Boys & Girls Club Redlands Experience ALDI Workshop

From BGC Redlands: ALDI employees gave Boys & Girls Club members a behind-the- scenes look at their company’s operations, gave them a taste test, and conducted mock interviews at ALDI’s Moreno Valley facility recently.

On March 14, about 20 Club members -- who are in middle school and high school – filled out job applications and rotated between ALDI managers for interviews. The managers asked the youth questions and gave them feedback and advice.

The tour included a look at ALDI’s test kitchen, various departments, meeting rooms, and warehouse. The warehouse has two sections, one for dry and non-perishable goods and a refrigerated area for items that must be kept cold.

After the interviews and tour, Club members were invited to ALDI’s kitchen for a taste comparison between an ALDI cookie and cracker brand, and a name brand. ALDI sells private-label products, which means the company owns the brands and they are sold only at ALDI.

The samples were labeled A and B, and the youth had to decide which were ALDI’s and which were name brands.

ALDI executives had positive things to say about their time with the Club members. “Anything we can do to get involved with kids and help, we do our best to make that happen,” said Joe Ouellette, regional director of administration.

He said all of ALDI’s executive staff were excited to host the youth and give them career advice. “We want them to not be intimidated when they go into an interview situation,” he said. Director of administration Kurtis Jay said it was exciting to interact with the youth.

“I think it’s a great opportunity … to give them knowledge I’ve learned over the years,” he said. “It makes you think back to your childhood and how you got to where you are.”

ALDI’s Moreno Valley facility serves as its West Coast headquarters and distribution center.

Image Courtesy of BGC Redlands