Aldi has committed to providing 10,000 young people across the UK with the opportunity to gain remote work experience by the end of 2025. This initiative, delivered through a free online course, aims to equip students aged 13 and over with valuable insights and skills related to the retail industry. The programme seeks to cover a broad spectrum of roles within the sector, ranging from warehouse and store operations to office-based positions.

The virtual work experience course was first introduced in December 2024 and received a strong response from young people nationwide. Building on this success, Aldi now plans to expand access, ensuring that the opportunity is available to a wider audience regardless of their location or personal circumstances. Lisa Murphy, Training and Development Director at Aldi UK, emphasised the importance of work experience in helping young people take their initial steps into employment, expressing a commitment to reaching 10,000 participants by the end of the year.

Developed in partnership with the careers platform Springpod, the curriculum features a series of videos presented by Aldi staff, interactive quizzes, and engaging activities designed to enhance learning and offer practical understanding of the retail environment. Upon completing the programme, participants receive a certificate, which can bolster their CVs and support future job or education applications.

In addition to this educational initiative, Aldi recently pledged £350,000 to the Teenage Cancer Trust. This donation will facilitate further training for staff at the charity’s head office as part of Aldi’s apprenticeship levy commitments, underscoring its broader dedication to community support and employee development.

Overall, Aldi’s virtual work experience programme represents a significant step towards making work readiness more accessible, especially at a time when remote learning and working are increasingly important. The scheme offers a structured introduction to retail careers without the need for physical placement, making it a flexible option for students who might otherwise miss out on traditional work experience opportunities.