Warehouse Team Manager Review

My Placement has been an incredible year. I have worked with some great people and learned a vast amount from fellow managers who have also come through the scheme. I am constantly pushed to develop myself even further and fine tune my management style. The resposnsibilty I have been given is incredible and never thought I would be managing a team of up to 40 people day in day out.

My colleagues were all very supportive of me and always answered any questions or concerns I had. From day one I was respected and treated like any other Manager even though I was still at University. I have made great friends during my year through fellow peers, employees, other graduates and placement students.

My Line Manager was exceptional in helping me progress and turn me into the Manager I am today. Having been on the placement scheme himself and progressed through the company, he was more than aware of the challenges and opportunities that I could face. We held weekly meetings and always wanted to push me to achieve more. The Early Talent were fantastic in making sure I was settled within my job and always available if I had any queries.

Each day is completely different and no two days are the same. There is always something to be done whether it be operational or non-operational. There are seasonal periods that will last a week to two weeks were we are extremely busy where each manager will have a specific role to undertake.

At times I had full responsibility of certain areas such as Intake, Outloading and even running the chambers in the warehouse at weekends. However you only get the responsibility when you feel ready and you are always fully prepared and mentored throughout the whole process. I did not expect to be given the responsibility I have been given especially as University student.

I have massively been able to improve my people skills, time management and fine tune my management style through the mentorship of my fellow managers. I have had external training organised by Gist such as an IOSHH qualification and First Aid, alongside various other management courses.

We are not office based but the team ethos is very good and we all work together to achieve the same goal. Fellow Managers who are specialised in certain areas are always willing to teach me new things and help me master their task. It is certainly a family feel around the place as everyone looks out for each other.

The whole process and scheme is organised incredibly well. The Early Talent team ensure you are comfortable in your surroundings and the scheme allows you to personalise your own pathway. I have been able to visit various depots and departments to make the most out of my year with the view to returning on the graduate scheme.

The company invested in me attending an IOSHH course as well as a First Aid course. Many workshops and activities to aid the development of all students on the scheme. Placing students in an environment with experienced managers also adds to its own from of training, although this is more informal.

The opportunity to return on the graduate scheme is a real prospect. Having seen fellow managers come through the scheme it is clear to see there is a great chance to progress. The opportunity to explore different pathways is a real incentive and freedom to make the most of your time at Gist.

The Early Talent team organise an induction week with fellow students when you first start, in which we did Archery, laser tag and segways. The social scene is ultimately what you make of it. I have built good relationships with fellow students and we have met up several times.

In my situation I decided to commute from home so was not living in the local area.

I commuted from home so was not staying in the local area. However there was the opportunity to go out with fellow colleagues if you wanted to.

Ultimately this is down to the individual. If you are willing to make the effort, then there are opportunities available. I have helped organise 5 a side football for the workers and gone for meals with my colleagues after work.