Lidl introduces its first-ever Retail Leadership degree apprenticeship in collaboration with Kingston University, marking a significant step in educational partnerships.
- The program, spanning four years, attracted over 5,000 applicants, resulting in the induction of 51 apprentices.
- Apprentices start with a salary of nearly £26,000, with the potential to earn up to £46,000 by the program’s end.
- Participants will gain practical experience in-store and have scheduled visits to Kingston University and Lidl’s headquarters.
- Lidl’s initiative coincides with the onboarding of 50 new recruits through its annual graduate scheme.
In a move that underscores the growing collaboration between academia and the retail industry, Lidl has introduced its inaugural Retail Leadership degree apprenticeship in partnership with Kingston University. This ambitious four-year program is designed to blend academic study with substantive retail experience. From the overwhelming response of over 5,000 applications, 51 apprentices have been chosen to participate, underscoring the keen interest and high demand for such integrated educational opportunities.
The program offers a unique financial incentive, with apprentices beginning their journey earning nearly £26,000 per annum, scaling up to £46,000 by the time they complete the apprenticeship. This financial model not only attracts promising talent but also underscores the value Lidl places on nurturing future retail leaders.
Structured to provide a comprehensive understanding of the retail landscape, apprentices will immerse themselves in hands-on experiences in-store. Additionally, they will have regular engagements at Kingston University and Lidl’s headquarters, Lidl House, enabling them to develop a rounded perspective of the retail sector.
This initiative runs parallel to Lidl’s ongoing commitment to developing talent, as seen by the intake of 50 new recruits into its annual graduate scheme. These individuals will embark on a rotation across vital segments such as human resources, warehousing, and supply chain management, further highlighting Lidl’s strategic emphasis on nurturing a versatile skill set among its workforce.
The sentiment expressed by Stephanie Rogers, Lidl GB’s Chief Human Resources Officer, reflects the company’s forward-thinking approach: ‘I’m thrilled to welcome over 100 talented individuals to Lidl GB through these programmes… Our partnership with Kingston University for the Retail Leadership apprenticeship is a significant milestone.’ This echoes the remarks of Professor Sanka Sivarajah from Kingston Business School, who emphasized the critical role of skills development in today’s challenging industries.
Lidl’s Retail Leadership apprenticeship represents a notable advancement in integrating academic knowledge with practical industry skills.
