Trainee Assistant Buyer Review

Still being part way through my placement, so far i have really enjoyed working for Matalan, it's fast paced environment means you are never short for soemthing to do and you are treated not just as a student placement but as an actual trainee in employment. The support that is offered from placement teams and colleagues is great and everyone is happy to help.

The team i was put in for my placement have been one of the reasons my time here has been so enjoyable. Everyone, no matter what level and across the whole floor- not just my department, is really friendly and offers help in anyway they can. Everyone treats each other with the same level of respect and wants each other to suceed.

I have been given lots of support from management and supervisors, including regular catch-ups with my line manager and another trainee, in which we go through things fortnightly that may help me progress in my role here in matalan and also my work when i go back to University. i also complete reviews and PDR's every 6-12 weeks to make notes of how I am getting on.

As a trainee I am very busy on a daily basis which was a bit of a shock at first. Learning about the role in University you gain some insight into what you will be responsible for/ daily tasks you will complete, however after actually begining in the role you realise you are in charge of a lot more than this. However, these taks just become the norm after a few weeks.

Again, I was given what seemed like a lot of responisibilty at first, being in charge of approvals and strike off's and also the Critical Path (the most important thing). However, again, once you get used to the daily tasks that need completing it becomes a lot easier and less daunting. In a short space of time I was going to fit sessions alone in the absence of my buyer.

The training i have received has helped me a lot with my degree as things that weren't as clear from just leanring theory i now know just how important they are, and also how important each role within the buyer heirarchy is. I have also learnt a lot more about the industry as a whole and how working with other departments within the retail business can help build/ create ranges.

the atmosphere in the office is really nice and relaxed, although it can be demanding at times the outcome is always worth it and is a really nice enviornment to work in. There are also regular smaller businesses coming in which is great to network and see what products they have to sell.

the placement is really well organised, you have lots of support whenever you need it and you are in constant contact with placement teams in the business and university so there is always someone available if you have any problems from day one up until the day that you finish.

the company invests so much into you particularly for an early career development. You are signed up to regular masterclasses that are relevant to your job role and how to use the latest technologies being developed. Each trainee also has a career path which is good to document what you have completed to progree levels.

I would like to come back after i have completed my degree at University as i believe the training opportunities here and how much time is invested into you is something that would be rare to find in other companies, and have progressed already in the short space of time being here.

There are group chats and regular catch-ups with the placement teams as well as a few nights out. I was lucky to know someone from my course also starting placement when i did so this made it easier for me. Everyone's nervous at first as it's most people's first full time job but its good to have eachother to speak to.

I lived at home during my placement so cost of living was just my normal. I know there were a few others who had moved to liverpool as this was the closest area to find housing and the rates werent too bad if living in the areas similar to students attending the universities.

Liverpool City Center and Manchester are only about 20/30 minutes away from Head Office so both good for nights out. It's easier if you drive but there are taxi's and train/ bus stations near to Head Office too so travelling isnt too hard.

There are lots of fundraising events you can get involved in outside of work as Alder Hey Children's Hospital and Matalan work really closesly together to raise money for their cause and the hospital itself. There is also conference's that can be fun to be involved in as you get to see other departments product for the upcoming season.