Retail Ireland Skillnet

19/05/2026

'Women Shaking Up the Future' campaign was officially launched by Minister Marian Harkin T.D. and Rose of Tralee Katelyn Cummins at Maryfield College, driving an ambitious conversation around apprenticeship pathways for young women.
From tech and innovation to leadership, the face of apprenticeships is changing rapidly. The launch featured an inspiring, direct Q&A breaking down old misconceptions and highlighting real career potential, trends we are proud to spearhead here at Retail Ireland Skillnet. We are incredibly proud to share that 58% of the apprentices and graduates on our Apprenticeship in Retail Supervision programme are female.
By stepping into leadership, mastering commercial strategy, and driving innovation, these women are completely redefining the retail sector. They aren’t just building fantastic careers, they are paving the way for the next generation of retail leaders.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWQhGHY7f_w

Apprenticeship Ireland Skillnet Ireland

The National Apprenticeship Office are committed to empowering the ...

14/05/2026

Our second‑year apprentices from the Dublin cohort wrapped up their final in‑person class this week 🎉 What an achievement!
Your dedication, consistency, and hard work over the past two years have truly paid off. Next stop: graduation, where we’ll celebrate everything you’ve accomplished.
If you’re a retailer — or working in the retail sector — and would like to learn more about the Apprenticeship in Retail Supervision Programme for the 2026 intake, email us to find out more 📩 [email protected]
More info: https://lnkd.in/gkUzYenb
Apprenticeship Ireland Skillnet Ireland

08/05/2026

📢 We’re thrilled to announce the incredible lineup of industry leaders on the panel for the upcoming webinar: How AI is Transforming Digital Advertising for Retailers 📢

Join us as we dive deep into the tech redefining how customers shop, from the first spark of discovery to the final click of checkout⚡🛍

Through IAB Ireland we’re bringing together the biggest names in the industry:

🔹 Google: Stephen Drumm (Senior Product Lead) & Cynthia Heywood-Beldon (Sales Manager) Topic: From Discovery to Checkout: AI for Retail Growth

🔹 TikTok: Evgeniia Marchenko (Senior Account Manager, Beauty & Commerce) Topic: AI-Powered Marketing: The Future of Growth is Here

🔹 Meta: Katie Jones (Senior Strategic Account Manager, UKI Commerce) Topic: AI-Powered Growth: Ushering in the Next Era of Shoppable Experiences

Don’t just watch the retail landscape change, learn how to lead it.

📅 Wednesday, May 27th | 10:00 AM
🔗 Secure your free spot now: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_5bKQCgFxSQ-2q8BzNl925w #/registration

05/05/2026

📣 Apprenticeship in Retail Supervision Open Information Sessions
We’re excited to announce the launch of our weekly online information sessions for the Apprenticeship in Retail Supervision programme!
🗓 When: Every Tuesday
⏰ Time: 10:30am – 11:00am
💻 Where: Online via Microsoft Teams
Whether you’re curious about the programme or ready to take the next step, this is the perfect chance to learn more and ask questions.
👉 Join the session here:
https://lnkd.in/eNsJghTb

30/04/2026

Can you upskill your team without causing disruptions on the shop floor? Absolutely 🌟

Our latest blog explores how the Apprenticeship in Retail Supervision allows your most promising employees to gain a qualification while remaining in full-time employment 🖋️

We know losing a key person from the floor is a massive consideration. That is why our classes are strategically scheduled on retail-friendly dates to minimise workplace disruption. Employees continue to work full-time and attend college just 24 days per year 📆

Plus, it makes financial sense. There are no fees for employers to register employees as apprentices, and a €4,000 employers grant is available for each apprentice enrolled in the programme ✅

Click the link below to read the full blog and discover how you can establish a clear career progression route to attract and retain talented individuals in your business.

https://retailirelandskillnet.com/the-real-truth-about-retail-training-upskilling-without-the-headache-with-the-apprenticeship-in-retail-supervision

28/04/2026

Retailers — ready to grow your future leaders? ⚡️
The Apprenticeship in Retail Supervision is now open for applications.
✔ Ideal for current and aspiring managers
✔ Free to register 🎓
✔ €4,000 employer grant per apprentice 💶
If you’re a retailer — or working in the retail sector — and would like to learn more about the Apprenticeship in Retail Supervision for the 2026 intake, email us to find out more.
📩 [email protected]
More info: retailirelandskillnet.com/apprenticeship-in-retail-supervision

17/04/2026

In the Irish market, AI is no longer the "future" it’s the engine of growth today. From changing consumer search habits to the algorithms behind every click, integrating AI is now a fundamental requirement for growth.

Join us in partnership with IAB Ireland for an intensive, practical webinar designed to demystify AI and show you exactly how to leverage it for measurable ROI.

📅 Event Details

Topic: Mastering AI in Digital Advertising: A Roadmap for Irish Retailers
Date: Wednesday, 27th May 2026
Time: 10:00 am – 11:30 am
Location: Online via Zoom (Live)
Cost: FREE

🎤 Industry-Leading Insights

We’re bringing together platform experts from Google, Meta, TikTok and more to break down the "how-to" of AI-driven marketing.

💡 What You’ll Learn:

🔍 The New Search & Social: How AI is reshaping customer discovery.
📱 Platform Deep-Dives: Insider updates from Google, Meta, and TikTok.
🛠️The Retailer’s Toolkit: Practical "quick wins" for immediate implementation.
🏆 Case Studies: Real-world AI strategies delivering results for retailers.
🎯 Competitive Edge: How to use AI-driven targeting to outperform larger competitors with smarter spending.

Don’t let your digital strategy fall behind. Turn AI complexity into your retail advantage.

🎯This webinar is specifically tailored for the Irish retail ecosystem - Business Owners, Marketing Managers, and E-commerce Specialists. 🎯

Find out more on our website 👉 https://retailirelandskillnet.com/product/webinar-how-ai-is-transforming-digital-advertising-for-retailers or register directly here 👉 https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_5bKQCgFxSQ-2q8BzNl925w #/registration

Stay tuned as we announce our guest speakers!

15/04/2026

It was great to be at the Dublin Northwest Partnership Apprenticeship Fair in Finglas yesterday. It was a fantastic opportunity to meet with students, parents, and career guidance tutors to discuss the wide range of professional pathways now available in the retail sector.

At our stand, we shared how our Level 6 Apprenticeship in Retail Supervision allows employees to gain a professional qualification while remaining in full-time employment. This programme offers a genuine and tangible pathway for career and learning progression, helping businesses to attract, develop, and retain their best talent.

Again, a big thank you to the Dublin Northwest Partnership for hosting such an impactful event!

We are continuing to receive applications and enquiries for our September intake. With a €4,000 Employers Grant available for each apprentice enrolled, there has never been a better time to future-proof your retail business. Get in touch to secure your place: https://retailirelandskillnet.com/apprenticeship-in-retail-supervision

Apprenticeship Ireland Skillnet Ireland

17/03/2026

☘️ Happy St. Patrick’s Day ☘️

Wishing you all a lovely day!

09/03/2026

Yesterday we marked International Women’s Day, and we’re proud to share that 120+ women are now part of our Apprenticeship in Retail Supervision Programme. ♀️
Women across Ireland are reshaping industries and building ambitious futures through .
▶️ Watch the video featuring some of the 3,040 women who now represent 10% of all apprentices — trailblazers inspiring the next generation.
Female participation has grown from 2% to 10% in ten years. Let’s keep sharing their stories and driving this progress forward.

05/03/2026

This programme has genuinely helped me grow both personally and professionally, and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking to develop their skills and progress in the retail industry,” Anton Sandor, Year 2 Apprentice on the Apprenticeship in Retail Supervision Programme.
I’ve worked in retail with McDonald’s for 22 years, starting as a Crew Member and progressing through roles including Crew Trainer, Shift Manager, Assistant Manager, Business Manager, and now General Manager overseeing three locations. ⭐
I’ve always enjoyed learning, but I was hesitant about returning to education after 25 years — especially as English is not my first language.
The Apprenticeship in Retail Supervision Programme changed that. It strengthened my leadership skills, boosted my confidence, and provided practical knowledge that I use every day. 📘✨
The experience has not only supported my development but also reminded me how valuable structured learning can be at any stage of a career.
If you are a retail employer or a retail employee and want to find out more, email [email protected] for more information or register your interest and a member of the team will be in touch: 🔗 https://lnkd.in/eJiajxTi