| Great career opportunities in Ireland are currently few and far between given the present economic climate but there is no better way to increase your marketability for employment than by up skilling with a quality third level degree. Ireland’s favourite discount retailer, Lidl Ireland, is not only giving students the chance to attain an internationally recognised third level degree, but will also pay students a salary throughout their studies.
This programme, unique in Ireland, has been running at DBS for the past three years and the very first cohort of students graduated in June this year. The programme offers students a fantastic hands on education that is accredited at Level 7 on the National Qualifications Framework by the Higher Education Training Awards Council (HETAC). Successful students from the course will have the opportunity to join Lidl on a permanent basis upon graduation, initially in the role of a Deputy Store Manager.
This highly sought after undergraduate course recruits between 30 and 40 students each year into Ireland’s leading independent college. The programme devotes 50 percent of a student’s time to classroom based learning in Dublin Business School and the remaining 50 percent is dedicated to gaining practical experience in a Lidl store up to management level. Lidl sponsors all tuition fees for the participants as well as paying them a salary, which increases as each year is completed satisfactorily. Students are also given 20 paid days leave a year and have the added benefit of free private healthcare.
As graduating third year student Siobhan Shannon explains, “I have not looked back since embarking on this course with Lidl and DBS. Going to college is often associated with putting earning on hold so it is fantastic to be able to improve my education and job prospects while continuing to support myself financially.” She concluded, “The course, which is part theory and part practical hands on retail experience, is very relevant and applicable to the real working environment. I have loved every minute of it.”
Tánaiste and newly appointed Minister for Education & Skills, Mary Coughlan, speaking at the launch said: "Programmes such as this initiative by Lidl in partnership with Dublin Business School, which involves considerable investment by employers in the education or training of a number of its staff are to be encouraged and promoted. Through this programme staff are able to ‘upskill’ using a model of work-based experience and formal learning. This model tends to be successful and is particularly appropriate for those who may not otherwise be able to engage in full time third level education."
Paul Martin, Career Development Manager for Lidl Ireland GmbH, explains that it is a ‘win win’ situation, for both the successful applicants and Lidl, “Students receive a very reputable degree while we get the opportunity to work with motivated and dedicated people who are interested in building a long term career with Lidl. Applications for this programme are on the rise year on year as the awareness of the uniqueness of this opportunity grows amongst prospective students and career guidance counsellors.” He also commented, “It is hugely rewarding for us to see the first group of students come to the end of their 3 year programme and graduate this summer. Our attention now turns however to preparing the way for the next group of applicants”.
Gerry Muldowney, Chief Executive of Dublin Business School says, “The degree in retail management since its launch in 2007 has been a pioneering and exciting development providing learners with the opportunity to obtain employment combined with an underpinning academic third level education. In the current economic climate it provides a massive opportunity to school leavers and further education graduates. We at DBS are delighted to be involved in such an exciting project with Lidl.”
Applications should be made directly to Lidl via the website www.lidl-degree.ie. Full details of the programme, course content, entry requirements and online application can be found on the website. For more information call the Lidl degree helpline on +353 (0) 45 440 467. | |