Tag: vacancies

Aldi Area Manager celebrates National Careers Week as he shares his career success story

Scott Woodburn from Falkirk is celebrating a decade of career success with Aldi Scotland  

A Falkirk man has shared his career success story for National Careers Week, as he marks 10 years of dedicated service with Aldi Scotland.  

Scott Woodburn (32) joined Aldi as a part-time Store Assistant during university. After opening the 100th Scottish store in Hermiston Gate as Store Manager, he has quickly risen through the ranks and was recently promoted to Area Manager.   

National Careers Week, running from 4 to 9 March 2024, raises awareness about the significance of career guidance, which closely aligns with Aldi’s commitment to employee success and career development.  

Scott’s journey with Aldi commenced more than a decade ago when he joined the company as a part-time store assistant while pursuing his degree in Computer Systems and Networks. What started as a job to support his studies quickly transformed into a remarkable career with Aldi. 

Scott said: “Aldi is fantastic place to learn, it’s not like anywhere else. The responsibility is far higher, and the team is so tight knit that you create lasting bonds. You rely on each other so much and there’s a real sense that everyone has each other’s backs.”  

Scott’s commitment and hard work were evident early on, leading to his promotion to Deputy Store Manager within six months, while he was still studying. He transitioned into a full-time role as an Assistant Store Manager after completing his university degree.  

Scott continued: “I enjoyed the idea of working my way up the Aldi career ladder. The structure and the bond within the teams were unique, and I felt supported in my journey.” 

During National Careers Week, resources and guidance are highlighted as key attributes to career growth and success. Aldi Scotland provides resources to enhance employee development and offers opportunities for employees to explore various roles and responsibilities. For instance, Scott worked in the regional head office in Bathgate during the Christmas period, enhancing his communication skills and preparing him for his current role as an Area Manager.  

Scott attributes his success to the mentorship he received at Aldi: “I felt mentored and supported at each and every stage of my career. When I was approached for the Deputy Store Manager position, I realised that my hard work and ambition had been noticed and as a result, I was being guided into leadership roles. 

“The biggest lesson I’ve learned at Aldi is owning your mistakes. The higher the role, the higher the responsibility. Being honest and learning from mistakes is crucial for personal and professional growth.”  

Richard Holloway, Regional Managing Director for Scotland, said: “I’m delighted to celebrate Scott Woodburn’s remarkable journey in line with National Careers Week and congratulate him on 10 years at Aldi.   

“Scott’s decade of commitment echoes Aldi’s values of hard work, ambition and teamwork and his progression reflects not only his personal growth but also the opportunities for advancement that Aldi provides to its employees.  

“This success story is a shining example of Aldi’s dedication to nurturing talent and fostering a culture that values each team member’s contribution. Aldi won Employer of the Year at the Scotland Food and Drink Excellence Awards 2023 and as we continue to expand, stories like Scott’s underline our commitment to employee success and career development.”  

Aldi is currently looking to recruit over 200 new store colleagues across Scotland.

In a welcome boost to the local economy, the UK’s fourth largest supermarket is looking for people of all levels of experience to fill roles at its stores, including Store Cleaner and Store Assistant, all the way up to Deputy Manager and Assistant Store Manager.  

Boosting the social care workforce 

Campaign aims to help fill vacant posts across Edinburgh 

A marketing campaign to support the recruitment of more adult social care workers in Edinburgh has launched this week, to help address the high level of vacancies in the sector.  

The campaign – titled ‘there is more to care than caring’ – will raise awareness of the career opportunities available in adult social care and encourage people to apply. Activity includes radio, outdoor and digital advertising, highlighting the important work done by adult social care workers. 

It is part of the Scottish Government’s commitment to attract more people to work in adult social care, retain existing staff and raise its status as a profession. This builds on a pay uplift for all adult social care staff which guarantees them a minimum of at least £10.90 an hour from this April. 

Social Care Minister Kevin Stewart visited Leuchie House in North Berwick yesterday to see the work it does to support people affected by stroke, multiple sclerosis and neurological conditions. 

Mr Stewart said: “Working in adult social care can be challenging but offers the opportunity to have a hugely positive impact on people’s lives on a daily basis.  

“We are increasing pay, improving terms and conditions in the sector, and developing clear career pathways for the workforce, ahead of the introduction of the National Care Service. This will lead to more rewarding roles for the existing adult social care workforce, and for new entrants to the profession. 

“This campaign highlights that while relevant experience can help, it is core interpersonal skills such as communication, compassion, empathy and respect that are most highly valued.

“If these are skills you possess then adult social care could be the career for you.” 

Downturn in permanent hiring activity eases during December

Royal Bank of Scotland report on jobs 

  • Recruitment activity falls for the third month running
  • Growth of demand for labour softens during December
  • Starting salaries rise at quickest pace since June

According to the latest Royal Bank of Scotland Report on Jobs survey, Scottish recruiters reported a decline in permanent placements during December. The rate of contraction eased considerably over the month, however, with the respective index climbing from 40.6 in November to 46.8 in December.

Nevertheless, placements fell for the third month running overall, as recession fears and market uncertainty dampened recruitment activity. Temp billings likewise fell for the third successive month. Growth of demand for labour continued to soften during the final month of the year.

Permanent and temp vacancies expanded at the weakest rates in 22 and 27 months, respectively. Nonetheless, in efforts to attract and secure candidates amid ongoing reports of labour shortages, firms across Scotland continued to raise starting salaries and temp wages sharply.

Softer reduction in permanent placements

The number of permanent staff appointments across Scotland fell in December, thereby extending the current run of contraction to three months. The downturn eased from November’s 29-month record, but was nonetheless solid overall. According to panellists, reduced market confidence and the cost of living crisis weighed on recruitment.

Though strong, the reduction in permanent placements across Scotland was softer than the UK-wide average.

For the third month running, recruitment consultancies across Scotland reported a decrease in billings received from the employment of short-term staff during December. Adjusted for seasonality, the Temporary Billings Index ticked down from November, to signal a quicker rate of contraction, albeit one that remained mild overall. Skill shortages and difficulties sourcing candidates were in part blamed for the latest decrease.

While a further reduction in temp billings was recorded across Scotland at the end of 2022, the UK as a whole registered a modest expansion.

Marked fall in permanent labour supply in December

The availability of candidates to fill permanent positions across Scotland worsened for the twenty-third consecutive month during December. Although easing from November, the rate of decline remained marked overall and among the fastest on record. Acute skill and candidate shortages limited the supply of workers, according to recruiters. Furthermore, the cost of living crisis, recession fears and greater market uncertainty also restrained labour movement.

The pace of reduction in permanent candidate availability across Scotland outstripped the UK-wide average.

As has been the case in each of the last 22 months, Scottish recruiters reported a fall in temp candidate numbers during December. The rate of reduction gathered pace for the third month running and was the sharpest since June. The latest reduction in temp staff availability was attributed to a slowdown in market conditions, Brexit and a general scarcity of labour.

Starting salaries rise rapidly in December

December data revealed another sharp rise in starting salaries awarded to permanent joiners during December. Notably, the pace of growth continued to quicken from October’s 16-month low, with the latest upturn the steepest since June and above the historical average. According to anecdotal evidence, labour and skill scarcity continued drive up salaries.

Starting salaries across Scotland rose at a much faster pace than that recorded at the UK level.

Pay rates for temp staff across Scotland rose during December, thereby stretching the current run of wage inflation to 25 months. While the rate of growth eased slightly from November, it remained stronger than the survey average and signalled a sharp rise in hourly wages overall. Recruiters indicated that companies raised their pay rates as part of efforts to attract staff amid ongoing labour shortages.

As was the case with permanent starting salaries, temp wages across Scotland grew at a much stronger rate than that seen across the UK as a whole.

Growth of demand for permanent staff eases in December

Growth of demand for permanent staff moderated for the eighth successive month during December. Though strong, the latest upturn was the softest seen since the current run of expansion began in February 2021. Moreover, the rate of increase was weaker than the survey average.

The strongest upturns in demand for permanent staff were seen across the Nursing/Medical/Care and IT & Computing sectors.

Scottish recruiters reported a marked slowdown in growth of demand for temp staff during December. Notably, the respective seasonally adjusted index fell to its lowest level in 27 months and pointed to only a marginal rate of growth.

Of the eight monitored sectors, IT & Computing reported the strongest increase in demand, with Nursing/Medical/Care ranking second.

Sebastian Burnside, Chief Economist at Royal Bank of Scotland, commented: “The final Report on Jobs survey of the year concluded with a further downturn in hiring activity across Scotland, with recruiters noting a third monthly contraction in both permanent placements and temp billings.

“According to panel members, greater market uncertainty and fears over a recession led clients to maintain a cautious approach to staff hiring at the end of 2022. Demand for labour also softened, adding to the likelihood that challenges across the labour market will persist as we enter the new year.

“Nonetheless, with difficulties sourcing suitable candidates, firms continued to raise rates of starting pay. Thus, the data overall suggest that firms are becoming more selective and guarded with their hiring decisions, but willing to offer competitive pay to candidates to secure them.” 

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Royal Bank of Scotland Jobs report shows permanent placements increase in September, but growth “mild”

  • Fresh uplift in permanent staff appointments, but growth only mild
  • Temp billings rise at quicker pace
  • Pay pressures ease, but remain historically sharp

Scotland’s labour market saw an improvement in overall hiring activity in September, according to the latest Royal Bank of Scotland Report on Jobs survey, with recruiters reporting a fresh rise in permanent placements and stronger temp billings growth.

The seasonally adjusted Permanent Placements Index rose back above the neutral 50.0 mark, rising from 47.3 in August to 52.7 in September, to signal a mild uplift in permanent staff appointments, while temp billings increased at a strong and accelerated rate. 

At the same time, sustained growth of vacancies, combined with another deterioration in candidate availability, led to further upwards pressure on pay. Notably, both starting salaries and temp wages increased at historically sharp rates, despite easing since August.

Permanent placements return to growth

Adjusted for seasonal variation, the Permanent Placements Index rose back above the neutral level of 50.0 in September to signal a fresh rise in permanent staff appointments across Scotland. Panellists attributed the upturn to strong demand for staff and increased hiring activity amongst clients in some sectors. That said, the pace of increase was only mild.

September data pointed to sustained growth of temp billings across Scotland, extending the current sequence of upturn that began two years ago. The rate of expansion ticked up from August’s seven-month low and was solid overall.

The pace of increase in temp billings in Scotland was broadly in line with the trend seen for the UK as a whole.

Further marked drop in permanent candidate availability

The supply of permanent staff across Scotland continued to decrease in September, stretching the current sequence of contraction to 20 months. Skills shortages and high demand for staff reportedly drove the latest fall. Notably, the rate of decline quickened slightly on the month and was marked overall.

Scotland recorded a much sharper fall in permanent staff supply than that seen on average across the UK, with the pace of decline slowing slightly on the month at the national level.

Adjusted for seasonal variation, the Temporary Candidate Availability Index remained below the neutral 50.0 mark in September, signalling a nineteenth straight monthly deterioration in the supply of temp staff across Scotland and one that was rapid overall. Panellists cited strong demand for short-term workers and a reluctance among candidates to move roles. Although it remained much sharper than that seen at the national level, the pace of contraction was the slowest for six months.

Rate of starting salary inflation eases to 15-month low

September data signalled a sustained uplift in salaries awarded to permanent new joiners in Scotland, amid reports that strong demand for staff led to upwards pressure on pay. Though historically sharp, the rate of salary inflation was the slowest for 15 months, and weaker than that recorded for the UK as a whole.

A twenty-second monthly increase in hourly rates for short-term staff in Scotland was recorded in September. According to survey respondents, skills shortages were the primary cause of the latest rise. The rate of temp wage inflation softened to a four-month low, but was nonetheless sharp and outpaced the UK-wide average.

Permanent vacancies rise at slower rate

As has been the case in each month since February 2021, demand for permanent staff in Scotland increased in September. The rate of expansion was the softest seen for a year-and-a-half, albeit sharp by historical standards.

IT & Computing recorded the fastest rise in permanent vacancies, followed by Nursing/Medical/Care, while Hotel & Catering saw the slowest.

Temporary vacancies across Scotland continued to rise in September, extending the current sequence of growth to two years.  The rate of increase was the slowest since February 2021, but still sharp overall.

Across the monitored sectors, demand for temp staff was strongest in IT & Computing, followed by Accounts & Financial.

Sebastian Burnside, Chief Economist at Royal Bank of Scotland, commented: “Permanent staff appointments across Scotland rose during September following a moderate fall in August, amid reports of improved hiring activity at clients in some sectors and strong demand for workers.

“The rate of growth was only mild, but nonetheless outpaced the UK-wide average. Temp billings also increased, with growth ticking up since August to a solid pace.

“The imbalance between staff demand and supply continued to place upwards pressure on pay in September.

“The latest survey showed that both permanent and temporary staff availability continued to decline sharply, which drove further increases in temp pay and starting salaries at rates seldom seen in the history of the survey.”

Vacancies at Pilton Equalities Project

CURRENT VACANCIES

2 Part time Minibus Drivers

  • Part time
  • £18,200 pro-rata
  • Edinburgh
  • Closing 10th June 2022.

The Pilton Equalities Project is a voluntary organisation based in North Edinburgh since 1989, providing a range of services to older and other vulnerable adults.

We are looking for a part-time driver who holds a D1 category license and who is over 25 years old (for insurance purposes).

Must be physically fit as there will be moving and handling involved.

Hours to be agreed, but flexible working is a requirement as holiday cover will be required.

The main duties include transporting groups to venues in and around Edinburgh, picking up surplus food donations, maintenance checks, bus washing etc.

Experience of working with the elderly and disabled is essential. Knowledge of driving minibuses and operating wheelchair restraints is desirable but full training can be given.

Find out more

Mental Health Support Worker

  • Part time
  • £25,404 pro-rata
  • Edinburgh
  • Closing 10th June 2022

PEP are seeking to employ a skilled Mental Health Support Worker to develop two new wellbeing groups in North Edinburgh for older people aged 65+.

The purpose of these groups will be to support older people whose wellbeing has been negatively affected by the pandemic.

This will include, but not be limited to, older people who have experienced bereavement, social isolation or mental health issues.

Find out more

Mental Health Worker

  • Part time
  • £26,166 pro-rata
  • Edinburgh
  • Closing 10th June 2022

PEP are seeking to employ a skilled Mental Health Worker to be responsible for the daily running and further development of PEP’s Mental Health Service.

The purpose will be to support older and other vulnerable adults, whose wellbeing has been negatively affected by the pandemic.

This will include, but not be limited to, older and other vulnerable people who have experienced bereavement, social isolation or mental health issues.

Find out more

Pilton Equalities Project

 Charity registered in Scotland SC010108

To enhance the quality of life for older and other vulnerable adults in North Edinburgh by continuing to develop services that enable active community participation, which encourage independence and which measurably reduce isolation.

National Trust for Scotland launches recruitment drive with positions available in Edinburgh and Lothians

The National Trust for Scotland is offering people from across Edinburgh and the Lothians the opportunity to play a part in the future of Scotland’s heritage.

By joining Scotland’s leading conservation charity at one of seven Trust sites across Edinburgh and the Lothians individuals can make the most of the health and wellbeing benefits of working in Scotland’s beautiful nature, while telling the stories of Scotland’s history and preserving important sites, such as Gladstone’s Land and House of the Binns for generations to come.

Last month the National Trust for Scotland launched its new 10-year strategy, Nature, Beauty & Heritage for Everyone, which outlined ambitious plans for the years ahead – from becoming carbon negative through to speaking up for Scotland’s heritage that doesn’t have a voice and increasing visitor numbers to more than 6 million per year. To support its ambitions, the charity is recruiting for 300 roles across Scotland.

Across Edinburgh and the Lothians, the Trust is recruiting for a variety of roles, including several of which are brand new positions for 2022. Together, these roles will contribute directly to the charity’s ambitious objectives across conservation, engagement and sustainability.

There are opportunities to be part of the team working hard behind the scenes with roles such as Nature and Landscape Data Officer and Maintenance Surveyor, among others available at the Trust’s Headquarters in Edinburgh. if you want to work in one of the oldest buildings on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, Gladstone’s Land is recruiting for Visitor Service Assistants to share their enthusiasm and passion with visitors.

In East Lothian, an exciting opportunity has arisen to work in the bustling kitchen within Newhailes Estate where every scone baked and sold helps save Scotland’s heritage.

Other Lothian roles available include Visitor Services Assistants, Supervisors, and Manager positions at House of the Binns and Preston Mill. 

With sites such as The Georgian House and Preston Mill known for their links to TV, fans of Outlander, Landward and The Secret Agent can walk in the footsteps of their heroes every day as they take on the role of Visitor Service Assistant.

Stuart Maxwell, General Manager, Edinburgh and East, National Trust for Scotland said: “It’s an incredibly exciting time to join the Trust, particularly following the launch of Nature, Beauty & Heritage for Everyone and the big ambitions we have for the next ten years. With a range of vacancies at our properties, there is always something new to uncover and no two days are ever the same.

“With opportunities ranging from Gardener to Catering roles, there are so many different ways to play a part in sharing the stories of our rich heritage with visitors from all over the world, all while preserving it to ensure it’s there for future generations to discover.

“We are looking for people who are passionate about improving the lives of others through access to Scotland’s nature, beauty and heritage, and who want to get up and head to a job they love every day with a team who share their enthusiasm.”

For more information on the National Trust for Scotland and the vacancies available across Edinburgh and the Lothians, visit www.nts.org.uk/careers.

Recruitment problems? Hire prison leavers to bolster workforce

With firms saying they are struggling to recruit in the face of record job vacancies, Nacro is calling for firms to hire those with criminal records to reduce reoffending and bolster the workforce.

Nacro chief executive Campbell Robb said: “We are overlooking one vital resource to address the country’s shortage of candidates: hiring prison leavers.

” Each month around 4,000 people leave prison, but only 14% are in employment six months later – yet employers who hire prison leavers often say prison leavers are harder working and more reliable workers.

“Alongside this, having work is a vital factor in reducing reoffending. Yet so many viable job candidates could be overlooked simply because they have a criminal record.

“The UK economy can no longer afford to ignore those leaving prison, we have a golden opportunity to reduce reoffending and staff shortages in one fell swoop.”

New role’s a piece of cake for Rachel!

AN INSPIRING Edinburgh woman with a passion for baking has secured a catering position with one of the city’s finest care homes.

Rachel Murray, 21, who has Down’s syndrome – and has landed her first paid role as a Food Service Assistant at Cramond Residence, after demonstrating her hard-work and talent in a variety of volunteer roles in cafes and the former Royal Hospital for Sick Children.

Now fully settled into the job, Rachel plays an integral part in the day to day running of the care home – supporting the home’s four chefs creating bespoke dishes, doing the daily tea and coffee run, taking breakfast orders and baking sweet treats for residents.

Rachel said: “In my role I get to do so many different things like deliver breakfasts, bake cakes, help with food prep and make cheese boards and platters for the residents.

“My favourite thing is definitely baking. I love to make lemon drizzle cake, cheese scones and apple crumble.

“Since starting in June 2021, I’ve learned a lot of new skills thanks to the team who have been showing me the ropes. It’s a really friendly environment and my colleagues are great.”

Since starting, Rachel has passed her level two food hygiene, Rachel is going through her basic level dementia training and has learned a variety of kitchen skills under the watchful eye of head chef, Patsy.

Outside work, Rachel loves drama, socialising with her family and friends at the weekends and watching football. Rachel is also a first aider for a church football team – managed by her Dad, Brian Murray – and helps with physio and first aid.

The team at Cramond Residence were so impressed by Rachel’s application they created a tailored Food Services Assistant role, just for her.


Christian Daraio, Client Liaison Manager at Cramond Residence said: “Rachel is a total asset to the Cramond Residence team. Her positive attitude really brightens everyone’s day.

“I know Head Chef Patsy in particular is very appreciative of her and she’s a great help to the rest of our food service assistants too.

“Because of her past experience volunteering at Sick Kids and Broomhouse café, Rachel is versatile and can work in the kitchen or on the floors, taking orders and doing the tea and coffee runs.

“As we look to grow our staff base further for 2022, we’re hoping to give more people in a similar position the chance to progress in their career and learn some new skills.”

Speaking about Rachel’s success in landing the role at Cramond Residence, Eddie McConnell, Chief Executive of Down’s Syndrome Scotland said: “We are not at all surprised that Rachel has secured this opportunity. 

“She is a great role model for our community and like so many people with Down’s syndrome, she has so much to contribute and has a great set of skills.  We are delighted for her and we commend Cramond Residence for its foresight in seeing the potential of everyone who just happens to have an extra chromosome.”  

Following record occupancy rates and growing demand, Cramond Residence is set to hire additional members of staff to take its team to more than 100 in response in the coming months.

The home is currently looking for applications from care assistants & registered nurses.

Located in the north of the city, Cramond Residence opened in late 2018 and offers uncompromising nurse-led care, as well as respite and dementia specialist services and offers small group living in nine luxuriously appointed homes.

Included in the home’s current offering for residents is a tailored monthly activity programme, curated by its dedicated lifestyle team, bespoke physiotherapy sessions by boutique physiotherapy experts, Balanced, as well as specialist dementia care.

To find out more, call 0131 341 4037 or visit https://cramondresidence.co.uk/

Job opportunities with Aldi

ALDI RECRUITING 20 COLLEAGUES IN THE EDINBURGH AREA

Aldi, the UK’s 5th largest supermarket, is recruiting new colleagues to work in its Dalkeith and Hermiston Gate stores opening in September 2021, as a result of its continued popularity and growth across Scotland.

In a welcome boost to the Scottish economy, and to support its expansion in the area, Aldi is looking for 20 Store Assistants across Edinburgh, with training for the role starting in June.

Aldi is a multi-award-winning employer that offers one of the best working environments and competitive benefits packages in the UK supermarket sector, with the majority of Aldi colleagues now receiving a minimum rate of £9.55 per hour, rising to £10.57.

Aldi also creates opportunities for colleagues to develop and progress and has flexible contracts available, as well as healthcare and lifestyle perks for all.

Here, Aldi colleagues give insider tips on how to land a role with the supermarket:

  1. Visit the store before your interview

Deputy Store Manager, Jim Sandhu says: “I’d suggest visiting your local store to watch the team and its daily running. This type of exercise can help candidates demonstrate their knowledge of the store, and display a sound understanding of how it operates. When applying for my role, I had a chat with the Store Manager, who kindly gave me some of their time. This put me in a very strong position in the interview as I was able to speak knowledgeably about how a store operates and identify some of the main challenges a Deputy Store Manager would face.”

  1. Do some desk research

Kelly Stokes, Recruitment Director at Aldi, says: “We always want to see that applicants have done their homework, as that shows how invested an individual is in joining the business. We are currently in an ambitious growth period and are constantly on the lookout for people who are hungry to learn more about us and our ways of working. Candidates who put extra effort in when doing their research put themselves in a great position to start their application and their new career with Aldi.”

  1. Show enthusiasm

Store Manager, Jade Shallow says: “You have to display a willingness to work hard, to be passionate and to be committed to the role.  If you can clearly showcase those three areas, then you’re not only going to show that you want to give your best at Aldi, but you’ll also be in a strong position to get noticed by the hiring manager in the first place.”

About the roles available:

Job title: Store Assistant

Salary: £9.55 per hour rising to £10.57

Job description: Hardworking and enthusiastic candidates are being targeted for Aldi’s Store Assistant positions, carrying out responsibilities such as accurate and efficient till operation, stock management and merchandising.

Full training will be provided for Store Assistants over a six-week period and roles are available from 15 to 30 hours a week, with a realistic prospect of progression.

Apply here.

Richard Holloway, Regional Managing Director at Aldi, said: “We are really excited about the vacancies that have arisen across the Edinburgh area, as Aldi’s increased popularity and customer demand for quality products has allowed us to continue with our ambitious growth plan, and create further employment opportunities across Scotland.”

“Working at Aldi means more than just having a job; we really care about our colleagues, both personally and professionally. On top of our fantastic benefits, such as the competitive pay and benefits package, Aldi continues to offer a great working environment and real opportunities to progress within the business.

“We take immense pride in supporting the career development of all our colleagues and invest time and resource in them, in order to keep everyone motivated, fully engaged, continuously challenged and importantly, happy.”

Applications and more information on all of Aldi’s store positions can be found on Aldi’s recruitment website: www.aldirecruitment.co.uk/stores.