DISCOUNT retailer Aldi has announced it will work in partnership with Cheshire Oaks Retail Academy (CORA) to promote the Aldi Apprentice Scheme.

With the soaring cost of university tuition fees and youth unemployment levels continuing to rise, Aldi announced plans to launch a national apprentice scheme, creating more than 200 jobs nationwide.

The scheme will target school-leavers in the UK wishing to pursue a career in retail management and has been set up in partnership with Skillsmart Retail and the National Skills Academy for Retail.

Apprentices will be trained in all aspects of retail management.

The programme offers store assistant training in the first year and store management training in the second and third years, with a salary of £5 rising to £7.15 per hour and a title of deputy store manager awarded on completion.

By the end of the scheme the most successful apprentices will have the opportunity to progress to the position of assistant store manager, with a starting salary of £25,000.

By joining the Aldi Apprentice Scheme, young people could ultimately be fast-tracked to a store manager position.

Matthew Speight, the project lead for the Aldi Apprentice Scheme, said: “We believe this is a great scheme for those looking for a genuine career path in retail management, and our partnership with CORA is critical for selecting suitable candidates.”

Steve Bridge of CORA, which was set up by West Cheshire College and The McArthurGlen Group, said: “Once we had started discussions with Aldi we immediately recognised the benefits of a partnership based on developing apprentices.

“CORA has a strong track record of providing apprenticeships for students across a variety of industries, and the Aldi Apprentice Scheme offers a solid first step for those looking for a career in retail management.”