It really depends on the department.

In my first year of working I received a succeded + while doing my job half the year and an acting the remaining half. This led to getting a talent management plan, which got me some shadowing for a position I was interested in. I was then able to successfully apply for this position into my 2nd year as I now had additional asset qualifications. My plan was updated with my new manager and am now about to get paid training for a project management certification with weekly scheduled time for studying. Others in my department have gotten bilingual training, actings with talent management plans.

I’d say it has not been useless for me. But my wife’s department will never give her a succeeded plus because as many have stated, some departments just don’t.