Industrial Placement Review

There was a big variety with what you did throughout the year, I enjoyed different parts different amounts. Working in store at Christmas was not for me and never was something that I wanted to do as a job, therefore I did not enjoy it. The project work however was very enjoyable and you are given some help, but essentially free reign to decide what direction to go in. The work, if good, can be implemented into the region. Overall, the highs and lows that you experience through the year do really help develop many skills that are desired in the job market, it definitely teaches you how to be hardworking.

As an IP student at Aldi you don't have much in the way of 'colleagues.' During my placement year, there were 2 other IP students who worked in completely different areas of the region. In stores you are not seen as 'colleagues' as you could have to manage them as an Area Manager in the future, so are not eligible to attend any team-building events. Throughout the year you are not invited to any work events etc. and don't generally feel like part of any team in particular, it is made obvious you are a temporary employee. If you were taken on as a Graduate I feel like this would be a much different situation.

Throughout Area Manager time and projects, the help from other Area Managers etc. were great. They understand that you don't necessarily have any experience in this area, nor do you know the people whom which you need to contact to gain information. They are happy to help you in any way, often going over and above.

This completely varied dependant on which part of the placement you were in. During store time, my first store had a shortage of managers just as I was beginning my training, so was expected to act at a experienced manager level very quickly. My second store was a very busy store and it was Christmas time, during these periods, work was hectic. I often worked 10-12 hour shift where I didn't feel like I had time to have a break. However, during Head Office Training, I would often go to an area and they hadn't realised we were coming or had no jobs for us and we were left with nothing to do, or given jobs that nobody else wanted to do. During my weeks with Finance, I didn't feel I learnt anything and was often left with nothing. However during this time I managed to complete a lot of University work, although this was not what I was hoping to learn. The areas (such as Trading) who had set projects that we could do is what I learnt the most from and felt the greatest work balance. Project time I would rate a 10, as you had could manage how you wanted to work on your project and where you needed to visit to help with it.

Throughout the placement, especially during Stores, you are given a lot of responsibility. Safe handling, running a shift, re-merchandising, managing performance etc. etc. When in Area Manager time, you are listened to by Store Managers and will complete instructions you give them.

The placement year has many highs and lows, and really teaches you to work hard. You learn many skills that can help you in your career, for example: time management, work ethic, managing people, having difficult conversations, thinking on your feet etc.

In all areas where I had office time everyone was friendly, and as helpful as they could be. They often would say that if I needed any help in the future on my project, to not be afraid to ask. Generally positive atmosphere in stores, as they were used to having different trainee's coming into stores. The girls in Head Office and the Area Managers I spent time with day to day were great.

In one sense, the placement was very well organised. There is a plan for each step of the way and for every area you will be in. However, once you were in each area, there was no plan for what you were actually meant to do, therefore often jobs were made up for you. It's a little disheartening to go somewhere for them to say they didn't have anything for you to do. In my opinion, the organisation is there, with a little more thought and planning into it could be great.

I'm from this area so lived at home, the cost of living is low and Darlington is not far from Durham/Newcastle, which are great cities.

I'm not sure about Darlington, but due to the proximity to Newcastle and Durham, nightlife is very good.