Aldi Supermarket. Picture by Rui Vieira/PA Wire

Fast-food retailer Aldi is creating 100 new apprenticeships across Eastern England and the South East as part of a major recruitment drive.

The announcement, which will see the company create 500 apprenticeships nationwide, coincides with National Apprenticeship Week and positions the firm as one of the largest retail apprenticeship providers in the UK.

It follows the launch of the firm’s national apprentice scheme in February last year, which created more than 200 jobs to attract young people to a career in retail.

And now the company is looking to take on 21 apprentices to work at its regional distribution warehouses and three apprentices within its administration and finance department.

It comes as May Gurney unveiled its plans this week to employ more than 500 apprentices by the end of this year.

Sophie Chant, who joined the Aldi apprenticeship scheme based at its store in Great Yarmouth, said the apprenticeship gave her the opportunity to gain qualifications and opportunities to climb the employment ladder.

She said: “My advice to people applying would be to make sure they are up for a challenge, go into it with a positive attitude and to be able to communicate with people.”

“The scheme consists of much more than I expected, given the range of work I am required to do. You also gain qualifications whilst on the scheme and have the opportunity to apply for middle management once completed.”

Matthew Hancock MP, Minister for Skills at the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills said the apprenticeships would develop skills and help productivity.

He said: “It is great news that Aldi has decided significantly to expand its apprenticeship programme – more than doubling numbers from last year.

“It’s proof that apprenticeships deliver for businesses and individuals alike. They boost productivity, develop skills and help people to progress further and faster.”

Leila MacGarrow, the project lead for the Aldi apprentice scheme said: “We are looking to attract committed and resourceful young people across the UK to join our apprentice scheme.

“Our apprentices who have been with us since last year have shown a real passion for working at Aldi, and have been invaluable in helping to drive the business forward from a store operations perspective.

“Aldi’s partnerships with colleges and Skills Shops, in addition to The National Skills Academy for Retail, are critical for selecting suitable candidates.”