Retail Ireland has celebrated the first graduations from the Bachelor of Business Studies degree in Retail Management Practice at a ceremony in Dublin's Royal College of Physicians.
The programme was developed by Retail Ireland Skillnet, and has been Government and industry funded to provide further education opportunities to Ireland’s retail professionals.
Speaking at the event, Minister of State for Skills, Research and Innovation, Damien English expressed delight at being able to join Retail Ireland in marking the achievements of the first group of graduates.
“I am very pleased to support the training and education needs of retail professionals to help ensure that the industry is properly equipped to face the challenges and opportunities of the future, and to safeguard the sector’s critical contribution to employment, investment and prosperity in almost every community in the country,” he said.
Managing Director of Eason and Chairperson of Retail Ireland commented, “In the rapidly evolving world of retail, it is vital to ensure our colleagues are properly skilled to meet the challenges and seize the opportunities of the future.”
“This inaugural graduation marks another important step in highlighting the benefits of a rewarding career in the retail industry. Every day the retail industry proudly serves hundreds of thousands of Irish consumers in communities right across the country.”
Human Resources Manager at BT2 and Brown Thomas regional stores and Chairperson of the Retail Ireland Skillnet Steering Committee, Gretta Nash Cadden joined the Minister and Eason boss in congratulating the graduates.
“The graduates from the class of 2015 will join over 12,000 other retail professionals who have benefited from the unique training and up-skilling courses offered by Retail Ireland Skillnet,” she said.
“I look forward to building on the success of these graduates as we continue our important work to deliver the future skills needs of Ireland’s largest private employer and most geographically diverse industry; retail.”
© 2015 - Checkout Magazine by Jenny Whelan.
