will to ‘upsell’ products and services using demonstrate an understanding of their suitable questioning techniques. They will personal impact on the success of their demonstrate how they establish the facts team by exploring a variety of behaviours allowing for a customer focused experience and actions. They will gain an understanding of business requirements for personal P rinciples of Warehousing and presentation and the use of PPE within their Stock Control: Apprentices will gain an role, to maintain the required standards awareness of the organisation’s procedures for the correct use of PPE requirements T he Organisation: Apprentices will and the safe movement, storage and stock promote their organisation’s core values control of products. Risk assessments will be and understand how these link to its completed to ensure safety is maintained success, with a key focus on the mission, objective and culture. They will demonstrate L egislative Responsibilities: their ability to communicate the customer Apprentices learn how to adhere to security service offer and understand the impact of procedures and health and safety within a an organisation’s brand and reputation trade supplier environment. They will gain an understanding of the impact legislation S pecialist Trade Customer Profile: has on the customer service provision Apprentices will have the opportunity to promote the product and service offer to meet the identified needs of their internal and external customers. This will require them to demonstrate their adaptability in the service approach to ensure trust is built and repeat custom maintained 12 www.bandqapprenticeships.co.uk

What’s covered? E nvironmental Impact: Apprentices will explore the environmental impact P ersonal Responsibilities and made within the sector, and the ability to Performance: Apprentices will carry out minimise their own impact and manage tasks with consideration for others and waste during their daily activities seek support and help when required. They will be able to demonstrate how they C areer Development: Apprentices gain take a systematic approach to problem an understanding of the next steps they solving within the limits of their authority can take to progress their personal and professional development, for example: what A ppropriate Technologies: Apprentices will do I want to achieve and where am I now? learn the use of IT systems, equipment and technology in an effective manner. They will understand the benefits of using technology for internal and external interactions and the limitations that can be experienced Assessment Practice R egular evaluation sessions with managers and Lifetime Team Members will include performance observations, Q&A sessions and a series of professional discussions. To prepare for a final assessment apprentices will be asked to complete a number of activities in-between visits End-point Assessment A pprentices access End-point Assessment following a gateway discussion with their employer and Lifetime Team Member where entry requirements are discussed, checked and recorded including functional skills at the required level. The Trade Supplier Level 2 End Point Assessment will include the following types of assessment: M ultiple choice knowledge test P rofessional discussion with P ractical observation a portfolio of evidence What will an apprentice gain at the end of the standard? L earners living in England: L earners living in the devolved A nationally recognised apprenticeship nations: A B&Q record of achievement to celebrate successful completion. There certificate – Trade Supplier Level 2 is no external accreditation available 13 www.bandqapprenticeships.co.uk

customer service specialist level 3 standard Customer Service Specialists (Showroom Advisors) give great service to our Customers from design to a What’s covered? W orking with customers: Apprentices will proactively gather customer feedback, K now your customers: Apprentices will through a variety of methods. Critically analyse a range of internal and external analyse, and evaluate the meaning, customers to identify how their behaviour implication and facts to act upon it may require different approaches B usiness focused service: Understand P roviding a positive customer what continuous improvement means in experience: Apprentices will explore a service environment, and demonstrate, and interpret the customer experience, how they make recommendations for to inform and influence, a positive result change that will impact their organisation for overall customer satisfaction C ulture and environmental awareness: C ustomer service performance: Apprentices discover the importance of Apprentices will maintain a positive following business legislation, the laws that relationship even when they are unable to apply and their personal responsibilities deliver the customer’s expected outcome D evelop self: Apprentices consider their C ustomer journey: Understand and personal goals related to service and critically evaluate the possible journeys take action towards achieving them of their customers, including challenges throughout the end-to end experience T eam work: Apprentices will develop understanding of their business O wnership and responsibility: environment, culture and the position Personally commit to, and take ownership of customer service within it for, actions that resolve customer issues and meet the satisfaction of the E quality, diversity and inclusion: customer and their organisation Apprentices work effectively and collaboratively with colleagues at End-point Assessment all levels to achieve results The methods of assessment are: P rofessional Discussion supported by a Portfolio of Evidence O bservation with Q&A W ork based project with interview 14 www.bandqapprenticeships.co.uk

aftercare. What will an apprentice gain at the end of the standard? L earners living in England: A nationally L earners living in Scotland: recognised apprenticeship certificate – An equivalent Scottish qualification Customer Service Specialist Level 3 mapped to the standard listed above Learners living in Wales: L earners living in Northern An equivalent Welsh qualification Ireland, ROI & Channel Islands: A B&Q record of achievement to mapped to the standard listed above celebrate successful completion 15 www.bandqapprenticeships.co.uk

retail team leader level 3 standard Retail Team Leaders give great service to all of our customers. They support their managers to develop th What’s covered? M arketing: Apprentices will learn about local and online competitors. They will understand C ustomer: Apprentices will get to grips more about B&Q’s employer brand and how with the different types of customer. its products/services meet customer trends They understand how to drive a team to give great service to secure sales S tock Control & Merchandising: Apprentices will learn stock management, as well as C ommunication Skills: Learning all about seasonal opportunities and legal requirements communicating with their teams. They will understand how good communication W orking with Technology: Technology supports B&Q’s culture and helps is a great tool. They will understand how deliver great service to customers to use technology and how it can support the sale of products and services B usiness: This is all about B&Q’s vision, objectives and brand standards L egislation and Governance: Apprentices and how they can support these will learn about legislative responsibilities relating to B&Q, their team and the D eveloping Self and Others: products and services being sold Apprentices will understand how to take responsibility for developing themselves E quality & Diversity: As a team leader, and individuals in their team the apprentices will learn about leading people from a wide range of backgrounds L eading a Team: This module is about and cultures and recognise how local target setting, motivation, coaching and on demographics can impact on a product range the job training. They will understand how to support their team and help resolve conflict F inance: This is all about the importance of meeting sales targets and how to T he Sales Process: Apprentices drive sales through their teams will get to grips with sales techniques and how they can apply these P rofessional Discussion End-point Assessment The methods of assessment are: O n Screen Test B usiness Project and Presentation 16 www.bandqapprenticeships.co.uk

heir teams and drive sales. What will an apprentice gain at the end of the standard? L earners living in England: A nationally L earners living in Scotland: An recognised apprenticeship certificate equivalent Scottish qualification mapped – Retail Team Leader Level 3 to the standard listed above L earners living in Wales: An L earners living in Northern Ireland, equivalent Welsh qualification mapped ROI & Channel Islands: A B&Q record of achievement to celebrate to the standard listed above successful completion. There is no external accreditation available 17 www.bandqapprenticeships.co.uk

retail manager level 4 standard Retail Managers drive sales and great customer experience. They develop their teams through strong What’s covered? L eading a Team: This module is about target setting, motivation, coaching C ustomer: Apprentices will learn to and on the job training. They will manage the customer experience. understand how to support their team They understand how to drive a team and help resolve conflict. They will to give great service to secure sales learn how to conduct performance management and recruitment activities C ommunication Skills: Learning all T he Sales Process: Apprentices about leading clear communication with will learn about how to manage a their teams. They will understand how good team to achieve sales targets communication supports B&Q’s culture M arketing: Apprentices will learn and helps deliver great how to communicate B&Q’s employer service to customers brand and how its products/ services meet customer trends B usiness: This is all about leading a team to deliver B&Q’s vision, objectives and Professional Discussion brand standards. Apprentices will learn about: planning, analysis and evaluation to improve business performance D eveloping Self and Others: Apprentices will understand the importance of driving personal and team development. They will be able to identify the most relevant training and development for themselves and others End-point Assessment The methods of assessment are: Written Exam Business Project and Presentation 18 www.bandqapprenticeships.co.uk

g communication and leadership skills. What will an apprentice gain at the end of the standard? L earners living in England: A nationally L earners living in Scotland: An recognised apprenticeship certificate – equivalent Scottish vocational qualification Retail Manager Level 4 mapped to the standard listed above. Please note this will be accredited as a L earners living in Wales: An equivalent Level 3 qualification Welsh vocational qualification mapped to the standard listed above. Please note this L earners living in Northern Ireland, will be accredited as a Level 3 qualification ROI & Channel Islands: A B&Q record of achievement to celebrate successful completion. There is no external accreditation available 19 www.bandqapprenticeships.co.uk

operations/departmental mana level 5 standard An Operations/Departmental Manager manages teams and/or projects, achieving operational or departme What’s covered? P erformance Management: Delegates learn about building high performing L eading Leaders: Delegates learn about teams, managing teams to increase communicating organisational vision/ performance, motivating the team and goals & apply to teams. How to provide performance management techniques support to the team, developing the team and building an employee value proposition L eading Change: Delegates learn about to enable them to manage talent leading change within the business, managing resistance to change, change P ersonal Development: Delegates management techniques and risks in change learn how to identify, create and drive a personal development plan through use O perational Management: Candidates of time management and prioritisation learn about inputting to strategic planning, techniques. Reflect on own performance, create & deliver operational plans in working style and its impact on others line with organisational objectives and identifying/overcoming barriers. Commercial Influencing & Communication: Delegates awareness identifying opportunities, learn how to communicate effectively (verbal, setting KPIs, monitoring performance, non-verbal, written, digital), chair meetings produce management reports and present using a range of media, challenge and feedback. Build trust, use effective F inance: Delegates learn about business negotiation and influencing skills, manage finance: how to manage budgets, and financial conflict, identify and share good practice forecasting, monitor budgets and provide reports, consider financial implications of R ecruitment: Delegates learn decisions, adjust approach accordingly workforce planning techniques in order to successfully recruit. How to P roject Management: Delegates learn about use different methods of recruitment, setting up and managing a project using advertise roles, select those appropriate relevant tools and techniques, understand for a role and legislation to adhere to process management and risk management 20 www.bandqapprenticeships.co.uk

ager ental goals and objectives. Assessment: End-point Assessment: Regular evaluation sessions with managers Delegates access End-point Assessment and Management Development Coaches will following a gateway discussion with their be completed. In these the delegate will need to employer and Management Development present the knowledge they have acquired and Coach where entry requirements are how these skills have been applied within their discussed, checked and recorded including workplace. Delegates will be asked to produce a functional skills at the required level. portfolio of evidence and lead on a work based The Operations/Departmental Manager project that is appropriate to their workplace. Level 5 End-point Assessment will include the following types of assessment: K nowledge test using scenarios and questions S tructured competency based interview A ssessment of portfolio of evidence Assessment of the work based project followed by a presentation of the project with Q&A session P rofessional discussion 21 www.bandqapprenticeships.co.uk

coaching professional level 5 standard What’s covered? R eflections/Triad Sessions: A During this programme, the workshops will be Your Positive Impact Apprentices will be designed to include several ‘Triads’. able to demonstrate an understanding of These are practical sessions that are their impact on the success of themselves held in groups of three and encompass and individuals receiving coaching coaching protocols, ethics, and processes. (coaches), by exploring a variety of These sessions will include triads on behaviours and actions. They will gain contracting, questioning, feedback, an understanding of what CPD is and wellbeing/resilience, leadership/motivation, the importance of self-development/ and creative coaching. These sessions self-reflection to maintain the required will be revisited as appropriate and competencies and effectiveness of reflective practice will be encouraged their own coaching practices. S tructuring Sessions: The apprentice W hat is Coaching: LThey will acquire the will be able to grasp the crucial importance knowledge of the roles and responsibilities of contracting and as necessary the of a coach, including maintaining good re-contracting to all stakeholders, practice coaching protocols and code exploring relevant contracting coaching of conduct. They will be introduced to a models that will embody the learning coaching theory and process including and help the coachee set relevant communication and boundaries, with and meaningful objectives a desire to promote unconditional positive regard, non-judgementalism, B udding Emotions: They will discover and non-directiveness. They will adhere theories of emotional and social intelligence to relevant legislation, such as GDPR, and be able to apply these to uncover safeguarding, coaching competencies, ideas outside of core communication. and ethics described by the professional They will understand themselves further coaching bodies. Starting to take following the study of these theories. Being account of how time management will be able to build rapport and trust with others achieved through scheduling sessions, is another key element of this topics activities, and record keeping. C ommunication Counts: Communication T he Mind Wonder: Here the apprentice is a vital component of the coaching will acquire the understanding of the skills process. The apprentice will apply proficient of the coach. They will be able to recognise verbal (questioning and listening) and the energy shifts of themselves and their non-verbal communication, combined with coaches and recognise where there may non-judgemental approaches to feedback. be limiting beliefs that could be stifling the They will learn about the importance of not individual. They will learn techniques that making assumptions and begin to realise will allow barriers to be aired, managed, the type of coach they are. As this topic is and abled within a coaching context about communication, this will positively impact relationship management.

Awareness & Interventions: They will L eading Coaching Outcomes: The cover the meaning of personality type apprentice will understand the importance theories and integrate the importance of reflective practice, recapping on the of behaviours and actions towards reflections of the sessions that they have diversity, inclusion and bias. The self- been involved in; this will be supported by awareness subject will be revisited using theories of reflection and learning practice models and looking at the journey from and the basic school of psychology, NLP, Unconscious Incompetence to Unconscious including the interpretation and application Competence. The delivery will result in of these. They will ensure that they the apprentice being able to apply utmost can manage stakeholders of all levels professionalism that celebrates inclusion of seniority by overcoming challenges and diversity of all types of people, in coaching (resistance) and engaging considering also that their human values, with all stakeholders in the coaching personality preference, integrity, and relationship. They will be able to adapt to ontology will differ from person to person. using their own coherent coaching model from a contextual view of the coachee; E merging in Culture & High Values: including creative coaching sessions. The apprentice will look deep into the culture and values of the organisation to End-point Assessment further understand how this impacts the behaviours of them and others. They will The methods of assessment are: cover a range of theories that delve into culture and leadership styles, they will O bservation with questions and answers then apply their awareness to manage the effectiveness of their coaching Interview supported by a practice in meeting objectives. They will portfolio of evidence look at how leadership and motivation techniques are acquired to help their K nowledge Test coachees attain positive solutions.

your apprenticeship journey 03 01 02 Registration Learning Skills and Induction Coach Visits Endorsements The first step is an Induction After your induction you will These are a vital Appointment. This lasts have regular sessions with communication tool to be about 2 hrs and includes; your Learning Coach . used between the manager and apprentice. They help to K nowledge, skills C heck of Independent identify strengths and areas and behaviours check Learning completed. for improvement. to ensure compatibility of qualification and D elivery of Facilitated A skills endorsement is develop opportunities. Learning, could include completed alongside an observation or every module to check D etails logged on Efoilo practice assessment. understanding. Once the for compliance. module and any tasks are D iscuss Off the Job successfully completed, it Introduction to activities and Self is marked “Good to Go”. If independent learning. Reflection exercises more work is needed, then completed. feedback is given to aid F unctional skills support. development and help get S et a plan for the next the work to the level needed. S et a plan for the visit, learning and next visit. activities to be completed in between. 24 www.bandqapprenticeships.co.uk

04 06 05 Gateway End Point Graduation Assessment At the end of your learning Once you’ve passed your you’ll have a discussion At the end of the Apprenticeship, you’ll be to agree if you’re ready to programme there will be invited to attend a graduation take your End Point a final assessment involving ceremony to celebrate your Assessment. This stage is 3 different methods (These achievement. This is also referred to as Gateway. can vary within each an opportunity to recognise qualification). These will be those apprentices who have very similar to the practice gone above and beyond. and mock assessments already completed and will use the knowledge, skills and behaviours that have developed in the past 12 months. 25 www.bandqapprenticeships.co.uk

How the apprenticeship has helped my career progression The apprenticeship has given me a clear path to follow in order to progress. I am now able to support my department manager, and after achieving Retailer Level 2 I have now enrolled onto Retail Team Leader level 3 with a view to progress further within the company. Throughout, I have felt that the studies I have undertaken have complimented my work within the company, and vice-versa. The whole programme encouraged me to find information, challenge myself, and to really dig into all aspects of retail both at B&Q and generally. A broad range of topics are covered, providing in depth learning of all aspects of retail. Jo-Anne Retailer Level 2 & Retail Team Leader Level 3 26 www.bandqapprenticeships.co.uk

How apprenticeships benefit the learner and the store Apprentices are a great asset to our store, the additional skills and knowledge they gain working through the apprentice programs at all levels in store have allowed the apprentices to pursue their ambitions, to develop their skills, and in some cases progress their own career.  The training they are provided is of a high standard, and fits in perfectly with the support offered in store. The apprentices have all grown in confidence, maturity and abilities whilst on the course, which allows their managers to delegate responsibilities to the apprentices to support their departments and the other staff in store. Stuart Retail Manager Level 4 & Coaching Professional Level 5 27 www.bandqapprenticeships.co.uk