ApprenticeHGV Driver Review

The majority of the time is spent with my driving mentor. We come in and get his run sheet, see where we are delivering that day, we then proceed to do our daily walk round checks, couple up to the correct trailer following procedures. Before I passed my test, he drove and then we would both tip the trailer on arrival at store and collect their empties, to take back to the yard and tip, then repeat the process for our next run. When I passed my class 2, I drove the rigids and he was the passenger, and when I passed class 1, I drove and he was passenger, so I could gain more experience delivering to stores and the different types of reverses with my mentor.

Passed class 2 and class 1, developed skills doing different reverses, and overcoming different challenges whilst out on the road. I have also gained much more knowledge on driver laws, and how to plan my time effectively according to tacho laws. As well as the practical side of driving, with cpc courses and theory learning, I have also gained much more knowledge on road laws and the challenges and problems I may need to overcome

I have really enjoyed all aspects of training during my apprenticeship. It’s extremely well organised and structured with plenty of support from both employer and the training provider. The majority of the time spent with the mentor learning the job is fantastic, as you are learning exactly what the job role is and what is expected of you on a daily basis, and prepares you to go out on your own. There has been a lot of support and days to learn the theory side, and equipment and training provided to use for the things I’ve needed to complete as part of the apprenticeship.

I would say 10/10 for how well organised and structured the training is. I’ve never had to chase up or ask for anything, as the staff in charge of apprentices at Aldi, and At viamaster have been on the ball with absolutely everything. From theory tests to driving tests, the whole process has been really easy for me thanks to them. They have made my training quite effortless because of all the hard work they’ve done behind the scenes.

I feel like I’ve been supported greatly at Aldi by everyone. Management have been very helpful, and if ever I have had to ask for advice or anything, they always make time to help out. Same with colleagues, whether it be loaders or drivers, they always help out or give support, the best bunch of people I’ve ever worked with.

My training provider has been most helpful. They have plenty of information of how the training would work, and gave achievable targets in a good time frame. They’ve provided all the tools I’ve needed to pass my theories, booked them in on good time, excellent communication, and provided plenty of support and training for every step of my apprenticeship

I feel that it has helped perform better, especially with the cpc courses, as due to group discussions etc, we’ve discussed topics and personal accounts of drivers from different companies , and different job roles of the things they have had to face whilst on the road, and ask questions that I wouldn’t think to ask myself, as I hadn’t had the experience at the time. The trainers Gave a lot of knowledge and information that I can use for myself whilst driving

Aldi have an app, where you can get involved in discussions, news, event, mini games and competitions etc where you can win prizes. As well as this, they hold many events in world canteen, such as well being events, where they offer information on health and benefits etc. Christmas and Easter activities, and hold events in line with current affairs such as the jubilee, charity events and so on

Yes

Aldi is an excellent employer, they offer really good pay and really good training and opportunities. Transport especially really care about your well being and there’s so many opportunities you can have if you want to progress within the company. They’re very supportive and want their employees to be happy at work and maintain a good work/ life balance

I would say to research the role you’re applying for, make sure you know what the job entails and what is expected of you and that it is something you can do, and something you want to do. If you really want the role, you should show that you want it and why. It’s a really good employer to work for and there’s always opportunities to progress or do something you never thought you would. I applied as a selector 7 years ago, and didn’t ever think I’d go on to be a driver, but I’ve never looked back and I’m so glad I did it.