Industrial Placement Student Review

I enjoyed the fast-paced nature of my working environment and the opportunities to experience all the different areas of the Company. The placement allowed provided me with many challenge of which I enjoyed as I was able to achieve so much in such a small amount of time. The level of responsiblity I was given right from the first day of my placement simply couldn't compare to that of other companies and for me that was one of the highlights of my placement year. Overall my personal development and progression throughout the year has been overwhelming and I am very proud of everything I've been able to achieve through the opportunities Aldi have given me.

When based in store, I felt incredibly valued by my colleagues as I felt that I significantly contributed to my store team's performance. Throughout my time with the Company I came into contact with so many different people from all sides of the business which I enjoyed and made me feel valued as an individual.

I was given several points of contact to help me with my progession and development in the workplace and I always felt that I had someone I could speak to for advice. Also I received feedback on an ongoing basis and felt that I received enough guidance to manage and take responsiblity for my own training and development. This was both through formal and informal feedback all of which was very useful and insightful.

There is never a dull moment at Aldi and there is always something that needs to be done. I thoroughly enjoyed the challenging workload and it allowed me to really push myself. Also I was able to experience all areas of the business which meant I was kept busy - all for which was to enhance my overall experience at the Company.

Right from the first day I was given considerable amounts of responsibility which made me feel extremely a valued and trusted member of the Company. This was met by high expectations but all of which allowed me to challenge myself. With only 5 months with the Company I completed a week store cover where I was responsible for the running of an Aldi store including people management aswell as all the managerial administration tasks. This in my opinion is a key strength of the Aldi placement scheme and would advise this placement for all those who thrives of large responsibility!

I feel that my placement has put me in good stead for my studies back at university however it may altered my presentation skills. For example during my placement my work has been geared towards a more commercial audience as opposed to one of an academically background. However this has definitely helped my presentation skills in the workplace and feel that I am more commercially aware of how I should come across and communicate within the workplace.

There was never a dull moment during my placement and I was constantly kept busy. During my time in store I was able to build key relationships with all my store team which created such as good atmosphere in store especially during the Christmas period!

On the first day I was given a full schedule outlining all the different areas and times frames covered during my placement year. It highlighted all my reviews and specified who was mentoring me thoroughout the different areas I covered. I felt that it was extremely organised and structured ensuring that I got to achieve as much as possible within my year at Aldi.

I received high quality training and resources in store and was exposed to training courses to advance my development. The frequency and volume of feedback I received throughout my placement was great and felt that this was a key factor in fueling my personal development and progression. Also the amount of responsbility that I was given showed me that the Company was investing in my skills and capabilities.

The placement scheme at Aldi mirrors the Aldi Graduate Scheme but is an extended version of this and there is less focus on Area Manager exposure. However the placement has provided me with the skills and confidence to reapply and potentially return as an Area Manager. The Graduate scheme proposes many appealing prospects such as self-management.Although the expectations are high this is rewarded in high levels of responsiblity and salary perks.

Due to the nature of the work I found it difficult to make time for social activities during my store time. However during the final 6 months of the placement all of the placement students were based in Head Office together which meant we were able to meet up and go out at weekends.

For the first half of the placement I was based in a store near to my home location in Morecambe. This meant I could save money on living costs. However I did find that most of my outgoings was spent on fuel during the second half of my placement whereby I was based in Manchester

When based near to my home location I felt that there was relatively good night life as I was able to go out with my friends locally. Similarly in Manchester there were more places to go and more things to do in the evening.

There wasn't really any activities outside of work to get involved in.