Logistics Apprentice Review

My job role in Aldi is an apprentice which involves me going around each department for 3 months to learn about each role played by each department. My daily task consist of me picking, checking stock, lifting stock etc. My responsibilities are to help the deputies on the shift run the shift such as if I was on racking I would help the deputies do the racking checks and slot checks and in some cases I would help the reach team lift stock up in the racking if the shift is busy. I generally help be an extra hand in the shift so that the shift runs smoothly without any problems.

I have learnt loads of new skill in my time at Aldi. Things such as setting up a pick and giving out orders to pickers. I have also learnt how to use the different type of trucks. The first truck that I was trained on was the picker truck which is used by the pickers to put stock on pallets and to transfer stock to the store lanes they are going to. The second truck I was trained on was a bulk truck which is used by the goods-in employees to transfer stock from the goods-in area to the racking area so the stock can be put into the racking, which leads me onto the third truck which is a reach truck which is used by the racking team to put the stock from goods-in into the racking where it will help replenish the picking aisles when the stock starts getting low. The qualification that I will get from this apprenticeship is a level 3 in logistics(warehousing and management).

I work well with my employees as I have made friends out of them and this means they are easy to work with and to get along with meaning the shift feels like it fly's by as you don't need to worry about any problems between other employees. The work is enjoyable as I enjoy what I'm doing because you don't know what new challenges are set in front of you when you start the shift so it gives you a push to do well which I enjoy because I love a challenge. The working environment is reach so it has reached expectations from a personal view.

I'm 50/50 with how valued I feel in Aldi as sometimes I do feel valued as other deputies give me praise for what work I do however sometimes I do get used to make the shift go faster so instead of me learning get used to do someone else's job. Saying that though my involvement in task does become greater as I do both the selectors job and deputy job so I'm learning both sides of each department but I still would like to be learning more than just getting put on the shift to make it go quicker.

The induction that I had with Aldi was a very good one as I was showing around the warehouse so I got to see what employees do around the warehouse and to talk to the other employees to find out what they do and what experiences they have had in the warehouse. The training that I get in the warehouse is great our trainer is really good and helps us pass with flying colours and gives us the confidence we need to help us pass our tests when we get rained on heavy machinery. We have monthly meetings with our apprentice guide(Paul Harrison)to discuss any problems we are having and to see if we have any changes we would like to have. I get on with Paul and class him as a friend which helps our work relationship get better everyday. the programme is well organised in some areas but the training provider was abit of a problem.

With the training provider we had to wait 3-6 months to get a new one as our old one ended, personally I didn't know what was going to happen to the apprenticeship whether I was still an apprentice or an Aldi employee. The accessibility was out of reach as I didn't know what was happening, I've had one meeting with the new provider Mantra which did go well as he is well organised with what he wants to do with us for our apprenticeship but is general attitude towards supporting us is good in my opinion but again I would of rather it had been earlier once the old training provider had gone.

The support I get from the managers is good as when id see them they give me advice and praise for what I'm doing and also see if there are any problems that I need sorting. Our mentor is very supportive as he gives us monthly meeting to see how everything is and to make sure problems have been sorted, he also gives us training on the trucks so we feel comfortable and not nervous because we know the trainer. Overall the general attitude towards supporting me is excellent because I know who to go to when I need questions answered and I know I will get answers.

My wage is what I excepted it to be, saying that I don't have any problems with living costs as I live with my parents so every month I pay them rent which doesn't set me back much meaning I can spend my wage on what I want. I cycle to work so it doesn't cost me anything to get to work so again I save up money. My daily cost like food and drink are easy to afford and my social cost are easily affordable as well so my overall pay does meet the cost I need for my lifestyle.

There are charity events as Aldi are very supportive of charities like 'TEENAGE CANCER TRUST' and 'CANER RESEARCH' meaning everyone can be part of raising money for these charities so people can buy cupcakes to raise money or do sporting event like football or walking 10k to raise money. what I do when I'm not working is hang them around with the other apprentices doing sports or going out on nights out as we all are part of the same friendship group which is why I enjoy my job so much because I can make new friends so easily.

Yes

It is a great place to work even though it has its ups and downs it generally is a nice working environment to work in, it gives you the opportunity to learn new skills and to learn more about yourself as a employee. you will make new friends and the job isn't easy or hard but after a shift you do feel like you've earned your money, you gain new experiences and can use these skill that you learn in different jobs if you choose to do so. You can work your way up to ladder and get paid well for the work you do.

When applying for Aldi you should always give an honest application like your GCSE levels and your skills, this will also help when you are set for your interview as the interviewer will look at your CV and know that you are fully qualified for this job because you have giving an honest CV. When it comes to your interview be confident and be yourself don't try and give answers that don't make sense and always speak clearly when giving answers to the interviewer. If you do get the job and its your first day be confident and ask as many questions as you can so you know what you want to know, also get to know everyone in the warehouse don't be shy because you have to work with them for a long time so a good relationship with your employees will make the job easier. Do the job and you will be successful in Aldi and move onto greater things within the company if you choose to stay. there is nothing that I wasn't told in the interview that i don't know now so I'm well informed.