Frequently Asked Questions

Where can the Tesco Trainee Management Options Programme take me?

In short, wherever you want. The first stage is Line Manager. Then we have development programmes to take you further in your career and across the business, for example from Manager to Director.

What happens after sign off?

You will be appointed into your first management position after six months. You will then discuss your career with your Store Manager and will continue to be tracked by the central team for another six months, to ensure a smooth transition into your new management position. You will also enrol on a workshop at Manchester Metropolitan University, which will complete your accreditation modules and equip you with a Higher Education Award.

What will I be required to do to gain the Higher Education Award?

You will be required to attend two intensive days at University followed by access to an e-learning environment. You will complete a self managed project that will ultimately be aimed at real life business improvements. Following completion of the Accreditation, you may have the opportunity to go on to complete our Foundation Degree in Retailing.

How long is it?

The Trainee Management Options Programme lasts 12 months: six months' training and then six months in your first management role.

Is it only for 18 year olds?

Not at all. The programme is open to anyone who has the UCAS criteria we require.

Do you go to different stores?

Yes. If you are internal, you will generally move stores at the beginning of your programme. You also move stores for your placement as a manager, and some people will also move stores once they're signed off into a management role.

What's the training structure?

You will start in one of our stores as a Team Leader and will actively carry out this role while developing towards your management position. You will have a three-week store familiarisation at the start of the programme, which will help you understand how the store works. We'll also expect you to spend a week working nights, so you can fully understand the 24-hour operation within retail. You will then embark on your training.

Your training will give you the technical and leadership skills you will need for your target management role. It will also help you determine if you already have these skills or if you need to complete training to develop them. You will be eased into your placement by picking up a small area of your store first, before entering onto your management placement. Once this is completed, you will attend a sign off meeting before being appointed into a role.

When do I find out the salary?

Upon offer. You can ask about this when you have completed the selection process - however the answer will only be a guideline as our pay structure is reviewed yearly.

How much responsibility is there - will I manage people?

When you first start as a Team Leader, you'll spend 20% of your time coaching and leading others. In your placement you will hold the full accountability of a manager, including managing people and targets. You will, however, have support to do this at the beginning of your placement. Full accountability will come once you're appointed into the role.

How much support do I get?

The programme has to be driven by you. You'll have full accountability for your development. However, you'll have a team around you to support you at all times. We will expect you to proactively seek feedback, complete your development folder and plan your time. There will be weekly informal reviews with your Line Manager and formal four-weekly reviews with your Store Manager. Your Line Manager will support and guide you as your mentor, but you will need to do all your prep work. Your Personnel Manager will help you get booked on to all of the relevant technical and leadership courses, and will also support you in writing your Personal Development plan. Once you're ready for sign off, your manager and Personnel Manager will help you prepare.

Do I have to have worked for Tesco already?

No, you don't. We take on people both from within and outside Tesco.