Apprenticeship in Retail Supervision Registrations Now Open for September 2026

We are delighted here at Retail Ireland Skillnet to announce that registrations are now open for the September 2026 intake of the Apprenticeship in Retail Supervision, our Level 6 programme designed to develop the next generation of retail leaders.

With over 1,000 registrations in total from over 300 organisations nationwide since its inception in 2019, this apprenticeship continues to grow year after year, proof of the strong appetite among Irish retailers to invest in talent, strengthen teams, and support staff on their learning journey.

A Proven Pathway for Ambitious Retail Employees

Delivered over two years at Level 6 on the National Framework of Qualifications, the Apprenticeship in Retail Supervision blends practical on‑the‑job experience with structured off‑the‑job learning. Classes take place on retail‑friendly dates in Dublin, Galway and Cork, with 24 classes per year (14 in person and 10 online) using a mix of delivery methods to minimise disruption for stores and learners alike.

On the Retail Apprenticeship programme, the workplace is always the main focus. The programme is specifically designed to align classroom learning with practical application, ensuring that new knowledge is brought straight back into the business. Workplace tasks and assessments are grounded in real retail practice, with the aim of driving change, innovation and measurable improvement on the shop floor.

Retailers consistently report improvements such as:

• Increased confidence to take on new tasks and responsibilities
• Employees bringing fresh ideas back to the business
• Greater initiative and ownership in day‑to‑day operations

What employers value most is that the Retail Apprenticeship provides a structured roadmap for employee and business improvement over the full two years. With different modules completed each month, businesses are prompted to review and refine operational areas on an ongoing basis – helping stores evolve continuously.

With apprentices from each of the 26 counties in the Republic of Ireland, the programme welcomes learners from large to small and across every retail sector: grocery, fashion, pharmacy, DIY, tech, convenience, lifestyle, and more.

Strong Impact Nationwide

Since the programme began in 2019:

• Nearly 400 apprentices have graduated.
• Almost 250 apprentices are currently enrolled.
• Many graduates have already progressed into supervisory and managerial roles in stores across Ireland.

Retailers continue to choose this programme because it provides real, measurable value, both for the business and the learner.

€4,000 Employer Grant Available

Employers who enrol staff on the programme can access a €4,000 grant for each apprentice.

This grant, combined with the real-world application of classroom learning on the shop floor, makes the programme a low‑risk, high‑reward investment in workforce development.

“Retailers big and small from all across Ireland see clear returns,” says Roisin Woods, Programme Manager. “The funding support, coupled with apprentices bringing their new skills back to store each week, helps build stronger, and more capable teams.”

For many apprentices, this programme is a transformative personal and professional experience.

Take Jenna Brady of Adrian Dunne Pharmacy, who shared:

“My experience has exceeded all my expectations… I was nervous going back to college, but the journey has been amazing. The knowledge I’ve gained has had a significant impact on me and the business. I’ve been able to support my team more effectively, and the ongoing support throughout the modules has been incredible. As someone who found school difficult, this apprenticeship has been the ideal way for me to learn.”

Stories like Jenna’s reflect the heart of the programme: accessible learning, real support, and practical skills that matter on the shop floor.

Open Nationwide – Free for Employees

The apprenticeship is free to employees, and open to all retailers operating in the Republic of Ireland:

Entry requirements:

• 18+
• Leaving Certificate (or equivalent Level 5 qualification)
• Work full-time in retail
• Are nominated by their employer

Registrations are now open. Full eligibility details, employer information, and registration links are available here.

Want to Learn More? Contact us today to organise an information session with our team: info@retailirelandskillnet.com

If your organisation is considering enrolling apprentices for September 2026, you can schedule an information session with a member of our team. We’ll walk you through:

• How the programme works
• The learner journey and requirements
• Employer responsibilities
• The €4,000 grant
• Best practices for choosing candidates

Just get in touch and we’ll arrange an information session at a time that suits you.