Lidl’s graduate programme is indeed impressive. Each year the well-known initiative pulls large numbers of hopeful graduates for a select few spots. As the retailer develops throughout the UK at the moment, the programmes’ scale is also broadening with the provision of 15 new roles.
Its popularity owes to the fact that Lidl offers those selected the opportunity to participate in real-world projects with exceptional support. Alongside a supportive and cooperative workplace, every graduate is paired with a “buddy”- a recent graduate programme participant to assist them with practical guidance.
In addition to that, a “director mentor” is allocated to every graduate, a high-ranking member in Lidl’s team, their function is to steer them and guarantee they gain the utmost from the 18-month programme in terms of career growth.
Obviously, these benefits are beyond the customary Lidl advantages, including attractive salary and conditions (currently an annual sum of €42,500), and a vehicle can be provided if needed for business-related purposes.
Ciara Hahessy (23), an individual from Mayo, is partaking in the Lidl graduate programme. Having completed her HR degree from the University of Galway last year, she embarked her research on graduate programmes in her final university year. With increased understanding of Lidl’s programme, she felt compelled to be a part of it. She applied in October 2022, and it was offered to her before the end of the year. By her final year of study, she had secured a position.
She initiated her journey in September 2023, beginning with a one-week orientation programme at the Dublin-based Lidl’s head office. Subsequently, the graduates acquainted themselves with their respective departments, including HR, IT, finance, logistics, and sales, for two weeks. The next three months were all about store operational training, which she took great joy in.
“Graduates are trained in the business right from basics. Initially, I was assigned to the Portarlington store, where I served as a customer assistant and duty manager for the first six weeks and trained as a deputy store manager and store manager during the next six weeks in Naas,” Hahessy described.
It can’t be denied that she was a bit anxious during her initial days, she confesses. Though she had been a waitress throughout her university years, she had yet to explore the retail sector. Despite being unsure of what awaited her, she recalls that the staff was particularly supportive and accommodating. Reflecting back on this experience, she refers to it as enriching and would willingly revisit it if she was given an opportunity.
Subsequent to her in-store training, she found herself back at the headquarters, eager to kick-start her career in the human resources (HR) sector. As she explains, her line of work involves rotating across various HR departments, providing her with exposure to diverse aspects, starting from HR operations, payroll management, and regional HR managerial work to dealing with employee relations. Her rotational journey would famously lead her to talent acquisition, wrapping up with a stint in managing talents.
From the first day, Ciara has been receiving unwavering support from her director mentor, Ciaran Delaney, who holds the position of Senior IT Director at Lidl Ireland and Northern Ireland. She has greatly benefitted from his wealth of knowledge and expertise, which has guided her through the challenges encountered during the programme. Ciara mentions that she and Ciaran have scheduled official meeting sessions every few weeks. Further, their casual bump-ins at the office hallway have been helpful as well. She describes him as genuinely supportive and approachable. From discussing her ongoing tasks to lessons from his own career struggles and ways to circumvent them, there is no subject that they left uncovered. If she ever needs consultation, be it a presentation or an industry insight, he is always there to help and guide her in the right direction. She considers him one of her most valuable aids in the programme.
Lidl also offers formal training to all its graduate employees in different essential fields such as conflict resolution, communication, and presentation skills. When her programme wraps up in March, Ciara harbours hope to continue her association with Lidl. However, regardless of the outcome, she vehemently advocates the programme. “For anyone considering a career in a dynamic setting, this programme provides ample opportunities to shoulder essential responsibilities, and sets a fulfilling career in motion,” she opines. “The wide range of practical training and support gained throughout is something I would highly endorse.”
Ciaran Delaney is himself a positive example of the benefits of a supportive employer. With a background in accountancy, he started his career with one of the major Dublin accountancy firms. It wasn’t until 2011 that he found his way to Lidl.
Delaney explains, “When you’re caught up in accounting, your perspective is confined to a glimpse of every firm’s reality. My curiosity drove me towards exploring the corporate sector in depth, and I found my golden opportunity at Lidl — an experience that I wouldn’t trade for anything.”
In his 13-year journey at the company, Delaney’s career has taken various forms, incorporating responsibilities in human resources and foreign deployments. At one point, he dedicated several years to the implementation of a novel IT system at Lidl’s Dutch distribution centres.
As part of his present duties, Delaney is the guardian of a robust IT structure, the facilitator of digital procedures, and the defence against cyber threats. He believes the plethora of opportunities at Lidl is precisely why high-calibre postgraduate students are drawn to its programmes.
“The graduate programme offers an irreplaceable understanding of our operations as well as how large global corporations function. That includes the central office as well as the practical business sides, including storehouses,” he shares.
The programme allows graduates the opportunity to labour in a sector or department they have a keen interest in. They are presented with genuine accountability. This, Delaney believes, creates a firm foundation, with work that leaves a significant impression to kick-start their professional journey.
Not all graduates are fortunate to secure a permanent post at Lidl subsequent to the programme’s conclusion. However, the ones who do, according to Delaney, “excel within the company and often ascend to more advanced roles.”
He credits this success to the robust support system set up for graduates to harness the maximum benefits from the programme. This includes providing director mentors.
Delaney expresses, “Our goal is to emphasise to them that Lidl is a company abundant with opportunities. So, seize the golden chance ahead of you. Regardless of your career trajectory, Lidl’s 18-month grad programme serves as a remarkable initiation. It provides a unique chance to work amidst a challenging, supportive environment with substantial responsibility and captivating projects. Whatever comes next, this experience will be a stepping stone in your career path.”
Are you prepared to begin your professional journey with Lidl? Learn more about our programme for graduates and evaluate if you possess the necessary skills to become a part of our Lidl crew. Submit your application today.