Driver Apprentice Review

Shadowing mentor driver, which involves vehicle checks; coupling up to trailers; loading the trailer; booking out at transport desk; phoning stores 10 minutes prior to the arrival at the store and unloading the trailer on arrival. I also practise theory and do workbooks on DTS and BKSB on set admin days, as well as helping load during busy periods.

I worked at Aldi 5 years prior to my apprenticeship, however I was completely new to the transport department. Therefore, all the skills I have learnt are new. Coupling and uncoupling trailers, the health and safety procedures, hygiene procedures for transporting food, safety checks on vehicle are all new skills. The theory side of hgv’s and laws applicable are also new to me.

I thoroughly enjoy learning all aspects of the job. The first thing I learnt after all the initial health and safety, was how to load the trailers. I enjoy this part, as there is more to it than I initially thought, and you have to plan and think about where you’re going to put the pallets. I really enjoy going out on the road to do the store deliveries with my mentor, I have learnt a lot by observing his driving and positioning on the road, as well as the role at the store.

My programme is very well organised and structured. The rota is always done with plenty of notice, with clear instructions of what is expected on each day. It is planned in well to learn all aspects of the job. The training is very well structured and allows the full experience to prepare me to be fully competent as a driver, once my apprenticeship is complete

I receive a lot of support from my employer. I have a lot of interaction and support from my mentor and regular reviews which enable me to keep updated and give any feedback. My employer is very supportive with my training and requirements, and always available to answer any questions and concerns.

My training provider has quite a lot of interaction with me as well. They have a well structured programme and regularly send information over via email. They also send upcoming dates of reviews/ training to attend, and also reminders prior to this. They also phone for monthly reviews and provide support and answers to any questions.

This qualification will fully prepare me for the role as a driver once completed. The year long programme has me doing all the roles and responsibilities that is expected of a driver at Aldi, as well as preparing me for my theory, hazard perception and cpc tests, and the practical driving tests.

Aldi has an app which keeps all employees involved in their activity. It keeps us updated on anything happening or upcoming in the Aldi world, and gives employees the chance to have our say regarding this. As well as this Aldi holds regular events in the work place such as health and financial events to inform and support us, as well as events for charities such as football tournaments, games and activities etc

Yes

I have worked at Aldi for over 5 years now, and always been supported. I have progressed and being trained in numerous areas within different departments. They are very supportive of each person and listen to their needs and try and come up with solutions if people need extra support or to make changes to their work pattern. It is a good employer with competitive pay rates.

I would advise anyone that wants to apply for Aldi, to show that you want to work for them, and you want to do well and progress within the company. If you have the attitude and drive to progress and have a long career at Aldi, they will give you the opportunities you need. There are many different career paths you can take here, regardless of where you have started from