Industrial Placement Review

A very broad placement giving a thorough insight into all aspects of retail

I did projects on real issues in the business, my findings were taken seriously and people took great interest with the intention of implementing my suggestions.

My mentor was always available to talk and we would meet on a fortnightly basis, everyone else was also very approachable.

Always busy with something to do, be it on the shop floor with colleges and customers or in the head office working on projects. Never a dull moment!

As an Assistant Store Manager, there were many days I was left to run the store on my own and organise the team for the day making my own decisions.

I became more professional and confident in the workplace which has helped my relationships with lecturers and in group work. Improved time management and work ethic has been hugely valuable for third year.

Everyone was very professional and happy to help. It was cheerful and people enjoyed working there.

There was a plan for the year given to me at the beginning of the placement and I generally followed it. I had six months in stores and out with Area Managers, then three months in Head Office learning about all the other aspects of retail and doing projects.

They invested a huge amount of time in my store training as well as in the office in terms of excel and presenting data. However there were no training courses, it was all on the job training.

I would very much like to return to Aldi on the Area Management Graduate Scheme. You are given real responsibility and progress at your own rate. There are international secondments available and opportunity for directorship within 5 years.

I was the only placement student in the Chelmsford region so there were no socials. However there was a Christmas meal and a few evenings out with the store team.

I lived at home so the main cost was for fuel driving to work.

Chelmsford is a very lively place with lots to do.

I attended three careers fairs and a careers presentation.