Store apprentice Review

My current job title is store apprentice. This means I am on the same level as a store assistant, so my daily tasks and objectives are the same. On early shifts I work deliveries and stock the store's shelves, along with tidying the store, before it opens. When the store opens, I will be working on the tills to serve customers, and working the stock in the warehouse that hasn't gone out during the delivery. My daily interactions are usually with my colleagues and trainers, and with the customers I serve and help during my shift.

I have already gained 10 GCSE's A-C and 3 A-levels before joining the apprenticeship. My English skills and Maths skills have highly developed since joining the course, through my experience in work. I am now much more confident with my spoken language and expressions, and can happily speak and help anyone who needs it. My work ethic and speed has dramatically increased due to the efficient and timed nature of the job, meaning I'm faster at my tasks and can meet my objectives with speed.

Although the job is difficult at times, I do enjoy the programme. There is always something to do and no one is ever left bored or standing around. The manual nature of the job can be hard, but time never slows and it is never boring. The team I work with are brilliant, and have helped me every step of the way when I need assistance. I am never judged when I get something wrong and they are always friendly and talkative.

Through my day-to-day work, I feel extremely valued by Aldi. I am constantly reminded how important my work is to the efficient running of the store. When I make mistakes, they are quickly rectified in order to show me how it is properly done. When I do well, I am congratulated on how good I have done and encouraged to keep doing the same. I take part in nearly everything in the store, and have monthly reviews with my manager to make sure I am settling in well.

The organisation is near perfect. I am currently in a training period where I am shown exactly how the store is run. I have two trainers. The trainers are firm but fair, and always support me if I have a question or make a mistake. They are always ready to help when I need it. My tutor comes in once a month, but I can do a lot of the learning myself, at home and online. Although I am at the bottom of the team hierarchy at the moment, I still feel valued and though I can eventually progress up through it.

My tutor comes in once a month without fail, to teach me and prepare for the exams in the future. I can easily call my tutor, or email, if I have any difficulties or encounter any problems along the way. My tutor seems determined to help me be the best I can be, and genuinely seems like they want to see me succeed.

My store manager meets with me once a month to discuss my home and work life, in order to see if I am coping and how I am doing. My area manager meets with me once every 6 months to do the same. I have a personal Aldi mentor too, who helps me with any questions and problems I am facing. I can easily get support instantly, as nearly all colleagues in the store, and out, are willing to help.

My salary meets my current costs perfectly. If anything, it exceeds the costs I have. I can afford my bills and can also spend it on the things that make me happy in my life. This feeds well into my work / life balance too, as I have time to enjoy the things I have bought when I am not in work.

As I am currently quite new to the programme, I haven't experienced much in the way of outside opportunities. We have discounts at local gym's and health centres, which encourages employee's to go to the gym. Before I worked, I was already enjoying the gym and the health suite, but it makes the costs even easier to pay.

Yes

The job never gets boring, there is always something to do. Most people say their jobs are dull and that the time drags, that is not the case here. There is always something to do, which makes the time fly by. The people and employee's are very supportive, and could easily become friends for life.

Be completely honest in the application process, and just be yourself. The same applies to the interview, stay calm, professional and friendly. The interviewer isn't there to try and trick you, they just want to get to know you and see if you are right for the job. Bring your 'A game' to the assessment, and just try your best. It isn't the end of the world if you struggle, no one expects, or can do more, than their best. In my experience I would have liked to have been told to stop stressing, to calm down, and to relax. No one is there to judge you.