Welcome
to a Pets at Home apprenticeship!
You are part of something special
At Pets At Home, we know that investing in our people will enable our business to thrive. We are passionate about supporting our Future Talent and so, on this apprenticeship, you will be an integral part of our success.
Here you will find some handy FAQs to support you on this apprenticeship journey as well as stories from other apprentices across the organisation.
We welcome you on this exciting path!
Apprenticeships make a difference
"Data analysis is a critical aspect of my role as a Product Owner because it enables me to make well-informed decisions about the direction and development of my product. By analysing data on customer behaviour, market trends, and system performance, I am able to identify opportunities and optimize the product roadmap to meet the needs of our target audience. Additionally, using data analysis to track the performance of product development allows me to learn from iterations, ensure that feature releases align with customer demands and business objectives, and continuously improve the product.
The apprenticeship program has significantly enhanced my skills in data analysis and reduced my reliance on external teams. For instance, I worked on a project aimed at increasing store-fulfilled home delivery orders. It was identified that we were not fulfilling as many delivery orders from stores as we had forecast was possible. To resolve this issue, I outlined the data requirements to be captured, implemented data capture, analysed the data, and identified areas for improvement. This project helped me discover four issues with the system and processes that would not have been identified without data analysis. After implementing resolutions, the number of orders from stores increased from 15,000 to 17,500 per week"
- Adam Hunt, Lead Product Owner and Data Apprentice
What support is available to me?
You will be able to access the following means of support while on your apprenticeship:
- Pets at Home Apprentice Chat Teams Channel (link) – This channel is for all Apprentices that are not part of an academy, linking colleagues across the business to interact and support each other on all things apprenticeships!
- Your Line Manager - Your Line Manager will play a key part of your apprenticeship and has committed to a tri-partite agreement with you, the learner, and your training provider to support you on your apprenticeship journey.
- Your Training Provider coach or mentor - Your training provider will be on-hand to support you on all things apprenticeships and will guide you as you take your carer journey to it's next level.
- The Future Talent Team - You can reach out to the Future Talent team at apprenticeships@vets4pets.com who will support with your learner needs and any training provider issues that may arise.
What can I expect?
Off-the-job training is learning that takes place outside of the normal day-to-day duties which supports the achievement of the apprenticeship.
The Education and Skills Funding Agency have stated all apprentices are required to complete at least 6 hours of their paid, contracted, working hours on off-the-job training (or 20% for those who started their apprenticeship prior to 1 Aug 2022).
You and your line manager must ensure that you get time in your working week to focus on off-the-job time. Failure to log your off-the-job time will impact your ability to complete your apprenticeship.
Your training provider will provide information on what is and isn't classed as off-the-job time and you can find out more in the off-the-job section of our Apprenticeships Guide, page 5.
Your line manager will be required to meet virtually with your training provider on a regular basis to keep up-to-date on your learning and provide any support needed.
By undertaking an apprenticeship, the business has invested up to £27,000* to support you with this learning, as well as 6 hours a week to focus on off-the-job time.
As an apprentice you are expected to stay on track of your learning, complete your End Point Assessment and achieve your apprenticeship in full.
Failure to complete an apprenticeship can be considered an ability and conduct issue and will affect your eligibility to an apprenticeship with the business in the future.
We encourage you to use all the support available and contact the Future Talent team should you struggle at any point to meet the expected standards of your apprenticeship.
Future Talent Team - apprenticeships@vets4pets.com
*funding amount depends on apprenticeship standard.
As well as the regular updates between your training provider and your line manager, the Future Talent team also receive monthly reports on your progress.
Here we will identify if additional support is required (for example more off-the-job time or help with exams) and will reach out to you and/or your line manager as appropriate.
We will also share with your line manager if you have been identified as a high performer!
You will be required to complete a work-based project in order to pass your End Point Assessment (EPA) and achieve your apprenticeship.
We encourage you to identify a work based project with your line manager that will have a positive impact to your team and showcase your new abilities.
Your Future Talent team contact
Donna Regueira
