Frequently Asked Questions

It is a two-year programme which focuses on giving apprentices the skills, knowledge and competencies to succeed as a Retail Supervisor within any retail environment. The Apprenticeship in Retail Supervision has an annual intake of 180 apprentices – we accept 60 apprentices in each delivery location which include Dublin, Cork and Galway. Apprentices attend 24 days in classroom delivery in Year 1 and Year 2 – normally delivered 14 days in class and 10 days online.

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

There is no registration fee for retailers wishing to enrol employees on the Apprenticeship in Retail Supervision programme. However, as the employer you must commit to giving the Apprentice the time off work to attend class – 24 days in Year 1 and 24 days in Year 2.  Days required to attend the classroom and online delivery must be considered by the employer as part of the working week and not considered as annual leave. There are costs associated with travel and accommodation which may be covered by the employer. The employer must support apprentices with a laptop.

Retailers must also identify and support a Workplace Mentor to support, guide and coach the Apprentice throughout the 2-year programme.

The programme consists of 15 modules, each apprentice must complete 13 modules. In year 2, apprentices have a choice of four electives, from which they must successfully complete 2.

Year 1 *

Each module has a list of workplace tasks associated with them which have been devised by retailers, tutors and work-based learning experts. The workplace tasks form part of the on-the-job training. The purpose of the workplace tasks is to give the Apprentice the opportunity to practically apply knowledge acquired in the classroom whilst working. The workplace tasks consider a range of retail scenarios with the aim of developing skills, competencies and confidence.

With the support of the Workplace Mentor, five tasks per module must be competently completed by the Apprentice.

There are a wide range of diverse retailers representing the various subsectors participating on the programme. Employers include Woodies, Spar, Maxol, McElhinneys Department Store, Boots, Argos, Horkans Garden Centre, Aramark, Musgrave, Supermacs, Marks and Spencers, Aurivo, Tesco, Corrib Oil and independent retailers from around Ireland.

Yes, you must pay the Apprentice throughout the two years. The rate of pay is determined by the employer however it should be in accordance with the rate of pay for the job and with the National Minimum Wage Regulations.

Yes, you can enrol existing employees. This programme is ideal for employees identified for management or supervisory roles within any retail organisation.

Yes, online delivery is part of the programme. Each module is delivered using a blend of classroom and online delivery. Normally for a 3-day module, one day will be delivered online using Zoom.

The highly experienced Retail Ireland Skillnet team have both academic and retail experience so they understand the fast-paced nature of retail and the challenges faced by retailers on a day-to-day basis. We are committed to providing all necessary supports and guidance to the Apprentice, the Workplace Mentor and the retailer throughout the two-year programme. Contact us on 0749176853 or email retailapprenticeship@ibec.ie if you have a question regarding additional supports.