Our Lidl grads all bring something different to the table. From those who love collaboration, to those who challenge the status quo. From those fresh from university to those who’ve completed a degree alongside their job. It takes a big character to not only make it onto our programmes, but really soar as a Lidl grad. And for the right people, we’ve got the programmes to help you become future leaders and mould your own career path.
Lidl grad Dami explains more: “I’d sum up my graduate programme in two words: ample variety. There’s opportunity to take part in so many different things, to see so many aspects of the company and have control of what you want to do in the future.”
During his first year, Dami developed his leadership skills experiencing all the realities of working in-store. In his second year, he fine-tuned his skills and leadership training, so he could lead his own team. “I love the fact I’ll write my own path,” says Dami. “There’s such a variety in the different roles available within our stores, warehouses, and offices. I’m really excited to have the opportunity to choose my own career trajectory.”
All opinions matter
Likewise, buying grad Maddy enjoys the fact that her opinion matters at Lidl. “When it comes to developing a product in buying, we need someone unafraid to say something nobody else is saying. You need to be honest and challenge the idea that you must agree with everyone, because that’s not what this role is about.”
Maddy is developing her management skills and becoming an expert in the field of buying. For Maddy, the fact that she’s been put front and centre of the business was unexpected, but she agrees it’s taught her a lot about the way Lidl is run, and she’s been supported every step of the way:
“My favourite thing about Lidl is definitely the mentorship that I’ve received. I’ve had the opportunity to work with some really great mentors, and people I can see myself in, and that’s really important when you start working in a corporate environment.”
A new direction
Our grads don’t always join through the traditional university route. Mark was previously in the armed forces, where he completed his degree alongside his role. Having grown up in Germany and the Netherlands, Lidl was a brand he was well aware of.
“Towards the end of my degree, I wanted to expand upon my experiences and translate that into the civilian world, and I felt that Lidl was the right employer and brand. It had a great reputation and I felt I could really strive forward here. So, I took the plunge and I applied.”
Across his two-year programme, Mark is experiencing the inner workings of a Lidl Regional Distribution Centre, building hands-on experience across our entire logistics operation. From what it takes to put our brilliant products in stores to managing the relationship with our hauliers.
The programme has given him real insight into how such a large-scale organisation operates, and how he can apply that knowledge in a professional and personal manner. “I expected it to be challenging and to learn a lot about the business,” he adds, “but actually it’s given me way more than I anticipated. It’s given me a real opportunity to develop who I am and highlight things that I didn’t know were inside of myself. “I feel like I can be my own person here and develop into who I want to be”.
Tough but rewarding
Tara agrees, adding:
“I would describe the grad programme as a once in a lifetime experience. There’s absolutely no other role or programme out there that gives you so much responsibility from such a young age. I’m 22 and I’m running a store. It’s really tough, but I absolutely love it."
“What really excites me about my future with Lidl are the endless opportunities. As grads, we can actually make a huge difference. If you look at our CEO, he used to be a grad, so it shows the scale of the opportunity here.”
Tara explains she’s had to roll her sleeves up and get involved from the start, but that’s part of what makes the Lidl grad programmes so successful.
As well as a fantastic salary starting at £38,000, there are many other perks – such as an in-store discount, discounted gym memberships, and access to corporate benefits.
Plus, you’ll have access to Lidl’s online Wellbeing Centre, helping provide ongoing support and guidance to colleagues.
If you’ve got the passion, ambition and drive, we’ve got the grad programme for you.