Industrial Placement Student Review

Thoroughly enjoyed my placement year with Aldi. I have been exposed to the whole business and have learned many valuable life skills.

Whilst completing my store training I felt I played a key role within the management of the Runcorn store, being responsible for running many shifts alone. Once at head office I completed many projects which involved real life research, conducting audits and the location of potential sites for new stores. Throughout this stage I felt my findings were valued by the directors who had assigned these tasks to me and that proposals made would be considered.

The company gave me training books and DVDs from the start and we were told that ultimately we were responsible for our own training. The store manager spent time making sure that I understood all aspects of the training plan and he made it very clear that I could ask him any questions that i may have from day one. When I did have questions he went into a vast amount of detail to ensure I was clear on his answer.

Every day is a busy day at Aldi. None stop!

From the start I was made aware as to where I should be with my training at given moments of time. The aim was to be running the store before Christmas. Within this short period of time I had to learn how to use the computer systems, cashing up, safe handling, opening and locking up and get to know all of the staff members. At Aldi you are given huge responsibilities from day one.

I have learnt many life skills whilst with Aldi. Time management, organisation, prioritisation, communication, being a team player but also identifying times where you have to put down your authority. The placement I believe will set me up tremendously when i come to complete my final year of university.

Whilst in store the atmosphere is very fast paced and busy, you always have three jobs on your mind.

From the start we were given a general outline of the coming year however this was subject to change. Projects would become a priority and so your focus would shift in an instance. On the whole though I received a well organised training structure in order for me to grasp the in store operations and once at head office my working plan was fairly rigid.

Massively. We went straight into store training with the aim of becoming assistant manager level. The whole years placement has taught me how to manage my time, prioritise tasks and to be more focused in everything that I do.

It was made clear from the start that the placement year is a year long job interview for the graduate scheme. I am hoping to be offered this position.

There are no regular social events with store staff apart from at Christmas when the placement students went for dinner with the directors.

I lived from home so my cost of living was extremely cheap. Socialising cost are average.

I live near to Liverpool so there is a good night life.

There are projects to get involved in which are constantly being carried out by area managers and placement students which you can inquire about.