Management Apprentice Review

As a Level 3 management apprentice for Aldi, my responsibilities are that of a deputy store manager. This involves holding the key to the safe, balancing cashier's tills and looking after the cash. I also daily have to deal with customer problems, such as returns and exchanges. I have to look after colleagues breaks, making sure they get a break at a reasonable time between shifts. I also have to run the shift, ensuring staff are doing the jobs that need doing. It can become stressful in busy periods but it is a job I enjoy.

I have gained my Level 3 qualification, and whilst doing so I have developed my communication skills massively. I have also been to Aldi training courses such as First Aid, Alcohol Licensing and DSM Store Trainer, where I can now train new starters once my apprenticeship contract ends.

I really enjoy the job itself, I find the team are all very welcoming and friendly. It did meet my expectations in terms of successfully training me as a Deputy Manager. The apprenticeship program itself I found wasn't really relevant to Aldi in a lot of instances. But saying that, I do think I have been trained correctly by Aldi.

I find Aldi do treat me like a valued member of the team. I find the monthly one to ones all colleagues have individually with the Store Manager a really good way of showing appreciation and I find the senior management very professional, which I like. The area managers also makes me feel valued, as they always are very welcoming and polite unlike other jobs I have had in the past. I find that Aldi care about their staff.

I found the course quite disorganized, I felt that there was a huge lack of communication between the training providers and Aldi. I felt the support was good from the training provider, as they gave you their contact details so you could contact them with any issues, however there was a period of about 6 months when there was no support at all, and no one seemed to know when they would be finding a new apprenticeship provider.

I found my tutors to be very supportive and positive, definitely helping me to finish the course. I felt they were all accessible via email or phone so it was easy enough to get hold of them, if only seeing them once a month. Although I did have 3 different ones, it would of been better if I had the same tutor throughout the course.

I do find my employer to be very supportive in terms of training me to the Apprenticeship standards. Aldi also hold an annual tour of the regional warehouse for apprentices, which gives an insight into how products are stored before being brought into stores. I feel Aldi are very keen to take on and train apprentices.

As a third year apprentice, I find the wage very good in relation to other apprentice wages. However after finishing the course a year early, I find it unfair that I still have to be classed as an apprentice and don't get my pay rise until the third year is up. I do find it hard to maintain living and travel costs when I am getting paid less than a store assistant however doing the job of a Deputy Manager.

I do think the qualification has possibly opened the doors to job opportunities however I feel that it is best to stay with Aldi and continue to work for them, as I have been with them for 3 years almost. I don't find that the local area has many job opportunities relevant to my qualification.

Yes

I can definitely say that it is the best job I have had, and I have no plans of leaving the business. They treat their staff well, are professional, and want you to do well, opening up doors for promotions which is exactly why I want to work for the company. I maybe wouldn't recommend the apprenticeship course. But I would recommend working there!

I would advise them that it is hard work as you are always on the go. You must be driven and be prepared for some stressful shifts however it is definitely worth it, as the days go fast and it is a great feeling to be a part of a successful team.