48 Week Undergraduate Placement Student Review

I thoroughly enjoyed my year with Lidl and can honestly say I don't think I would have gained as much experience anywhere else. I was able to work in several different departments, including some time at Head Office in Wimbledon, which gave me a greater insight into the way the company operates. The placement was well structured and organised but still gave me the freedom to tailor the year to suit myself.

Although I only spent a couple of months in each department, I was always part of the team. I was very well respected and found everyone from store assistants to senior managers to be extremely welcoming and friendly. I was always praised and given recognition where needed.

I had many different support networks throughout my placement. The placement coordinator at Head Office and my Regional Training Manager were always there if I had a problem for the overall placement. I kept a weekly diary which I would send to them - this ensured I was working my contracted hours and that my training/daily activities were on track and as planned. In addition to this, I had a training mentor in each department I chose to spend time with, who would give me more specific guidance for that particular job role.

Lidl is a fast paced environment so I was never short of a task. However, throughout my basic training period, I had to respect that this was the case for everyone else too, who had their daily job to do, as well as helping to train me.

An unbelievable amount! From running shifts in store; to helping put board packs together for potential sites; to controlling store orders in the regional office. Once I was trained up, managers weren't afraid to give me some of their tasks. The placement really gives you the opportunity to use your initiative and show your leadership skills.

I haven't returned to University yet but I am extremely confident the skills that I have developed will help me throughout my final year and for my future career. I have been able to put theories into practice, but more importantly, the placement has developed me as a person in terms of my confidence and leadership abilities.

Understandably, this varied in each department. Despite having tough deadlines to meet, everyone was very positive and worked as a team. It was a great balance and something that really stood out at me.

I can't fault this at all. I had a clear and structured plan from day 1. The overall year was well organised so that I understood module choices and time scales. My Regional Training Manager also ensured each department was aware of my arrival and that there was a training plan and mentor in place.

I was pleasantly surprised by how much time and money was invested in the placement programme. I was well looked after and trained to a high calibre which allowed me to develop more skills and perform my role to a higher standard. The placement gave me the opportunity to experience various departments, something many employees within the company will never have the chance to do. It’s a real privilege!

I would love to return to Lidl after my final year at University, especially as the graduate opportunities sound more promising each year.

All the placement students met up three times throughout the year, as well as our two week work experience at Head Office. This gave us all the opportunity to catch up and hear about each other's experiences. We always stayed in a lovely hotel with planned activities and of course, our trips were always fully expensed! Regionally, I was always invited to social events.

I lived at home with my parents for the year so fortunately I had no financial problems!

There are stores based in various locations, so wherever I worked, I wasn't stuck for bars and clubs. The regional distribution centre (where I spent half of my year) was based in an industrial estate, however, Liverpool and Manchester were only short train journey away, which is where we spent different Christmas/office parties.

There were no particular planned activities but that was highly likely to be the case, with the shifts people work and the location of the regional distribution centre. Regardless, people were happy enough to make their own plans with work friends and colleagues.