Placement Student Review

I had a fantastic experience while on placement at Lidl. I was given the opportunity to experience working in numerous different departments within the business, taking on a range of responsibilities along the way. Lidl provide plenty of challenges in order to help you develop and as a result no two days were ever the same, helping keep the placement exciting and interesting.

From day one I was made to feel like a team member at Lidl. Everyone I came across was friendly and helpful with any queries I had. I felt valued in every department I worked in. In each department I was provided with responsibility, which makes you feel like you are providing value and working as part of the team.

Although the lidl placement is challenging in order to aid your development there was always support available if it was required. My line manager was very friendly and always there to help and we were told on day one that we could call her at any time with any queries we may have. The management team were also very fast at replying to any emails.

Lidl is a very fast paced environment and will suit anyone who thrives under pressure. I was given responsibility and expected to complete tasks within a timeframe. I feel this fast paced environment and responsibility has been very beneficial to me as I feel I am now better at handling a large workload, my time management skills have improved and this will be beneficial to me during my final year at university

Lidl provide students with a lot of responsibility. Within weeks of working in store I was able to manage the store safe alone and organise the staff breaks. I was completing stock orders in the store, ensuring that we had the correct amount of stock to meet the forecasted sales. I was also set numerous projects during my time at Lidl which I had to plan and complete within a timeframe and then report my findings to senior management. Lidl is definitely a good company for anyone who thrives under pressure and likes responsibility.

During this placement I have developed numerous skills which will aid me for the rest of my degree and also after graduation. At the start of my placement I often became nervous when presenting to a group of people, however during this placement I worked on my presentation skills and after presenting to large groups and senior management at Lidl I no longer get nervous and actually enjoy presenting. During my time at Lidl I feel I have gained so much confidence in my own ability and as a result I am now more willing to take on challenges, make decisions and develop myself.

Lidl is a very friendly place to work. The staff are all helpful and there is a great team atmosphere. Everyone works together to ensure daily tasks are completed and that everything is running smoothly. I have never worked in such a happy environment where everyone gets on and works together as a team. Staff often get together and go out for lunch or even food after work.

The placement scheme runs very smoothly. On the first day I was provided with a schedule of where I would be working during the placement and this allowed me to plan in when I would complete my university work. At times unexpected events or projects occur, which could not be forecasted. This however helps keep the placement exciting and provides the students with opportunities.

I was very surprised at how much investment Lidl actually put into me. I was given the opportunity to take on project and work in departments which would provide me with the greatest development. At the end of my time in each department I had an appraisal and this highlighted any weaknesses and strengths, this gave me the opportunity to become self-aware so that I could develop myself.

Lidl offer some excellent graduate roles which I am personally very interested in. The company does not forget about you at the end of the placement, they are interested in what you would like to do after placement and numerous former placement students have taken on graduate positions. Lidl have allowed me to continue working with them on a part time contract and I plan on joining them full time after graduation.

Throughout the placement all the placement students were brought together on numerous occasions for training courses and placement student meetings. We were provided accommodation by Lidl and this allowed us to socialise and share stories from our experiences. During the placement we all spent two weeks in head office and again this allowed us time to work together and get to know the other placement students, outside of work we socialised and went site seeing in London together. Head office was an excellent experience and I have made some friends for life.

Newcastle upon Tyne which is where I was based is in the north east of England. It is a fairly cheap place to live in comparison with the cost of living in London. As a result I was able to safe more money to support myself during the final year of my degree.

The nightlife near my Regional Distribution Centre was not great as it is a quiet area, however 20 miles up the road is Newcastle upon Tyne which is renowned for its excellent nightlife and on numerous occasion myself and other placement students met up in Newcastle upon Tyne for nights out. Also working in head office meant that we could spend some nights in London and this is the first time I have experienced the night life in London which I found amazing.

During my time at Lidl I was provided with lots of opportunity to socialise with colleagues. Nights out were often arranged and a number of us often went out for food together during our lunch break and also after work. Lidl provided me with lots of opportunities to make new friends which I will continue to socialise with. Throughout the placement all the placement students were brought together on numerous occasions for training courses and placement student meetings. We were provided accommodation by Lidl and this allowed us to socialise and share stories from our experiences. During the placement we all spent two weeks in head office and again this allowed us time to work together and get to know the other placement students, outside of work we socialised and went site seeing in London together.