Frequently Asked Questions
Apprentice Information: Apprenticeship in Retail Supervision
Commonly Asked Questions about the Apprenticeship in Retail Supervision
It takes two years to complete the programme.
The Apprenticeship in Retail Supervision programme is delivered in three locations.
- Dublin – Retail Ireland Skillnet, Griffith College City Education Centre 25 Wolfe Tone Street Dublin 1 D01 X9K7
- Galway – Retail Ireland Skillnet, Galway Business School Salthill Co. Galway H91 CDW4
- Cork – Retail Ireland Skillnet, The Address Hotel, Military Hill, Saint Luke’s, Cork, T23 T292
Your rate of pay is determined by your employer.
The programme is open to individuals working in retail. If you are a school leaver or a professional wishing to switch careers, you must be sponsored by a retailer. If you work in retail, check with your employer to see if they are participating in the programme. Employers can register their interest in the programme by completing the Register your Interest Form.
Apprentices will attend 23-24 classroom days per year (24 days in year 1 and 23 days in year 2). The programme is delivered one module at a time between September and June (typically 2-3 days per month 10am-5pm). For example, in September the Retail Professional Selling Module is delivered over three days. Then the Retail Customer Experience Module will be delivered over three days in October and so on.
With the support of the Workplace Mentor, five tasks per module must be competently completed by the Apprentice.
Yes, you must attend online lectures as part of each module. Class times are 10am-5pm and attendance is compulsory for classes scheduled for online delivery.
With the support of the Workplace Mentor, five tasks per module must be competently completed by the Apprentice.
This programme takes a different approach to training and education. In keeping with the apprenticeship model, apprentices will undertake workshops that address the practical aspects of retail. Our highly experienced team of tutors will offer guidance and support throughout the programme. At the start of the programme you will complete a 3-day induction module to ensure you are comfortable and fully prepared for the programme.
The Workplace Mentor will act as a role model and workplace coach for apprentices over the two years. They should provide guidance and help in applying knowledge obtained in the classroom and in the retail environment with the completion of workplace tasks.
The workplace tasks bring to life the knowledge and theory acquired in the classroom. The role of the Workplace Mentor is to decide whether an Apprentice is competent and can demonstrate their ability to successfully complete tasks. Apprentices should be working very closely with their Workplace Mentor over the two years.
Yes, it is possible to change employers and pick the apprenticeship back up again, providing your new employer an Approved Employer (Approved by the SOLAS Authorised Officer from the local ETB). It is best to contact Retail Ireland Skillnet to discuss your options in advance of making any changes.
Apprentices can access Year 2 of our 3 year Degree programme. Alternatively, after successful completion of the Apprenticeship programme, graduates can enter numerous Level 7 Degree programmes throughout Ireland.
