Aldi Unveils Major 2026 Apprenticeship Programme with 500 New Roles
Supermarket giant Aldi has officially opened applications for a substantial recruitment initiative, announcing 500 apprenticeship positions set to commence in 2026. These opportunities will be available in stores and warehouses throughout the United Kingdom, marking a significant investment in early career development within the retail sector.
Competitive Pay and Immediate Earning Potential
Prospective apprentices are assured of starting their earnings from the very first day of employment while working towards achieving industry-recognised qualifications. The pay structure is designed to be attractive and competitive within the market.
Store Apprentices will begin with an hourly wage of £12.02, which will increase to £13.35 as they progress. For those working within the London area, specifically inside the M25 orbital motorway, the starting rate is even higher at £13.22 per hour.
Meanwhile, colleagues taking on warehouse roles have the potential to earn up to £12.63 per hour. Aldi continues to distinguish itself as the only supermarket chain that provides paid breaks to all store colleagues, a benefit estimated to be worth approximately £1,470 annually per employee.
Leadership Commentary and Programme Benefits
Lisa Murphy, the Training and Development Director at Aldi UK, expressed enthusiasm about the new cohort, stating: “We’ve built a strong track record of helping people launch their careers through our apprenticeship programme, and we’re excited to welcome the next cohort to Team Aldi.”
She emphasised the programme's value, adding: “This is a genuine opportunity to learn on the job, build valuable skills and earn market-leading pay - all while working for one of the UK’s biggest grocery retailers. We want to hear from people of all backgrounds, so, if you’re interested, we’d really encourage you to apply, whatever your experience.”
Comprehensive Benefits Package and Wider Context
This recruitment drive follows Aldi's ongoing commitment to investing in colleague remuneration and benefits, which recently included a store colleague wage increase as part of a £36 million investment.
Successful applicants will gain access to a comprehensive range of Aldi benefits, which include:
- Generous shopping discounts for employees
- Participation in the cycle to work scheme
- 28 days of paid annual leave, including bank holidays
- Access to mortgage advice services with complimentary guidance and financial education
The programme represents a substantial opportunity for individuals seeking to establish a career in retail, offering structured training, competitive compensation, and the security of working with a major UK grocery retailer.
