Aldi is right up there with some of the best-regarded employers in the country, offering generous wages, top-notch benefits, and flexible hours. This is a terrific spot for any adult to work with an aim to move their way up, but what about the younger set?
Does Aldi hire teenagers, especially those that are younger than 18? If you’re in high school and looking for a part-time job, here’s what you need to know about working at Aldi!
Does Aldi Hire Teenagers In [currentyear]?
Aldi does hire 18 and 19-year-old teenagers as of [currentyear]. But the company took a hard stance on not hiring anyone younger than 18, despite state laws that may permit kids as young as 14 to enter the workplace. This is a company-wide rule for every store in the country, regardless of state.
Let’s look more in-depth at the age requirements to work at Aldi, if you can squeak by being only 17, why the company might have adopted this policy, and more. Keep reading below!
How Old Do You Have To Be To Work At Aldi?
To work at Aldi, you must be at least 18 years of age. With that, Aldi’s official statement on the subject reads:
“ALDI has made the decision that employees must be 18 years of age to work at ALDI. We are aware that state laws may vary, with respect to requirements for workers under 18 years of age, but ALDI has decided to adopt a simple rule that requires employees to be 18 years of age or older.”
Also, there seems to be some confusion on the topic because people have been led to believe that workers could start at age 16.
From what I’ve found, it’s possible that 16-year-olds can work at Aldi in the UK, just not in stores (instead, in the warehouses).
So, unfortunately, high school-age kids are not eligible to work at Aldi, though it would make a terrific part-time job.
However, college-age students could pick up part-time or full-time work if they so choose (again, provided they are over the age of 18).
Does Aldi Hire Under 18?
Aldi does not hire anyone under the age of 18. So, if you are 14, 15, 16, or even 17, you are ineligible to apply.
Additionally, if a hiring manager were found to bring on someone under 18, they would be going directly against company policy and would likely get fired.
Can You Work At Aldi If You’re 17?
Even 17 years old, though they are so close to being 18, are not eligible to apply at Aldi. If you’re on the cusp, just wait it out patiently or find something else until you turn 18.
Why Do You Have To Be Over 18 To Work At Aldi?
I can’t find any formal statement on why Aldi requires its employees to be 18, but I have some theories.
First, many Aldi stores sell alcohol. To handle alcohol in a retail setting, cashiers must be 18 in many states (and 21 in quite a few, too!).
So, by making its policy 18 years of age country-wide, Aldi makes the hiring requirements consistent with many state liquor laws.
Also, kids under 18 come with child labor laws (i.e., restrictions) that can make scheduling trickier for management.
By not hiring kids, Aldi management can schedule without fear of literally breaking laws accidentally.
Finally, Aldi partners with grocery delivery service Instacart, with a legal age of employment being 18.
Therefore, I think it’s a good idea for the two to have consistent hiring practices, including an identical minimum age, since they work so closely.
Do You Have To Submit High School Diploma To Work At Aldi?
Since you’d technically be finished or nearly finished with high school at 18, you might wonder if Aldi requires proof of diploma or GED.
The answer is no. While having a diploma or GED is preferred, the company does not require it as part of its hiring process for entry-level positions.
Is Aldi A Good Job For College Students?
Since most college students are 18 and over, you might be wondering if working at Aldi is a good way to generate some part-time or even full-time income while in school.
The answer to that is highly individual because Aldi will work you hard each shift.
That said, even part-time hours might be too exhausting for some, as the work has you constantly moving, unloading heavy pallets, walking the store back and forth, etc.
However, if you have unending energy and don’t mind getting your hands dirty (and your feet sore), then the high wages could be worth balancing with a full class load.
Is Aldi Flexible For College Students?
The flexibility of Aldi’s scheduling appears to be quite solid all around.
However, one former employee on Indeed.com said a manager “makes you feel like you will be replaced if you take the flexible schedule. It’s definitely frowned upon.”
So if you’re 18, 19, just starting college, and hoping that Aldi will work with your schedule as you navigate this new phase in your life, you might want to tread that water carefully.
To learn more, you can also see our posts on Aldi’s employee dress code, does Aldi drug test, and does Aldi hire felons.
Conclusion
Aldi’s company policy is to hire only those who are 18 and over.
Unfortunately, teenagers 14, 15, 16, and 17, while eligible by state law, are not eligible according to Aldi’s requirements.
However, high school students who have turned 18 and most college students can take advantage of Aldi’s above-average wages and excellent benefits.
