As we approach the end of 2025, we want to take a moment to say a massive thank you for your continued support, partnership and engagement throughout the year.
The future of Irish retail isn’t built on products and promotions, it’s built on people. This year, we have been privileged to watch that talent grow, from new apprentices just starting their journey to seasoned professionals taking their first steps into retail training.
We hope you have a peaceful and restful Christmas break. Here is to a happy New Year and a productive, successful 2026.
Warmest regards,
The Retail Ireland Skillnet Team
2025 in Numbers
Celebrating Excellence in 2025
Level 5 – Retail Practice
A massive well done to all learners that achieved their Level 5 certificate throughout 2025. This programme is delivered in collaboration with each retail store whereby individuals in Management or Supervisory roles are trained as training assessors, who in turn deliver a suite of training modules to people working on the shop floor. Throughout 2025 over 300 certificates were issued to learners who successfully completed modules on the programme.
Welcoming New and Returning Apprentices
Throughout the year, we welcomed 155 new apprentices from all across Ireland and from large and small retailers and retail sub-sectors to our classrooms in Dublin, Galway, and Cork.
These groups are eager, ready to expand their retail knowledge, and poised to upskill for their future careers. In the programme, the apprentices will expand their retail knowledge by undertaking modules relating to Legal Issues, Professional Selling, IT and Customer Experience among many more.
Meanwhile, over 100 apprentices across the three cohorts returned to partake in their second and final year of the programme, continuing to build a framework on which to develop their stores with their workplace tasks and assignments. All eyes are focused and ready for graduation next November!
Supervision Skills Masterclass
In 2025, we brought together over 110 apprentices across our three cohorts and inspiring guest speakers for a two-day Supervision Skills Masterclass in Athlone. At the Masterclass, apprentices gained practical tools to grow in their roles as they participated in core topics such as Emotional Intelligence, Performance Management Strategies and Active Listening. The Masterclass was certainly an energising and impactful two days for our learners in the Apprenticeship in Retail Supervision Programme.
Spotlight: Apprentice of the Year
We are absolutely delighted to announce that Jonathan Murray from Woodie’s, an apprentice on our Apprenticeship in Retail Supervision, took home a win at the National Apprenticeship Office Apprentice of the Year awards! Jonathan showcased incredible skill and dedication at the WorldSkills Ireland competition. A massive congratulations to him and the team at Woodie’s who supported him.
Apprenticeship in Retail Supervision Graduation
The future of Irish retail took a significant step forward this year. In a celebratory event at the Athlone Springs Hotel in November, we cheered on 96 incredible apprentices as they graduated from our Apprenticeship in Retail Supervision programme.
The brimming apprentices were joined by members of the Retail Ireland Skillnet team, retail leaders and Minister of State for Retail Alan Dillon. The graduates, who represent 57 organisations across every retail sub-sector, are now equipped with the tools and knowledge to thrive in their respective roles and organisations.
Notably, almost two-thirds of this year’s graduates are women – bucking the gender balance compared to most apprenticeship programmes – while 20% of our graduates are progressing to the level 7 degree.
“Our industry is nothing without its people… I am confident the future of Irish retail is in very safe hands.” – Managing Director of Boots Ireland Stephen Watkins.
Degree Programme Graduation
We also celebrated a major milestone as 33 retail professionals graduated from our Bachelor of Business and Retail Management Practise (Level 7) in collaboration with Atlantic Technological University.
Balancing work, life, and study, these graduates have shown immense resilience. We are thrilled to note 17 of our recent Level 7 graduates are now continuing their journey onto the Level 8 programme. Expressions of interest are now being accepted for the September 2026 for the Level 7 programme, so feel free to get in touch to learn more!
Applications Opening Soon!
We will be opening applications for our 2026 Apprenticeship programmes on February 2nd 2026. If you want to boost your career prospects or build a stronger workforce next year, please contact roisin.woods@ibec.ie.
We are also continuing to accept expressions of interest for our Bachelor of Business and Retail Management Practise (Level 7) programme which starts in September 2026!
2025 Learning and Development Recap
2025 Retail Learning Summit
Last February, our Learning Summit at Ibec HQ was a standout moment. With insights from Lisa Fallon on high-performance coaching and Kevin Empey on the future of work, the day sparked vital conversations on talent retention and workforce resilience.
The summit was designed for those in Retail L&D and HR to gain insights into the latest skills, training programs, and trends in the retail sector and offered a chance for these leaders to network with industry thought leaders, engage in interactive discussions, and discover innovative strategies to tackle current challenges in talent development, leadership, and workforce resilience.
We are now busy preparing for our 2026 L&D Summit, which is taking place on Wednesday 25th of February 2026. Now in its third year, this conference has become a key part of the Retail Ireland calendar. Following the success of our last year, which saw representatives from over 60 retail organisations attend, another great lineup is planned for February. The event is free to attend and you can register for the event here.
Retail Ireland Skillnet Webinars
Throughout 2025, we hosted a number of informative and engaging workshops relating to specific industry topics.
In June, we hosted a critical webinar on Prevention & Response, where attendees gained expert advice on risk assessments, navigating legal landscapes, and managing conflict with confidence-essential tools for the modern retail environment.
Meanwhile in October, we hosted a webinar in partnership with IAB Ireland which focussed on digital marketing tactics for retailers to get ahead in Q4 and dive into the latest digital marketing tactics to help cut through the noise and drive results during Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and the festive shopping rush.
Mentoring & Coaching Workshops
We hosted a series of 2-day Mentoring and Coaching for Retail Leaders Workshops in Dublin, Galway, and Cork, which brought together a dynamic and diverse group of Workplace Mentors who are committed to supporting their apprentices throughout the programme. Throughout the two days, our Workplace Mentors explored real-world retail scenarios, shared experiences and best practices, and gained valuable tools to build coaching and mentoring cultures within their retail businesses.
“One of the best workshops I have completed. It’s a MUST for any Mentor supporting an Apprentice.” – Workshop Participant.
Talent Management Workshop
A huge thank you to the L&D and HR professionals who joined our Talent Management Workshop which touched on thought-provoking conversations about the future of work, transformational change, and the evolving role of workplace culture.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Get in Touch
Retail is evolving fast. From digital innovation to sustainability, we are here to ensure your teams don’t just keep up but step up. We are adaptable and agile to help meet your organisations needs in 2026 via our webinars, workshops and flagship programmes. Feel free to get in touch with us to find out how we can support your business in 2026!
Finally, thank you so much for all your support and collaboration throughout 2025. We sincerely wish you a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year!
