Supermarket giant Aldi has unveiled a substantial £370 million investment plan to establish 40 new stores across Britain during 2026. This significant financial commitment forms a crucial component of the retailer's broader £1.6 billion two-year investment programme, which was initially announced last year.
A Strategic Move Towards National Coverage
The expansion initiative is strategically designed to address geographical gaps in Aldi's current network, bringing the discounter's value proposition to communities currently without access to its stores. Giles Hurley, Chief Executive Officer of Aldi UK and Ireland, emphasised the company's core mission, stating: "Our unwavering commitment is to make high-quality, affordable groceries accessible to everybody."
He further explained the rationale behind the 2026 plans: "We recognise that there are still areas without an Aldi store, so our expansion plans for 2026 are designed to address some of these gaps as we work towards our long-term goal of 1,500 UK stores." This expansion is a deliberate step towards achieving that ambitious national footprint.
Creating Career Opportunities Alongside Store Growth
Coinciding with its physical expansion, Aldi has simultaneously announced the opening of applications for 500 new apprenticeship roles. This move underscores the company's investment in human capital to support its growing operations. Successful candidates will engage in on-the-job training while working towards industry-recognised qualifications.
The grocer is offering competitive remuneration packages to attract talent. The starting wage is set at £12.02 per hour, increasing to £13.35. Apprentices working within the M25 London orbital motorway area will begin at a higher rate of £13.22 per hour, while those in warehouse positions can earn up to £12.63 per hour.
Comprehensive Benefits for New Apprentices
Beyond attractive pay, Aldi's apprenticeship scheme includes a suite of valuable benefits designed to support employees. These perks encompass:
- Exclusive shopping discounts for staff.
- Access to a cycle-to-work scheme to promote sustainable commuting.
- A generous annual leave allowance of 28 days, inclusive of bank holidays.
- Free mortgage advice and financial education services.
Lisa Murphy, Training and Development Director at Aldi UK, highlighted the programme's track record: "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 described the opportunity as a chance 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."
Murphy also issued an open invitation to potential applicants: "We want to hear from people of all backgrounds, so, if you're interested, we'd really encourage you to apply, whatever your experience." This dual announcement of store openings and career opportunities marks a significant phase in Aldi's ongoing growth strategy within the competitive UK grocery market.
