Store Apprentice Review

My role as a store apprentice at Aldi is very similar to the role of a store assistant. I serve customers in the check-out area, replenish off-sale items in the store, as well as assisting customers with any needs or requests they may have with the their shopping experience. Also my role involves to continually aim to maintain a high standard of tidiness and cleanliness throughout the store to optimise customer satisfaction.

The apprenticeship has taught me much about the retail industry and the inner workings of a successful company. I have gained a lot of confidence in interacting with customers and colleagues alike.

I enjoy the aspect of working in a team to maximise the stores efficiency and presentation. Another element of the programme I enjoy is the job satisfaction of going the extra mile to help a customer in a situation and being able to make their day a little, even if it's a small gesture.

Aldi value every single one of their team members and rely on them to maintain their stores well, I enjoy the daily challenge.

I have near-monthly visit's from Acorn, a recruitment agency are running my apprenticeship with Aldi, and each visit I am set tasks and unit's to accomplish, slowly broadening my knowledge of working in retail as a whole.

My training provider is very helpful and is always available to answer any queries I may have with the units of work I am set with, he encourages me to ask for support if I need it and if I have an issue we will discuss the unit into more detail until I understand what is required of me from the task.

My employer has kindly made a point that if I am ever having difficulty while carrying out my delegated duties, whether it be the case of not possessing sufficient knowledge for example, I am always able to speak with him and make known what I am having trouble with, and he will assist me from there. Early in my apprenticeship, when I was learning something new, my employer would always explain thoroughly how to carry out a specific task and the various store policy's i would abide to on the shop floor.

The salary meets my personal cost's fine, I do not live far from the store. I have few outgoings, most of them are social, so I am currently not in a position where my salary is a cause of concern.

There are team building exercises like water-raft racing which can strengthen ties and communication between colleagues, which effectively creates a happier, and more co-operative work force.

Yes

It's a company that is enjoying huge success across the country and is becoming the leading supermarket of the UK. The company also treats it's workers well and rewards them when deserved.

Enthusiasm and efficiency are some of the key traits needed to get by in Aldi. If you possess these two qualities in particular and can emulate them into your work (not just the interview) you will enjoy your job and be a valued member of your team. When you start you simply won't be as quick as the more experienced members of the team when working replenishment, and that can be a little daunting, but you will naturally catch up to them and continue to get better.