Industrial Placement Review

Overall the placement was an enjoyable experience. Like with any job there were certain periods I enjoyed more than others; some areas within the business didn't provide the opportunity to get as hands on as others, but were recognisably an important part of the placement top get a complete overview of the business.

My colleagues varied greatly over the course of the placement as a result of working in all different areas of the business, from in store, to Head Office, to working alongside Area Managers. On the whole I felt valued as a colleague, but due to my managerial training in stores not being well planned and implemented I did not necessarily feel like a fully valued member of management.

At the start of my placement (whilst working in stores) my manager provided very little support and guidance unless I sought it out myself. I did however have regular updates with assigned mentors and my personnel leader throughout the placement providing the opportunity to express any concerns I may have had.

My days were mostly very busy, particularly when working in stores. I found this to be a good thing; the time never dragged as I have found in previous jobs and it therefore made store time very enjoyable. When working alongside Area Managers or in Head Office the days could be slower, but this very much depended on what work needed completing at the time and how much responsibility you were given in various job roles.

The level of responsibility given to ALDI placement students is very high. From the minute management training commences in store you are responsible for managing a team of people, holding the safe key etc. There were also times when Head Office could veer from our plan slightly to have myself and other IPs complete high priority jobs such as resetting alarms in stores or testing safe keys. Often I took for granted how much responsibility was actually being given to us - I'm not sure you'd find this level of trust in many other placements. I also found that a lot of the placement involves managing your own time when working on projects and working with Area Managers, therefore I wasn't constantly having to report back to someone but had to plan accordingly to ensure my work was completed on time.

I doubt that my experience within ALDI will directly assist me in my final year of University studies, although having worked full time for a full year I believe my work ethic will be greater. However, I do not doubt it is invaluable for my future career where I have gained a full years work experience in a very reputable, fast growing business. No amount of lectures and seminars can prepare you for the real world of work.

There is a definite feel of the corporate nature of the company in the regional Head Offices; from the unwritten rules such as no jackets on the back of chairs, to the girls in the office not saying a simple "Good morning" unless spoken to first. However, all the staff from the Directors to the Departmental Assistants are very friendly and will always help out should you require any help or information.

An initial training plan was received but not necessarily adhered to. I don't think this is an issue during Area Manager training or time spent in Head Office completing project work due to the varying nature of the work. However, when working in stores I was meant to reach Assistant Store Manager level and due to lack of implementation of a training plan of sorts I don't feel confident I reached this level. I feel that a set training plan should have been communicated more effectively to ensure proper training.

Aldi provide their IPs with a lot of responsibility across all areas of the business but the level of training, and in turn development, you receive as an IP will depend on the Managers you train alongside (from my experience). Be prepared that you may have to push a lot for your own training; the opportunities are there but often have to be sought out.

The benefits you receive as a graduate are undeniably better than what most other companies offer, namely the high starting salary and company car. On a personal level I would like to experience alternative companies and cultures before settling for the first job I come across. I wouldn't like to rule out a future with Aldi but most likely will be exploring alternative companies before I make a final decision.

There were 4 other IPs in my region who I met briefly at the start of the year at a national induction, but otherwise did not have much contact with until we later started our Head Office time and project work. We didn't socialise outside of work but all got along well and were in regular contact through WhatsApp when not in the office.

I lived at home so was fortunate enough to live rent free for the year, but with the salary provided I don't think cost of living would ever be an issue living in the Darlington region. Aldi took into account our address when determining location too so travel was usually never more than 40 mins, but could be a lot less too.

As previously stated I lived at home for the duration of my placement, so was already familiar with the local area, but you can't go far wrong with a night out in Newcastle or even Durham.

Stores have a company expensed night out which I attended having not been told I shouldn't, though I know other IPs were advised not to so as not to appear 'unprofessional'. This just comes back to the corporate nature of the company, but I don't feel like it was out of place for me to attend the event; all other members of management attended and it gave me the chance to develop a better relationship with some of the other members of staff. Other than the national induction and end of year review held in Manchester including a three-course meal the evening before the presentations being held, there were no activities organised outside of work.