Deputy Manager Review

I was training to be a Deputy Manager. This means that I run shifts, ensure that policies are adhered to. Also to maintain appearance and availability of stock. I interact daily with staff members giving them instructions and sometimes providing them with training.

Yes. I have gained extra qualifications in this area. I have also done courses within the business such as getting an alcohol licence and will soon be getting training on first aid. I have also learnt a lot about what makes a business run and all the laws that surround this. Personally I have learnt not only self management but to also manage others. My communication skills have improved greatly.

I really enjoyed getting the opportunity to not only work my way to a great position in store but to gain a qualification from my experience too. I enjoy my shifts and the people I work with. The apprenticeship surpassed my expectations and has done more for me than I could imagine.

I daily feel very valued as a team member by other staff members and feel that they recognize the effort I put in. I feel that my manager greatly appreciated my hard work and contribution to the team. I feel that when I am involved in tasks other team members are glad I am there as I am a good team member and I am good at what I do. I also feel staff members value me as a team member because I am flexible so am willing to swap shifts often.

I feel that on a whole I cant comment on this as my training provider was changed on three separate occasions. However on the last on I felt it was organised very well. Even though we had a lot to do in a little time I didn't feel overworked but also felt like were getting things done at an good pace.

I felt that my latest training provider offered great support. I always felt like I could contact her if I was struggling. When I did have problem she got back to me in a short period and settled it for me and went to extra lengths to ensure I got the best training possible. The way that she organised the visits was easy and made the experience less stressful especially the voice recording technique which didn't make it feel like you were doing work. This made my experience much more enjoyable.

My current manager has offered me a lot of support. I feel without her going the extra mile to ensure I got the training I required, I would not be becoming Deputy Manager now. She also offers great, clear advice which has helped me mature and become the role. When I have a problem I feel like I can speak to both my manager and area manager and the problem will be dealt with professionally.

At the moment as I am only on apprentice wage I just about pay for rent, bills and food but after these I am left living frugally for the rest of the month. For the first few weeks of the month I am fine with bus fairs and dinner money. After this I again have to try and live frugally. However I am aware that most apprentices are younger and live at home in which case this scheme would be perfect as you would have plenty of money for board, easy travel and social activities. This will change quite drastically when I get my deputy pay, then I will be able to have the budget to do more social things. I would highly recommend this apprenticeship to school leavers.

Aldi offer a lot of outside training e.g. alcohol licencing and first aid training. As a store we also do annual team building exercises outside of work; one of which was a room escape activity. As a company there is also a lot of fundraising events organised by head office; such as sports days and charity runs. As I live in a big city the possibilities for what to do outside of work are endless. I would do things such as cinemas, museums, mini breaks. I also has time to visit family.

Yes

Because it is a company that offers job security as well as a good hourly rate for both staff members and apprentices. It also encourages team work which builds connections where you will gain a second close knit family. Working at Aldi provides a job that challenges you and encourages you to make your way up the ladder; turning a job into a career. It also gives you the chance to improve yourself, you will get healthier with all the exercise and more confident.

To ensure that you are right for the job. You need to be physically fit, confident and be good under pressure. Assessment days test these skills as well as testing to see how outspoken you are; its a job that needs big personalities. Also when applying in a cover letter points to mention would be around your time management skills and any experience you have had outside of your comfort zone. There will also be a trial day. In this day you need to show that you can not only work well and fast but that your are outspoken and a team player. On the trial day use as much of your initiative as you can e.g. don't just stand around waiting for jobs.