Retail Ireland Skillnet are delighted to announce that we have been able to continue delivering learning to Apprentices enrolled on the Apprenticeship in Retail Supervision amidst the challenges presented by COVID-19. Over the last four weeks, we have moved all scheduled modules to 100% online delivery, and it is a move that has been warmly welcomed by apprentices and employers participating on the programme.
Shane Flynn, Managing Director at Aramark and Chair of the Apprenticeship Consortium Steering Group said, “there has been so much disruption caused by the pandemic, so it has been wonderful that Retail Ireland Skillnet have been able to continue the delivery of the Apprenticeship in Retail Supervision online. Our employees really value the opportunity to continue their studies and appreciate the personal support the Retail Ireland Skillnet team have provided them over the last few weeks”.
The commitment and dedication shown by the retail apprentices, many of which are working on the frontline to continue their studies as has been inspiring. With up to 98% attendance across all the online classes it is s a strong indicator how much the apprentices are dedicated to excelling on the programme.
In the words of one of the apprentices, Claire from Mothercare Ireland, “being able to continue our apprenticeship online has been a welcome distraction during these uncertain times. It really helps to have something else to focus on”. The move to online learning has been warmly welcomed by, Fraser from Boots, “Our course has moved to an online capacity, it is great we are able to continue our learning thanks to the wonders of technology”.
Since the programme commenced in September 2019, apprentices attended 2 hours of live online learning per week and this made the migration to 100% online delivery much smoother for both the apprentices and tutors. According to Roisin Woods, Communications and E-Learning Manager at Retail Ireland Skillnet, “we have developed a collaborative and interactive online classroom environment over the last few months so the move to online was seamless for apprentices.
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m of tutors adapted their materials which have really elevated the learning experience for all apprentices.” David from Eurospar explains how much continuing the Apprenticeship in Retail Supervision means to him, “I am very pleased to be able to continue to participate in the Apprenticeship in Retail Supervision course. The online lectures have been very informative and engaging and have provided us all a platform to continue our learning online, in the comforts of our own homes”.
Orla Farrell, Learning and Development Manager at Musgrave Retail Partners Ireland, provides good insight into how employers reacted to Retail Ireland Skillnet’s decision to continue delivering the learning online during the COVID-19 outbreak, “The transition to online delivery has been warmly welcomed by our employees enrolled on the programme. Additionally, the lecturers and support team have been extremely supportive which has been much appreciated”.
When the impact of COVID-19 became fully apparent the retail sector was thrown into a tailspin. Whilst some retailers such as pharmacies and grocery retailers hurried to put in place emergency measures to curtail the spread of the virus instore, other retailers were closing their doors, indefinitely. Yet through all this uncertainty retailers showed their unwavering commitment to supporting apprentices enrolled on the Apprenticeship in Retail Supervision programme.
As stated by the Chair of Retail Ireland Skillnet and Human Resources Manager, Retail Services at BWG Foods UC, Cathy Kearney, “Retail Ireland Skillnet continue to show their commitment to our Retailers and employees enrolled on the Apprenticeship in Retail Supervision by providing unstinting support and guidance as the Apprentices continue their studies online. With so many challenges for us all as a result of COVID-19 it is wonderful that the Apprenticeship Programme is offering continuity of learning and career progression for the Apprentices.”.
It is without doubt that the coming months will bring unprecedented challenges for us all as we adapt to a new way of living. However, through it all Retail Ireland Skillnet are committed to providing our apprentices and retail employers all the support they require.
To find out information about the Apprenticeship in Retail Supervision and to express your interest in September 2020 intake, please visit our website here: https://www.retailirelandskillnet.com/apprenticeship/employer/
Download the Apprenticeship Apprenticeship in Retail Supervision General Handbook
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