Industrial Placement Student Review

There is no doubt the past year has had its challenges and overall the year has been hard work. Saying this, I have thoroughly enjoyed the challenge and feel it has taught me so much about myself.

You are given an Area Manager mentor on the first day of your placement and they are there for you throughout the year. I found this really helpful for those moments I was unsure or struggling with anything. Everyone I have worked with has been really helpful and supportive although the current Area Managers can be quite intimidating at first.

You are given an Area Manager mentor on the first day of your placement and they are there for you throughout the year. I found this really helpful for those moments I was unsure or struggling with anything. I had regular updates with my director which ensured I was able to work on the feedback I was given.

I remember being told on the first day to not make plans for after work as you are most likely to run over- this was sometimes the case. The 50 hours a week are always filled and sometimes you will need to stay behind to do extra. This didn't bother me as being so busy on a daily basis made me feel value and like my work was making a difference. So yes, the workload is heavy but it's all part of the challenge!

LOTS! You are given a lot of responsibility and very quickly. This again can be challenging but it is also motivating as you know the work you are doing is helpful and relevant to what needs to be done. (In other words you are not just sitting watching/filing/photocopying!)

I feel once I return to University I will be able to manage my time a lot more effectively as working 50 hours a week makes you realise how many hours are in a day! I feel I am more focused and committed and hopefully this will really help in my final year.

I probably wouldn't use the phrase "fun never stopped" as the culture at Aldi is quite strict and specific. In saying this, there were many events such as bake offs and other competitions to get involved in. Everyone, in store and Head Office, were more than helpful and welcoming making the atmosphere a pleasant one to work in.

The plan I received on day one has not been changed too much since I started, and even if it did I was made aware of it in plenty of time. Over all I think the placement is very organised as it is so structured.

I was 1 of 6 IP students and I feel the company invested a lot in my training and development and ensuring I felt comfortable. The only thing I would advise is for future placement students to partake in a First Aid course as I was running shifts, sometimes throughout the night, with no First Aid training or experience.

If successful in the placement there is the chance you will be asked to return as a Trainee Area Manager. This is an exciting prospect and shows the hard work you put in could be worth it. You find out during the last week of your placement if you have been successful after an interview with the MD.

I think it depends who your fellow colleagues are- long working hours and early starts don't pair too well with a big night out.

I lived at home.

I lived at home so I was familiar with the area. I have not been out with the placement students as we have all been pretty busy. Also whilst in store you are generally working most weekends leaving little time to have a night out.

If you organise with the fellow IP students yes but nothing set up by Aldi.