At Retail Ireland Skillnet, we believe the future of Irish retail isn’t just built on products and promotions – it’s built on people and talent. This week, we had the immense privilege of watching that future take a significant step forward.
In a celebratory event at the Athlone Springs Hotel, families, employers, workplace mentors, and the Retail Ireland Skillnet team came together to cheer on 96 incredible apprentices as they graduated from our Apprenticeship in Retail Supervision programme. These graduates – representing retail organisations big and small, across multiple sub-sectors – have honed their skills over the last two years and are now equipped to thrive in a dynamic and evolving retail sector.
The atmosphere in Athlone was filled with pride and excitement as Minister of State for Retail, Alan Dillon, addressed the Class of 2025. This was more than just a graduation ceremony – it was a powerful testament to the drive and commitment of the graduates, their mentors, and their employers throughout this journey.
What Makes This Programme Special?
When we launched this apprenticeship in 2019, our vision was clear: create a structured career pathway where people can earn while they learn. Today, that vision is thriving. This year’s graduates are part of a growing community, with over 1,000 registrations from nearly 130 organisations nationwide, as the programme takes place in Dublin, Galway and Cork.
The programme blends classroom learning, online modules, and real-world application. Apprentices dive into topics like consumer behaviour, legal compliance, and leadership, then bring those lessons to life in their workplaces as they implement projects and drive innovation. It’s a model that builds confidence, capability, and career progression.
Robert Papon, a graduate from the Dublin cohort noted that it was “a wonderful two years and an incredible experience”, adding that the teachings are “not only knowledge but, above all, inspiration for action” – this is what really makes this programme special for us.
Breaking Barriers and Building Futures
This year’s graduates come from 57 different organisations, spanning every retail sector: from grocery and fashion to pharmacy and DIY. They’ve earned a Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Retail Supervision, while 20% have progressed to a Level 7 Retail Management degree with Atlantic Technological University.
And here’s something we’re especially proud of: almost two thirds of graduates are women – bucking the trend in most apprenticeship schemes and paving the way for greater gender diversity in retail leadership.
Powered by Partnership
What we hear from retailers is that they face significant challenges regarding talent attraction, retention and development. In an attempt to bridge the gaps in these areas, many of Ireland’s leading retailers endorse the Apprenticeship in Retail Supervision programme and address the current challenges they face while building key foundations of a confident organisation. By offering a clear, structured and nationally accredited career path, companies are not just filling a role, but delivering a career.
The growth of this programme isn’t accidental. It’s the result of a powerful partnership between apprentices, employers, workplace mentors, SOLAS, and Retail Ireland Skillnet. It is thanks to the businesses across Ireland that have endorsed the programme and firmly believe in the upskilling of their people. As Roisin Woods, National Programme Director of the Apprenticeship in Retail Supervision at Retail Ireland Skillnet said:
“By investing in their employees’ growth, businesses are not only building a more skilled and confident workplace but are also fostering loyalty and reducing turnover. This graduation is a testament to the commitment of both the apprentices and the retail employers who support them”.
Words from the Minister
Minister of State for Retail Alan Dillon commended the graduates and highlighted the importance of Retail Ireland Skillnet’s work in the sector: “I am delighted to celebrate the outstanding achievements of these 96 graduates. The retail landscape is undergoing profound transformation, driven by digital technologies and artificial intelligence, investing in our people has never been more critical.
This government is proud to support the upskilling of Ireland’s workforce which fosters resilience and dynamism while ensuring the retail sector remains vibrant and competitive. I would like to commend the work of Retail Ireland Skillnet for their work on this critical programme and most importantly, I would like to wish the graduates who will shape the future of Irish retail a huge congratulations and wish them well in their future careers”.
“The future is in safe hands”
Stephen Watkins, Chair of Retail Ireland and Managing Director, Boots Ireland addressed the graduates, saying: “Our industry is nothing without its people. The success and sustainability of retail – our ability to adapt, innovate, and serve communities – rests entirely on the talent, professionalism, and leadership of our people. That is why this apprenticeship is not just a ‘nice to do’; it is absolutely essential to the future of Irish retail. It provides a structured pathway for career progression and equips graduates with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing environment. Seeing the passion, commitment, and talent in this room today, I am confident the future of Irish retail is in very safe hands.”
Final Congratulations!!
To our graduates: we couldn’t be prouder. Your resilience, hard work, and commitment have been inspiring. Watching you grow over the past two years has been a privilege, and we can’t wait to see the impact you’ll make in your careers and in the retail sector.
To our employers and mentors: thank you for believing in your people and in the power of learning. Together, we’re building a stronger, more confident retail workforce!
