Management Apprentice Review

Management Apprentice. My daily tasks include assisting my superior managers in maximising sales within store whilst maintaining a high level of customer service. I'm constantly in contact with customers throughout the day so it is my responsibility to ensure that they can buy everything that they want. Cash handling is also a key part of a day-to-day basis because more often than not you are requested to operate a till.

I have become first-aid trained. I've developed my cash/safe handling skills tremendously alongside my multi-tasking and prioritisation. I have developed my problem solving skills as I am regularly being presented with new issues raised by customers and staff instore. My confidence has also been developed, in my first year I was really shy around most people but now I am able to generate conversation and speak professionally with anyone in my store.

I enjoy my programme quite a lot. The team at my store works well together and we have a laugh along the way. I didn't enjoy it within my first few months but that was mainly because I was new to the retail world. There are some days that you wish the day would just end but it soon came to me that this is the nature of a fast-paced, manual labour job.

I do feel valued by Aldi, be it from verbal feedback from my manager's regarding my performance or by our Head Office organising Apprenticeship days to further our learning. Yearly pay rises to combat inflation I do feel really grateful for as it lets us know that the company aren't forgetting about us and letting us fall behind. Long service awards also make our continued efforts for the company feel appreciated.

The programme isn't perfectly structured, especially when it came to the old apprenticeship company First4Skills. Visits were at very short notice and the work seemed very vague. More recently, with our new company Lifetime, everything seems a lot more organised and I find it more beneficial for myself. Regular visits are now put in place instead of the previous last minute visits which really gives the apprenticeship a more organised feel.

Support is available whenever I need it as my apprenticeship tutor is only a text/call away. Whenever I am in need of any sort of help regarding my apprenticeship, I am able to contact my tutor and discuss any issues. I only seen my tutor face to face every 4-6 weeks which I suppose could be improved upon but with texting and emailing, I'm never far from the support I may require.

Support is non-stop within the store, even though sometimes I may not realise it. Store Assistants and other manager's are constantly supporting each other and myself. My management team are regularly looking to push me and provide me with the tools I need to succeed.

In the first year at £5.30/hour, I did struggle because I was only on a 25 hour contract. Now in my third year at £8.90 and with a 30 hour contract, regularly exceeding those hours, I have become a lot more comfortable.

The company regularly hosts charity events in order to raise funds for specific charities of the company's choosing, from bike rides to wrist bands to sponsored hikes. When I wasn't working, I'd regularly been taking part in eSports and Trading Card Game tournaments which keep my mind sharp but are also really enjoyable.

Yes

It's a great place to learn how to think on your feet and multi-task. The work is hard but the pay is good and you feel like you've accomplished something at the end of your shift. The staff are very welcoming and friendly and will give you the advice and the push in the right direction if you require either or both. Management are firm but fair and always give you feedback on your work, be it positive or negative, but either way you won't be ignored.

Be prepared to work hard and to have a lot be expected of you. You're rewarded for your hard work by a generous pay. Be prepared to sweat.