Store Apprentice Review

I am in the first stage of Aldi's Apprentice scheme; as such I am a Store Apprentice. On a day-to-day basis I can be working in any area of the store, this could be: Working on the tills (cashier e.t.c.) Working the stock on the shop floor e.g. Putting out the chilled, ambient, bread, alcohol or freezer stock. Helping set up the Special Buys Carding (removing all the empty boxes) the store

I have learnt a vast amount of skills; the first one( and probably most important one) you pick up is team work. At Aldi I can't think of any role or job that doesn't centre around this, because you only have a small team of staff it is vital that you can all work together towards a common goal.

I enjoy the programme in knowing that it is a structured scheme where Aldi expects a lot from me and I also expect a lot from Aldi in return. With an Apprenticeship from Aldi you can see where you are headed for.

I feel Aldi cares about me as they are constantly ensuring I am up to date with my apprenticeship programme. They recognise the need in business and especially retail,to train young people in a positive environment.

The structure of the programme is good. My store had only had an apprentice many years back as such it was a learning curve for all of us!

My tutor has always supported me with any problems that I have had; I cannot fault her one bit!

The best thing about Aldi is that all the Store assistants know how to do all the jobs on the shop floor; so help is only round the corner. On top of this all the managers do the role of the store assistant as well so really everyone can help you in the store. The support is endless if you ask for it!!

ALdi's Apprentice salary is excellent, especially if you look at what the minimum wage for an Apprentice is. However you have to bear in mind that this is an Apprenticeship, you agree to a lower salary because you are learning new skills all the time!

My store does not have any specific opportunities outside of work; however I volunteer of my own accord. My Store Manager and Area Manager are incredibly accommodating if I need certain days off work in order to volunteer.

Yes

I honestly do not think there is any other company as big as Aldi who are willing to take the risk to train and support young people in this type of Apprenticeship. After the first year you spend the second and third as an Apprentice Manager, Aldi trusts in young people to be able to manage if they have the right attitude. Aldi is an employer who believes in making young people into the future generation of hard working managers.

Aldi relies upon each and every member of staff and as such each member of staff counts. You need to show to the Area Manager assessing you that you are an enthusiastic person who is willing to work hard and work hard in a team. Before you have you interview know the history of the company, where does the name 'Aldi' come from e.t.c? Please go and visit an store as well, this is not your 'normal' supermarket. The Area Manager has to see if you can shows the signs of being a potential manager. Part of this is the research knowledge you show about the company; you cannot simply turn up to the interview and expect success! Have a look on the Aldi website and see if you can find the answers to questions that may appear on your interview or go into a store and speak to an employee! Think about:- What are Specialbuys? What roles are there in a store? Why are the Store Assistants on the tills so efficient? Why do the Store Assistants not stay on the till all the time? Why is packing at the till not allowed? Why do Aldi have one or very few types of the same item? What exactly is the structure of the Apprenticeship programme? Do Aldi run tv adverts?