Lidl has introduced its first Retail Leadership degree apprenticeship scheme, collaborating with Kingston University.
- The four-year programme blends academic learning with practical retail experience.
- Over 5,000 applications were received for just 51 positions available this year.
- Apprentices begin with a salary of nearly £26,000, growing to £46,000 by the end of the programme.
- Successful applicants will work in-store and visit Kingston University and Lidl House regularly.
Lidl has entered a significant partnership with Kingston University, launching its inaugural Retail Leadership degree apprenticeship programme. This marks a key milestone in Lidl’s strategy to foster talent within the retail sector. Designed as a four-year educational journey, the programme is structured to integrate rigorous academic study with practical, hands-on retail experience. It aims to equip apprentices with essential skills and insights necessary to thrive in today’s competitive retail landscape.
The scheme has attracted considerable attention, evidenced by the remarkable 5,000 applications received for only 51 spots. This high level of interest underscores the appeal and perceived value of the apprenticeship, offering a distinctive opportunity for school leavers keen to embark on a retail career. Apprentices are promised a competitive starting salary of nearly £26,000, with the potential to earn up to £46,000 in their final year—highlighting the programme’s commitment to rewarding talent and dedication.
Throughout the apprenticeship, participants will gain firsthand experience by working in stores, supplemented by regular educational visits to Kingston University and Lidl’s headquarters, Lidl House. This immersive approach is designed to cultivate a comprehensive understanding of retail operations, from ground-level practices to strategic management insights.
Commenting on the programme, Lidl GB’s Chief Human Resources Officer, Stephanie Rogers, expressed her enthusiasm for the initiative and the promising prospects it offers. She noted the alignment with Lidl’s long-standing investment in developing future retail leaders, reflecting their commitment to nurturing young talent within the industry. Kingston University’s Professor Sanka Sivarajah echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the programme’s role in bridging crucial skills gaps within the sector.
This pioneering apprenticeship programme represents Lidl’s forward-thinking approach to developing future leaders in the retail industry.
