ALDI is starting its recruitment drive this month which will create nearly 400 jobs at its new £25million distribution centre.

Its new regional offices and distribution centre means 250 warehouse staff, 100 transportation staff and 40 office-based positions will be brought into the Goldthorpe area.

Although it's not due to open until 2015, the company is starting its recruitment drive to ensure new staff have completed its comprehensive training programme ahead of the opening.

At the same time local councillors announced they have already been in talks with the supermarket giant about how to help local people get the jobs and are about to launch a series of courses to help job applicants.

Cllr Ralph Sixsmith said: "Obviously this is good news for the Dearne - we would like more inward investors like Aldi.

"We're determined to ensure local people are given all the help and support possible, hence these new courses which are being coordinated by the Dearne area management team out of Goldthorpe's library."

Planning permission for the development, off Commercial Road, was granted in 2008.

The new distribution centre will serve stores across Yorkshire and further afield.

Liam Rafferty, Aldi’s financial and administration director, said: "The regional distribution centre at Goldthorpe will provide a hub for Aldi’s growing portfolio of stores across South and West Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and Derbyshire.

"We're looking to engage with the local community to identify suitable candidates who want the opportunity to work for a successful and growing retailer."

Barnsley Council leader Sir Steve Houghton said he was 'very pleased' at the announcement, adding: "This is another example of international businesses thriving in Barnsley."

Aldi is looking to hire individuals with relevant office and secretarial experience to work within its central operations team immediately.

Full training will be provided for all roles at Aldi’s distribution centres in Darlington, Middleton and Atherstone.

Logistics and distribution experience will be vital for the warehouse positions available, which will be recruited closer to the opening date, and drivers with the appropriate licence will be required to fill the transportation roles on offer.

The retailer has enjoyed a sales boom in recent years linked by analysts to its widening appeal and last month opened its 500th store.

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