Emerging Trainings: Preparing the Future Retail Workforce
Building on the success of the Reactive Training Programme, the Skills4Retail project is proud to announce the development of new Emerging Trainings, set to launch in September. These innovative VET Programme will be piloted across eight partner countries: Austria, Ireland, Romania, Hungary, Malta, Latvia, Czech Republic, and Portugal.
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What is the Emerging Training Programme?
The Emerging Trainings are designed to equip the retail workforce with the skills needed for evolving industry roles by offering:
- Modular courses tailored to specific learning pathways
- Work-based learning components connecting theory with practical experience
- A combination of technical, transversal, and personal development skills to foster well-rounded retail professionals
Pilot Phase Information
During this piloting phase, the trainings are delivered by selected VET providers, training organisations, and industry partners, working with students, early-career employees, and retail managers. Feedback and monitoring from this phase will be used to strengthen the content, delivery models, and implementation approach.
Following the piloting phase, the project aims to engage additional institutions and partners, supporting wider adoption and long-term integration of the Emerging Trainings into VET systems and retail workforce development across Europe. Delivery is designed to remain flexible, with in-person, online, and hybrid formats, ensuring accessibility for diverse learner groups.
The Emerging Trainings target students and early-career retail employees through Pathway 1, as well as current and aspiring retail managers through Pathway 2, ensuring skills development across all key stages of a retail career.
Pathway 1: New Entrants to Retail – Students and early-career employees
- Modules designed by the University of Bucharest and 20FIFTY Partners
- Build essential, future-oriented skills across customer experience, digital marketing, e-commerce, sustainability, supply chains, and artificial intelligence.
- Gain practical knowledge and competencies needed to succeed in modern retail environments, bridging education and real-world workplace needs
Pathway 2: Retail Managers and Aspiring Managers
- Modules designed by Retail Ireland Skillnet and the University of Bucharest
- For current and aspiring retail managers who want to strengthen their leadership, people management, and strategic capabilities
- Focus on developing the skills needed to lead teams effectively, manage retail workforces, and deliver high-quality customer experiences in a rapidly evolving retail environment.
Pathway 1 Trainings
This module, designed by the University of Bucharest, introduces learners to the fundamentals of customer experience in retail, including customer expectations, satisfaction drivers, and communication channels. Participants learn how to map customer journeys, use customer analytics, and design improved retail experiences through practical tools, case studies, and experimentation.
Delivered by:
University of Bucharest (Romania), Commercial High School Nicolae Kretzulescu (Romania), Szent György Hang- és Filmtechnikum (Hungary), Knights College (Malta), Riga State Technical School (RVT)(Latvia), and Karlínská Business Academy (Czech Republic)
This module, designed by the University of Bucharest, provides a comprehensive overview of e-commerce, covering business models, platform setup, digital marketing, payment systems, logistics, and fulfilment. Learners gain practical insight into customer behaviour online, multi-channel retailing, and ethical and legal considerations shaping the future of e-commerce.
Delivered by:
WKO (Austria), University of Bucharest (Romania), Commercial High School Nicolae Kretzulescu (Romania), Szent György Hang- és Filmtechnikum (Hungary), Riga State Technical School (RVT)(Latvia), Karlínská Business Academy (Czech Republic) and Escola Profissional de Vila do Conde – EPVC (Portugal).
This module, designed by the University of Bucharest, covers the essentials of digital marketing for retail, including website fundamentals, SEO basics, social media, content marketing, and email campaigns. Learners gain a practical understanding of how digital channels support customer engagement and brand visibility in a retail context.
Delivered by:
JA Ireland (Ireland), University of Bucharest (Romania), Szent György Hang- és Filmtechnikum (Hungary), Knights College (Malta), Riga State Technical School – RVT (Latvia), Karlínská Business Academy (Czech Republic), and Escola Profissional de Vila do Conde – EPVC (Portugal)
This module, designed by the University of Bucharest, introduces the core principles of supply chain management, including operations, logistics, configuration, and performance improvement. Learners develop skills in analysing supply chain data, improving efficiency, managing change, and understanding current global trends through practical case studies.
Delivered by:
Riga State Technical School – RVT (Latvia), and Karlínská Business Academy (Czech Republic)
This module, designed by the 20FIFTY Partners, examines the environmental impact of retail operations and introduces sustainability concepts, regulations, and best practices. Participants learn how to assess environmental risks, apply sustainability tools, and develop practical solutions to reduce the environmental footprint of retail activities.
Delivered by:
20FIFTY Partners (Ireland), Knights College (Malta), Riga State Technical School – RVT (Latvia), Karlínská Business Academy (Czech Republic)
This module, designed by the University of Bucharest, explores how artificial intelligence is transforming retail operations and customer experience. Participants learn how AI supports customer insights, personalisation, omnichannel strategies, and predictive analytics, while also addressing ethical challenges and practical applications through real-world examples.
Delivered by:
WKO (Austria), Szent György Hang- és Filmtechnikum (Hungary), Riga State Technical School – RVT (Latvia), Karlínská Business Academy (Czech Republic) and Escola Profissional de Vila do Conde – EPVC (Portugal)
Pathway 2 Trainings
This module, designed by Retail Ireland Skillnet, focuses on the core skills needed to manage people effectively in retail environments. Participants explore recruitment and onboarding, employee motivation, performance management, conflict resolution, and time management, while developing the ability to lead teams through change and improve overall workforce performance.
Delivered by:
WKO (Austria) and Knights College (Malta)
This module, Retail Ireland Skillnet, supports retail leaders in developing ethical, responsible, and inclusive leadership practices. It covers integrity in leadership, equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI), ESG principles, accountability, and the circular economy, helping managers navigate ethical dilemmas and build trust-driven, values-based organisations.
Delivered by:
WKO (Austria)
This module, designed by Retail Ireland Skillnet, equips retail managers with practical coaching and mentoring skills to support employee development and performance. Participants learn effective communication techniques, performance management frameworks, emotional intelligence, and coaching approaches that drive engagement and organisational success.
Delivered by:
WKO (Austria), and Retail Ireland Skillnet (Ireland)
This module, designed by Retail Ireland Skillnet, explores leadership through the lens of customer and employee experience. Participants examine the principles of the experience economy, customer experience excellence, employee experience, and emerging technologies, gaining insights into how leaders can create meaningful, high-quality experiences across retail organisations.
Delivered by:
WKO (Austria)
This module, designed by the University of Bucharest, explores how artificial intelligence is transforming retail operations and customer experience. Participants learn how AI supports customer insights, personalisation, omnichannel strategies, and predictive analytics, while also addressing ethical challenges and practical applications through real-world examples.
Delivered by:
WKO (Austria)
Any questions?
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