Background
Joanna Szpilewska is a Store Manager at Starbucks Holland Park, having joined the Level 5 Operations Manager apprenticeship programme in July 2024. With a passion for personal development and a commitment to enhancing her skills, Joanna embarked on this journey while continuing her work responsibilities.
Motivation to Pursue an Apprenticeship
Joanna was motivated to enrol in the Starbucks apprenticeship programme primarily for the opportunity it presented for professional growth and upskilling. She appreciated that the programme aligned with her role and could be completed within her working hours, making it a manageable and rewarding option.
Learning Experience
Joanna’s experience has been overwhelmingly positive. She found the workshops particularly beneficial, as they allowed her to connect with colleagues from different parts of the company, sharing ideas and best practices.
The Personal Development Plan (PDP) aspect of the programme provided her with practical tools to improve her time management skills and focus on her wellbeing. She learned to recognise different working styles within her team, which enabled her to adopt a more adaptable approach in her leadership.
Impact on Current Role
The training Joanna has received so far on programme has greatly improved her management skills. The challenges presented during the apprenticeship encouraged her to step outside her comfort zone, stretching her skill set in areas she previously found daunting. This personal growth has translated into her daily operations, making her more competent and confident in her role.
Challenges Faced
Joanna has encountered a couple of challenges which she has managed to overcome. The primary hurdle was finding dedicated time to focus on her studies, given the busy environment of the store. She found that being strict with her schedule and allocating 3-4 hours each week for her programme was crucial for success.
She also felt overwhelming at first by the resources available. To overcome this, she learned to concentrate on one task at a time instead of trying to absorb everything all at once. This approach helped her stay focused and avoid fatigue.
Support Received
Joanna attributed part of her success to the support received from her Inspiro trainer. Her trainer provided specific deadlines, practical time management tips, and clear communication throughout the process. Regular follow-up emails after meetings ensured Joanna knew her next steps and felt comfortable reaching out for help.
Enjoyable Aspects of the Apprenticeship
Joanna especially enjoyed the workbooks, which offered a more detailed way to learn. She found in-person sessions helpful to solidify her understanding and liked experimenting with new ideas in a supportive setting.
Advice for Potential Apprentices
Joanna shared “Embarking on an apprenticeship can really help you unlock your potential and sharpen your time management skills. I’d suggest picking one extra task each week to keep you focused with the programme. Make sure to set aside about 3-4 hours weekly to your learning—this time is truly valuable for your growth and development!”
Get in touch with our friendly team to have a chat about how apprenticeships can boost your staff development.
