Lidl has recruited 51 apprentices to join its first retail leadership degree programme and earn up to £46,000 by their fourth year.
Students will get a BSc (Hons) Retail Leadership degree from Kingston University while gaining the skills and experience needed to step into store management roles, according to Lidl.
The four-year degree programme combines academic study with practical retail experience and was developed in collaboration with the university, in Kingston upon Thames, the same London borough as Lidl’s office
The 51 recruits were selected from over 5,000 applications from school leavers eager to pursue a career in the retail sector, according to the discounter.
They will start on almost £26,000 a year, spending time gaining hands-on experience in-store while also regularly attending both the university and Lidl House in Tolworth.
The supermarket has also just welcomed 50 recruits to its graduate scheme, who will work across HR, warehouse, store, and supply chain roles, following an “extensive onboarding process which includes an introduction to Lidl’s core values”.
“I’m thrilled to welcome over 100 talented individuals to Lidl GB through these programmes,” said Stephanie Rogers, Lidl GB chief human resources officer.
“Our partnership with Kingston University for the Retail Leadership apprenticeship is a significant milestone, and it’s exciting to see it come to life in our 30th year of operating in Great Britain.
“Equally, our graduate scheme continues to attract bright minds eager to start their careers in this dynamic industry. We are committed to investing in the next generation of retail leaders and look forward to supporting them as they grow with us.”
Professor Sankar Sivarajah, head of Kingston Business School, said: “Our partnership with Lidl on the Retail Leadership Degree Apprenticeship demonstrates Kingston Business School is working on real-world business requirements, which will have an immediate impact on the students’ career paths and in turn the UK economy.
“There is a real need for skills development, with challenges for industries to overcome and this approach to knowledge partnerships bridges that gap.
“The apprenticeship will equip students with the competencies and skills they need for the future, such as digital insights into retail marketing or gaining the financial competencies, to be a well-rounded manager working within a large organisation.”
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