Apprentice deputy store manager Review

My role as an apprentice deputy manager is to learn how to open and close the store to a high standard, running the shift and delegating tasks to other work colleagues. This involves working morning deliveries to specific times targets and completing necessary paperwork including due diligence and weekly information.

Skills that I have developed since the start of the apprenticeship include my communications skills which are needed in order to delegate tasks and give feedback to work colleagues, organisational and time-management skills which are needed to prioritise tasks and make sure jobs are completed to a high standard throughout the day.

The programme was difficult at first but once I got used to working at aldi and the procedures that I had been taught I began to love work and the challenges it presented me with. I enjoy working with all my work colleagues and have made good friends with all of them.

I feel that I am valued quite highly by aldi as they firstl, had the confidence in me to offer me the apprenticeship, and since then have continued to train me and educate me on the different aspects of the role as deputy store manager in order to help me ultimately take on the role after the three years of my apprenticeship is over.

The programme is really well organised, from the coursework that I had to complete in my first and second year through the external training provider, to the actual shop floor work and the training that was provided to me from existing managers and their understanding of my needs to be taught and trained efficiently.

During my time doing work for my training provider, I was given as much support as I needed whether it was any questions relating to the work they had set me or just general things to do with work. They seemed experienced and knowledgable in retail and could help me develop on my apprenticeship.

Aldi have given me support since I first started there which gave me confidence in progressing in my apprenticeship and as an employee. They offered me all the training I needed and gave me time to master each step before moving onto the next one. All staff and management are very willing to help with any questions and show you how things are done.

For an apprenticeship, the starting salary is a lot higher than most others and was higher than any job I’d had before starting there. The wage increases each year were quite impressive and now, in my final year, I am able to afford all of my costs such as living costs, running a car and even luxuries such as a night out or shopping for clothes.

Aldi offers a lot of benefits such as discounted gym memberships and the bike to work scheme which are all very useful to certain employees. My store try to implement the odd team building evening where we do activities such as bowling or a game of football. All of these outside of work opportunities add to the overall appeal of the apprenticeship programme at aldi.

Yes

The company is great to work for as they offer so many benefits including the competitive hourly wage, fun and friendly colleagues and managers who are there to support you with your work and not just delegate tasks and sit back and watch you. I feel valued working for aldi and not just another employee which I think is a major reason I’d recommend the company to anyone.

When I first started at aldi nearly 3 years ago, I definitely found some aspects of the job difficult and struggled to get used to them. But after effective training and the right guidance my the tasks seemed to become so easy and second nature to me. My advice to someone applying to aldi would be to expect a tough and demanding job but with so many fun and relieving benefits and the job will become more and more fun and rewarding as your time there passes.