Aldi has announced it will create 500 apprenticeship roles over the course of this year.

The apprenticeships cover store and warehouse roles across the UK, leading to industry recognised qualifications.

The discount supermarket said that that all participants will receive a range of benefits, including shopping discounts and a bike to work scheme.

Apprentices will also be offered the same paid breaks as other store employees, which Aldi claims is worth around £1,470 a year.

Store apprentices will start on a wage of £12.02 per hour, rising to £13.35, while those working within the M25 will receive pay starting at £13.22 per hour.

Aldi added that apprentices working in warehouse roles can earn up to £12.63 per hour.

“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,” said Lisa Murphy, training and development director at Aldi UK.

She added that apprentices will have the opportunity to learn on the job and build valuable skills while they earn.

Aldi said the recruitment drive follows its continued investment in employee pay and benefits.

Earlier this month Aldi announced it had invested £36 million in pay rises for its store employees, with starting pay for store assistants rising to £13.35 per hour nationally, and £14.71 per hour within the M25 from 1 March.

---