FLORIDA - Aldi is doubling down on its commitment to growth in Florida with a statewide hiring event that seeks to add an additional 400 employees to its ranks. Today, Thursday, January 11, each of the chain’s 115 locations in the state will host in-store interviews, between 7:00 a.m. and noon, and from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.

During the event, Aldi will be seeking to hire store associates, shift managers, and manager trainees, according to an Aldi press release. Potential applicants must be 18 years or older, have a high school diploma or GED, pass a drug screening and background check, able to lift 45 pounds, and must be available to work between 6:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m.

Aldi, a grocery chain with more than 1,700 stores nationwide, start wages for new hires at $12.00 an hour for store associates, $16.50 per hour for shift managers, and $48,920 a year for manager trainees. Aldi also invites employees to participate in the company's 401(k) program.

Aldi’s growth plans in Florida are part of the $3.4 billion expansion plan the retailer laid out last year, outlining a goal of expanding its total number of grocery stores to 2,500 by the end of 2022.

“We pioneered a grocery model built around value, convenience, quality, and selection,” said CEO Jason Hart. “And now Aldi is one of America’s favorite and fastest growing retailers. We’re growing at a time when other retailers are struggling. We are giving our customers what they want, which is more organic produce, antibiotic-free meats, and fresh healthier options across the store–all at unmatched prices up to 50 percent lower than traditional grocery stores.”

The company predicts the expansion will create a total of 25,000 jobs in stores, warehouses, and offices when complete.

Aldi US