Member Article

Aldi Apprentices Achieve Impressive Exam Success

Twenty-five apprentices from the UK’s sixth largest retailer, Aldi, have scored excellent exam results with Preston’s College, with an overall pass rate of more than 90 per cent.

All are completing a three-year Intermediate Apprenticeship in Retail (Pathway 2 Specialist). Aged between 16 and 21; the apprentices work across 17 Aldi stores in the North West including Wigan, Burnley and Blackpool.

Preston’s College has partnered with Aldi for its Apprenticeship programme since September 2010 and has helped to place more than 50 young retail apprentices. The college was also involved in the retailer’s apprentice pilot scheme, which saw its first cohort of learners graduate in July 2014 and who now occupy roles as store deputies and assistant store managers.

The discount supermarket recently announced plans to add a further 70 stores to its current 560 UK outlets and recruit an additional 5,000 staff – 500 of these being reserved for Apprenticeships.

Simon Abram, work-based assessor at Preston’s College, said: “We value our partnerships with all our local and national retailers. Aldi provides vital opportunities for young people to develop the necessary retail skills and build their character and confidence – all whilst having a clear pathway to progression.

“Work-based learning provision is pivotal in bridging the country’s skills gap. Not only does this Apprenticeship provide students with an extended understanding of all the important aspects of retailing, but equally builds on the knowledge and skills gained through working with their employer.

“Aldi is one of the most reputable discount retailers in the world and we’re proud at how far all our apprentices have come and look forward to helping them achieve further success along the programme.”

To find out more about becoming an apprentice with Preston’s College, then register today for its Apprenticeship Careers Fair on Tuesday 12 May, 4-7pm at the campus.

For more information and to register, visit: http://www.preston.ac.uk/apprenticeships/apprenticeship-careers-fair/

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Preston's College .