Aldi has announced that it’s looking to recruit hundreds of new apprentices right across the UK, and applications are now open.
The UK’s fourth-largest supermarket retailer has ambitious plans for 2024, and is hoping to welcome hundreds of new apprentices onto the team to form an integral part of those plans, as opportunities have now been made available across a wide of range of sectors within the company.
Apprenticeship roles are now open at Aldi stores – including several here in Greater Manchester – as well as in the buying and logistics sectors, and for HGV drivers too.
With the goal of 500 new apprentices before the year is out, successful applicants will have the chance to gain industry-recognised qualifications while they earn, and will also be eligible for a number of additional Aldi employee benefits too – including a range of shopping discounts, and the chance to take part in a ‘bike to work’ scheme.
There’s even a new mortgage advice option for apprentices too, where they can seek free mortgage advice and access mortgage education material, should they need it.
ADVERTISEMENT
Aldi is recruiting more than 500 new apprentices across the UK / Credit: Aldi
The call for 500 new apprentices is part of Aldi’s nationwide expansion drive.
Not only did the retailer create 6,000 new roles across the UK in total last year, but this apprenticeship recruitment drive also comes merely months after it opened up dozens of new roles at its Greater Manchester distribution centre.
ADVERTISEMENT
Aldi recently announced new pay rates for all store and warehouse colleagues, with some apprenticeship roles rising by up to 37%.
Store apprentices at Aldi can now earn £8.44 per hour in year one, which then rises to £11.83 per hour in year three, with paid breaks, while apprentices in logistics and driver roles can earn £10.96 and £14.13 per hour, respectively.
Applications for the coveted roles are now open / Credit: Aldi
Lisa Murphy, who is the Learning and Development Director at Aldi UK, says the retailer is on the lookout for “hardworking” and “driven” individuals to join the team.
ADVERTISEMENT
She continued: “By joining our apprenticeship scheme, individuals will become experts in their role and receive in-depth skills training at one of the fastest-growing retailers in the country. The apprentices of today are the leaders of tomorrow, so we’re always on the hunt for more amazing individuals from all backgrounds to join our team.”
Jellycat launches new Manchester store, with exclusive characters
Daisy Jackson
Jellycat has launched a shiny new store, this time in Manchester city centre – and they brought exclusive new characters with them.
The beloved soft toy brand has unveiled its newest location within Selfridges on Exchange Square, filled with all the adorable plushie animals and objects you already know and love, plus some new friends that are exclusive to Manchester.
Making their debut in our city are Salty Steve and Vinny Vinegar, two adorable smiling condiment bottles, plus Clemont Lemon, a sunny yellow soft toy, and Charlie Chip in his flat cap.
As part of the iconic Fish & Chips range, Mancs will also be able to take home Lily Fish, Cosy Chips, and Dot and Peggy Mushy Peas.
The Jellycat Fish & Chips van became a social media sensation after launching in London.
Inside the adorable space are larger-than-life oversized Jellycat favourites including Amuseables Cosy Chips, and Chip Seagull, perfect for a photo opportunity.
Vinny VinegarClemont LemonCharlie ChipLily FishInside the new Jellycat storeEggetha Egg & Lance Soldier
Jane Sharrocks, Store Director at Selfridges Manchester Exchange Square said: “We’re thrilled to welcome the Jellycat General Store to Selfridges Exchange Square.
“We know our customers are huge Jellycat fans so we can’t wait to bring this iconic destination to our store.
“This launch means that our customers can purchase the characters from the exclusive Fish & Chips collection for the first time outside of Selfridges London which is so exciting.
“With so many Jellycat favourites, it’s going to be hard to choose which ones to take home!”
The new Jellycat store is open today – Monday 17 February – at Selfridges Manchester Exchange Square.
Sephora’s arrival in Manchester last year triggered huge queues of shoppers eager to browse the retailer’s collection of exclusive, viral and classic beauty products.
This will be the 10th UK store for the brand, with more to come in Sheffield and Liverpool in 2025.
Inside Sephora, shoppers are able to browse in-person for brands that are often hard to come by in the UK, including exclusive-to-Sephora brands like Makeup by Mario, Haus Labs by Lady Gaga, and Topicals, plus Glossier and Selena Gomez’s Rare beauty.
The store is also famed for its huge selection of ‘minis’, allowing beauty enthusiasts to try out the hottest products on the market for less.
Sephora has announced a second store in the Manchester Arndale. Credit: The Manc GroupSephora has announced a second store in the Manchester Arndale. Credit: The Manc Group
There’ll be a Beauty Hub in store, offering full glam, facials, hair styling, and brows by Benefit Cosmetics.
Sarah Boyd, Managing Director, Sephora UK, said: “Manchester showed us phenomenal support when we opened our first store in the region, which blew away all our expectations.
“We are thrilled bringing a second beauty playground to our customers in this vibrant and culturally rich city, allowing us to reach even more shoppers with a city centre location at Arndale.
“We already know there is strong appetite from beauty enthusiasts in Manchester as we saw over 2000 eager customers queue on our opening day last year, and we look forward to recreating the same energy at Arndale and to continue providing an unparalleled beauty experience like no other.”
Emily Sergeant -
25th January 2024 
