Gavin Trace

Country of origin: United Kingdom

Placement: Lidl

My role as a placement student at Lidl was made up of four modules: one ten-week basic training/introduction to the business and three elective twelve-week modules working in either Store, the Property Department or the Warehouse. The introductory training gave me a good all-round knowledge of the main departments in the business.

The first module I selected was Sales where I returned to store to continue where I left my basic training. Throughout this module I trained to a Deputy Manager level, learning all the responsibilities such as ordering stock, cash handling, completing promotional changeovers and beginning to run shifts.

In my second module I chose to spend time in the Property Department to see a different side of the business. My role was mainly based within the acquisitions function, in which potential sites for new stores are identified and pursued. Initially I spent time shadowing an Acquisitions Manager, accompanying him on site searches and meetings with developers/agents and completing the necessary documentation. I spent the second half of this module completing more work independently and going out to look at different potential sites and assist in the board approval process. 

I have also been involved in a number of additional projects. One of the highlights was managing a promotional double decker bus advertising the in-store bakeries. Together with another placement student, I travelled around the country for three weeks, visiting different stores to liaise with customers, giving away free samples and vouchers and ensuring strong public relations.

We were in control of what bakery and complimentary products were sampled, the management of store staff at each location and the overall decision-making. It was enjoyable to be given this level of independent responsibility as well as getting to visit and stay in a different town each day fully expensed!