apprentice Review

Currently I am on the Racking/Reach team, where I am carrying out three months work here. My daily tasks consist of damage checks, driver checks, rear slot and front slot checks. I have to report any mistakes or issues that I find whilst carrying these out. I report to my 2-3 deputy's and section leader each day depending on who is in, and externally no interactions. I am responsible for the quality and how well I carry out all of my tasks each day and make sure that they are done to the best of my ability.

Since I have started my apprenticeship in July 18th of 2016 I have learnt a considerable amount of skills within the company, Firstly I have learned a range of Health and safety and MHE(picker truck, pallet truck, bulk mover) since I started and I am pending a forklift course and reach truck course within the next 2 weeks. I have been shown how to operate a scanner to buck in and manage the amount of stock we receive. I am currently using the computer now that I have started my second year and I have access to shipping and receiving whereby I can operate the PLS (pallet location system)and help set up the pick and run it.

I enjoy the fact that I am not just doing one task I get to try a complete range of jobs such as scanning in items and doing the receiving on the computer, damage checks to see what has happened to the racking, driver checks whereby I monitor how efficient the drivers are at the jobs, I will soon be reach trained so I can help place stock in the racking. I am selector trained so I can help with the pick if its lengthy, I get to try shift patters of all types such as nights so I get to see how it is run differently at different times of day. the team I am with is friendly and helpful and are happy to answer all questions. The job currently exceeds my expectations of what I thought it was meant to be.

As an apprentice we carry out more tasks than the average selector or bulk driver etc. which I like as my deputies and section leader come to me with the tasks to complete make me feel like a valued member of the team as they know I will carry out the job to the best of my ability and trust me with the tasks. internally as an apprentice it means I am able to do more tasks thereby I am approach by more people however externally people don't really understand what logistics is so there is not a lot of recognition. to conclude I feel like a member to the team and that I am needed in a lot of scenarios.

Now there is 9 apprentices instead of the 6 from when I started, we were originally carrying out our programme with first for skills and during which time we saw them monthly which wasn't really enough to cover everything and answer all questions etc. however they we helpful and clear but un fortunately they went into administration which left us without an provider, and then a company took over straight away but didn't meet our requirements which led to me being without a provider for around 4-5 months but then luckily mantra took over and is now getting us back up to date with our programme meeting me for longer and more frequent. in terms of support and training its very abundant and helpful.

my new training provider mantra to me has offered very little in terms of support as they are new and I have been on night shift so they haven't arranged for me to come in at a specific time therefore I have not seen anyone in 4 months and when I did meet them for the first time there we not very prepared and he didn't seem to have much of an understanding of what had gone on and how to run the programme so hopefully in my up coming meeting he can clear a few things and help get me back on track. I will be very happy when I meet him as I have felt out the loop for the past couple of months, however I feel that its not on purpose and he will be happy to help and answer my questions.

in terms as support from Aldi as an employee we have been given a deputy to run the apprentices and set up meetings, answer questions, book reach and forklift tests, help with any problems with other members of staff, deputy's or section leaders. if I have any issues that I need to face he will help me fix the problems and find a new solutions and he is very keen to help and provide guidance as we reflect upon him in a way so he lucks after us all well.

Due to my age and current living conditions I have little to know bills as I live at home therefore majority if not all of my pay goes to me to spend on what I wish. the first year pay band is rather low for an hours rate so you need to be a bit carful with expenses such as social and daily costs. however the pay band upgrade to year two is a large jump and allows for a lot more freedom of spending which is a big motivator in a apprenticeship whereby you work full time. and year three apprentices get paid very well in terms of what we do, it allows me to learn what to spend and what to save as currently I am not the best with money.

I have recently carried out the three peak challenge for charity with a group of team members from my work whereby we have to hike over three different peak covering a distance of 26 miles within 12 hours. After completing this challenge it motivated me to want to do more therefore I am doing another hike next year in summer with a similar group from work. being an Aldi employee gives me a range of benefits from cheaper gym and sports activities and a bike to work scheme which help me as after work I spend time in the gym or doing sports so the gym discount help and the bike to work scheme applies to me as I currently don't own a car and either bike or walk in.

Yes

If you are like me and unsure of what you wanted to do once you finished your A-Levels an apprenticeship is a great idea as it builds character and creates and develops loads of skills helping you in later life, An apprenticeship gives you experience which a lot of employers now look at in par or above degrees from university, and it would give you an understanding of how a company as big and successful as Aldi runs and works within, that would apply to majority of all other jobs out there as logistics is so big.

Be very detailed on the type of person you are and don't lie during your application as it will catch you out so just be 100% honest, during the interview faze be clear, polite and confident within yourself and ask questions to look like you are paying attention. During assessment try as hard as you can as they will see that and it will let them know you are willing to try hard. go on the charity events etc. that would apply to you, making you become part of the team and make new friends within the company.