Quality Assurance Assistant Review

Working at Aldi was the most challenging year, but it was also the most rewarding. They are a company that I have always dreamt of working for, so getting the job was initially a shock! I feel that I am a totally different person almost 12 months on. Not only was I able to develop my knowledge and skills within my educational background (food and nutrition), but the personable skills I've taken away will always remain with me.

I felt totally valued by my colleagues. They were incredibly supportive and there were a number of people that I could turn to for help. I made some genuine friends during my placement and we are still in contact months later.

I was treated like an employee from day one - not a student - therefore my manager expected a lot from me. I would always strive to deliver the task in hand, but on the occasions where I felt unable to do this, my manager provided me with ways to go about fixing it. This made me more assertive which is very important. There were also plenty of training courses during my time at Aldi, and these too made me feel supported and guided throughout.

Aldi expect a lot from there employees, so no day was ever quiet. However, this was something I loved! I was able to get involved in so many things and I have taken so much away from that.

From day one I was given a full six week training plan that would allow me to do my role properly for the next 48 weeks. There was a high amount of responsibility placed on me, but again, once I had got use to this I absolutely loved my day to day jobs. I felt like a valued employee throughout.

All of my colleagues had studied similar degrees to myself, so sitting with them everyday, I learnt a lot. In terms of the work I was carrying out, it was a perfect link to my degree and it enabled me to develop my skill set further.

The atmosphere in the office was perfect. Everyone got on with their work, but chatted quietly between one another. It was a lovely environment to work in.

The placement was organised so efficiently. I had a training plan on my first day, and I was to update this throughout my 48 weeks to mark my progress.

There were plenty of training sessions for various skills throughout my time at Aldi. I attended as many as I could and felt better for it. It was brilliant to experience it all.

This is one area where I am unsure. Other students doing the fixed placement scheme were informed more of this than I. I would love to go back but I'm not sure where the opportunities lie.

Very good. I got on well with all of my colleagues and we would regularly go out for lunches etc. I also attended the Aldi Christmas and Summer parties which were really good fun.

Fortunately for me, I was able to move home for the year.

Very close to Birmingham so a good night out"

This wasn't something that I had a massive insight into.