My name is Debbie, and I am an Abri resident living in Windsor. I contacted Abri’s employment team after receiving information about the Sector Based Work Academy at Tesco that was planned as part of their Unlimited Potential Project.
The team contacted me, and we completed the first part of the enrolment form. I was then booked onto the training and attended the instore day in October in the Dedworth Tesco. As part of this day I was introduced to the aims, values and behaviours of Tesco and given an overview of the organisation and different job roles available. In addition, we had a tour of the store and were given the opportunity of some practical work experience.
The following day I took part in two employability sessions presented by Abri on Teams. These sessions covered: identifying current and future vacancies at Tesco; preparing applications; and preparing for an interview. I was also sent links to complete online training towards a Retail Skills Certificate and a Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate, both of which I successfully passed. I was then invited to participate in a mock interview in preparation for my upcoming interview with Tesco which was invaluable experience.
I also sent my CV to the employment team and they reviewed and updated it ready for my interview with Tesco. The interview went well, and I was pleased to be invited to apply for one of the posts when they became available later that week. The employment team were on hand to help me with my application ensuring both that and my ID were submitted on time and checking that they had been received and processed. I was delighted to be offered a temporary job in the store which I started in November.
Since then I have enjoyed my role and been able to take up the offer of overtime. I feel I have settled in well at the store and am hoping that I will be able to stay there and become a permanent member of the team. In the meantime, the employment team have stayed in contact and it is great to know they are there if I need them.
In addition, last week I was thrilled when the store manager came to congratulate me on the great feedback I had received from several very good reviews customers had posted online which referenced my name.
The training I received through the Sector Based Work Academy was great and I don’t think there was anything that Abri could have done to make it better. I am so grateful to the team and am really happy at Tesco. The mock interviews were especially useful and George who conducted mine was a star!
Abri customer