Skills4Retail Takes the Stage on the 20/CENT Podcast

In the latest episode of the 20/CENT Retail Podcast, hosted by Vincent Panneels, the spotlight was on the Skills4Retail project—an ambitious European initiative supporting the green, digital, and resilient transition of the retail sector. 

Joining Vincent on the podcast were Nicole Bartolo, Business Development & Events Associate at JA Europe, and Sabrina Di Ruggiero, Project Manager at Schuman Associates. Together, they shared insights into the origins of Skills4Retail, the people behind it, its key achievements, and its vision for the future. 

Building the Future of Retail 

The Skills4Retail project is led by JA Europe and supported by 29 partners, including 23 full partners and six associate partners, all committed to upskilling and reskilling people within the retail sector. The project is designed to respond to the industry’s evolving needs, particularly around digital transformation and sustainable practices. 

Since its launch in August 2023, Skills4Retail has achieved significant milestones: 

• Reached 614 retail professionals across four pilot countries: Austria, Romania, Hungary, and Ireland. 

• Supported 150 companies in their transition towards greener and more digital retail practices. 

• Conducted reactive training programmes aimed at enhancing digital skills and improving business resilience. 

The next phase of the project will see the introduction of training in Malta, Portugal, Czech Republic, and Latvia from the next academic year, with plans to further expand into Spain, Cyprus, and Brussels. The project also aims to bridge the skills gap through internships for young people, offering practical experience alongside training to make the retail sector more attractive to the next generation of talent. 

A Community for Retail Transformation 

During the discussion, Nicole and Sabrina highlighted the importance of community involvement. The Skills4Retail Retail Alliance, which currently boasts over 52 members, brings together major players like Carrefour, Costa Coffee, Spar, Decathlon, Expert, and many smaller brands. Through this alliance, members exchange best practices, share updates, and collaborate on solutions to the sector’s most pressing challenges. 

Additionally, the alliance offers members visibility through a LinkedIn Group exclusive to partners, providing a platform for insights, news, and industry discussions. The network also supports Retail Talks, a platform where members can share their stories and successes, further fostering a sense of community and mutual growth. 

Pledge Your Support for Retail Skills 

Skills4Retail is more than just a project—it’s a movement dedicated to strengthening the retail sector across Europe. If your organisation is passionate about supporting digital transformation and sustainable growth in retail, consider joining the Skills4Retail Alliance. By pledging your support, you’ll be part of a community that is actively shaping the future of European retail. 

🔗 Pledge your support today: Join our alliance 

You can listen to the full 20/CENT Retail Podcast episode featuring the discussion with Nicole and Sabrina here.