General Management Industrial Placement Review

During my 12-month placement, I have had a breathtaking snapshot of life at Aldi. I have been given the tools to excel in first-hand leadership that has taken all of my management knowledge and put it into a real-life fast-changing, dynamic working environment. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with Aldi, and couldn't have imagined a better placement year.

With frequent updates with your personnel leader, there are constant opportunities to showcase your development throughout the year. You're treated as a Trainee Area Manager throughout the year and this shows in your relationships with Store Managers, Store Teams, Head Office department and in Logistics. This helps to drive your motivation but also helps you to see if you would fit into the Area Manager role- you certainly never feel like an inexperienced 20-year old student!!

Aldi are well known for being tough and its true that you drive your own success in a demanding working environment. However, what people aren't aware of is the support system around you, regardless of your level within the business. I have experienced an undivided level of support as the team really do want you to succeed if you're willing and open to the changing needs of the business.

No two days are the same at Aldi. You are very busy on a daily basis, but you learn to be more efficient and productive every day so once you gain experience, your confidence in the role grows. Nobody expects you to be efficient and quick at the start- you learn the Aldi life throughout the year as you become more confident in your role.

My role as a General Management Industrial Placement has given me an exceptional level of exposure from being handed the keys and being told I’m running a store, to working on real-life projects that has changed and shaped the way Aldi run their operations. If you really wish to push yourself to your potential by driving this responsibility, it's very possible to succeed at Aldi.

I have been given the tools to excel in first-hand leadership that has taken all of my management knowledge and put it into a real-life fast-changing, dynamic working environment. I have developed both professionally and personally during my 12-months and am confident that I can add value in any working environment. I am excited to return to university with a more sophisticated outlook on life, and I am sure this will reflect in my studies.

In stores, the atmosphere is great- particularly as you'll be part of the team during a busy Christmas period so you'll be enthralled in true Aldi team spirit from the start. You'll then complete project work in Head Office and spend some time in the huge warehouse in Logistics- the atmosphere here also reflects this great Aldi spirit!!

I had a structured training plan from day one, so I could reference this if I wished to- but your mentor will keep you up to date with everything you need. During COVID-19, my training plan was changed to reflect the business priorities so you have to be willing to accept the changing needs of the business!

You really do return to University as a more well-rounded and confident individual. Your skill set has been developed and this is due to the teams belief that you can succeed at Aldi. Aldi's investment in their people is a business priority and this is showcased across all teams- high morale is key!

It's clear from the start the Industrial Placement Program is a "year-long interview" for the Graduate Area Manager Scheme. The future employment prospects are real and tangible if you're willing to showcase your development. It's also a great opportunity to see if you would like to work for the company in the future or if your skill sets are better suited elsewhere.

Prior to COVID-19, the social scene amongst fellow placement students was okay however this was clearly impacted by the current situation. I have become really close with my fellow placement students and this has contributed to the great support system at Aldi, however this may be restricted whilst working in stores due to geographical constraints.

I lived in York during my placement year as I go to University here, this allowed me to live with my friends during their final year of studies. However, there are plenty of chances depending on the region you apply to, to live where you wish whether that be at home with your parents or by yourself, as there are regions all across the country!

This is dependant on which region you wish to apply to!

There were opportunities to engage in business lunches with Area Managers and get involved in any Aldi activities they set up such as charity fundays!