Lidl GB has introduced a new initiative where it will pay some employees up to £46k per year to attend university. Through its Retail Leadership degree apprenticeship scheme in collaboration with Kingston University, successful applicants will have the opportunity to earn a wage while pursuing their studies. The scheme offers a starting salary of £26,000 in the first year, which can increase to £46,000 by the fourth year.
The supermarket giant recently welcomed 51 apprentices into the program after receiving over 5,000 applications from school leavers aspiring to build a career in the retail sector. The Retail Leadership BSc (Hons) apprenticeship is a four-year program that combines academic learning with practical retail experience. Participants will gain hands-on experience in-store, along with regular visits to Kingston University and Lidl House in Surbiton to enhance their understanding of the retail industry.
Additionally, Lidl has also onboarded 50 new graduates through its annual graduate scheme. Stephanie Rogers, Chief Human Resources Officer at Lidl GB, expressed excitement about the influx of talent, stating their commitment to investing in the next generation of retail leaders. The Head of Kingston Business School, Professor Sankar Sivarajah, highlighted the apprenticeship’s focus on equipping students with the necessary skills for future retail management roles.
The partnership between Lidl and Kingston University exemplifies the supermarket’s dedication to developing its workforce and shaping future retail leadership. This initiative follows Lidl’s ongoing efforts to support its employees, such as providing hourly-paid colleagues with a third pay rise within a year, offering leading hourly rates both inside and outside the M25.