48 Week Placement Student Review

The Lidl placement programme has provided me with an excellent opportunity to experience a variety of roles and work in a range of different environments, along with specialised projects (Head Office, Lidl Bus). I enjoyed the variety that the programme structure offers; this provided me with 12 weeks of basic training and a choice of modules. I selected sales as it proved dynamic giving me the opportunity to run my own store and shadow a DM for 6 weeks.

The placement programme has enabled me to feel a valued member of the company with varying levels of staff from store assistants to my regions senior management. Each department I assisted in provided me with their knowledge and experience allowing me to feel a part of a range of teams - however long the time duration, from a few weeks to months.

Support and guidance was always accessible throughout the placement programme via an RTM (Regional Training Manager) and any issues could also be addressed. Support was also available from store managers and other members of staff.

Each day provided me with different challenges and a chance to learn and enhance new and current skills. There was always a task to be completed as due to being in retail no two days are the same. That said, there were regular opportunities to stop and reflect throughout the program.

Due to the roles I completed throughout the placement the level of responsibility grew from being a store assistant to store manager being responsible for holding the keys, orders, open/close, employing prospective staff and training. Extra projects also provided me with responsibility such as assisting Head Office in improving the placement and graduate scheme.

The skills I have gained throughout the programme will become invaluable in future employment and on completion of my degree specifically regarding management.

Following a sales root often meant I was based in a store rather than an office. Within store the atmosphere varied dependant on the workload, however staff were always willing to assist me within store.

The work placement was extremely well structured providing placement students with an experience in a range of departments before having the opportunity to select specific modules. The programme also made arrangements if there were extra specialised projects to take part in, that were not documented on the placement calendar.

The company invested a substantial amount of time to placement students providing us with many opportunities. My RTM (Regional Training Manager) made sure information was communicated effectively and provided continual support throughout the programme with regular meetings to assess progress. Head Office training with the other placement students provided opportunity’s to share experiences and network throughout the company.

Future employment within the company would be very appealing if a desirable opportunity arises, due to the quality of the placement programme.

Opportunity’s such as Head Office projects provided us placement students a chance to catch up and share experiences on the placement programme.

Stayed at home therefore costs were kept to a minimum, however did increase slightly due to travelling to various stores. However costs were often covered by expenses when travelling to other areas.

Nightlife is okay, however not a change due to staying at home therefore becomes the norm. But good transport links which help massively.

Additional activity days have been organised towards the end of the scheme. Also when working at the RDC and on projects with other placement students, opportunities were available outside of work.