Discount retailer Aldi has risen to 2nd position in the prestigious Times Top 100 list of graduate employers for the upcoming academic year – its highest ever position in the rankings.
The Times Top 100 rankings are compiled every year, based on feedback from over 18,000 graduates. Since the league table was first published in 1999, no retailer has been ranked in the top two until this year, and Aldi has now featured in the top ten for nine years in a row.
Aldi has been recognised for its highly regarded Area Management Programme, which offers graduates significant levels of responsibility and autonomy, and the opportunity to progress within the UK’s fastest growing retailer. After a year’s comprehensive training, Aldi’s graduate Area Managers are expected to oversee and manage a portfolio of three to five stores, and provide direction and leadership to their store management teams.
Mary Dunn, Communications Director at Aldi, comments:
“We’re delighted to be ranked second in this year’s Times Top 100 list of graduate employers, which is testament to our ability to provide highly sought-after and rewarding graduate opportunities.
“It’s also notable that Aldi has remained within the top ten of the rankings for the past nine years, as well being the number one graduate employer for general management roles during this time, highlighting the consistent recognition which we receive from students and universities alike.
“As a result of Aldi’s strong growth, it is imperative that we recruit high calibre graduates across the UK to oversee our store portfolio, and we will be recruiting 150 graduates during the upcoming academic year. Area Managers are fundamental to our business and we invest significantly in our training programmes so graduates enjoy a successful and rewarding career.
“The Area Management Programme is challenging and diverse, but offers significant opportunities for career progression – with the majority of current Aldi directors having joined the business as graduates.
“Unlike many graduate recruiters, our Area Manager role is targeted at both recent graduates and those professionals seeking a career change, and due to our continued expansion throughout the UK, we allow our candidates to choose a preferred geographical location.
“No other retailer has been able to match Aldi’s second place since the rankings were launched in 1999, and we’re sure that graduates wishing to pursue a career in retail or management will seriously consider the opportunities on offer at Aldi.”