Coming Together for Retail Skills: Insights from the Vienna Consortium Meeting

Coming Together for Retail Skills: Insights from the Vienna Consortium Meeting

📍 Impact Hub Vienna
📅 10–11 September 2025

Earlier this month, the Skills4Retail consortium gathered in the heart of Vienna for a two-day working meeting that reaffirmed our shared commitment to equipping Europe’s retail sector with the digital, green, and human skills it needs to thrive in a fast-changing world.

From strategic alignment to shared inspiration, the atmosphere across both days was charged with energy and purpose. Representatives from all partner organisations came together to reflect on progress, exchange ideas, tackle common challenges, and sharpen our focus for the crucial next phase of the project.

A Strategic Check-In at Midpoint

Day 1 focused on alignment and forward planning, with partners sharing country-level updates on the implementation of our Emerging Trainings across eight pilot countries. Discussions explored delivery timelines, learner profiles, and Train-the-Trainer strategies — laying the groundwork for consistent, scalable, and impactful training delivery.

Interactive sessions followed, diving into:

• Work-based learning (WBL) integration, addressing national constraints around placements and internships
• Accreditation and recognition of training pathways to ensure national-level validation
• A collaborative communications workshop, which surfaced new creative ideas to engage stakeholders and amplify impact during the pilot phase
• Long-term sustainability and scale-up plans for continuing the project’s mission beyond its formal end date

Financial Transparency and Strengthening the Alliance

Day 2 shifted to focus on the financial underpinnings of the project and the long-term vision for the Skills for Retail Alliance. Partners explored budget execution, technical reporting requirements, and actions required for a smooth interim report.

A highlight of the day was the Skills for Retail Alliance session, where partners shared best practices, mapped contributions, and explored new collaboration pathways with industry stakeholders. The parallel Retail Talks interviews offered another layer of insight — capturing the voices of those shaping and delivering the project on the ground.

A Shared Mission, A Stronger Network

As the meeting closed, the consortium left Vienna with clear next steps, renewed energy, and a deeper connection to our shared mission: transforming how retail skills are developed and delivered across Europe.

We’re proud of what’s been achieved so far — and even more excited for what’s ahead.

Join Us in Shaping the Future of Retail Skills

Whether you’re a VET provider, policymaker, employer, or training organisation, there’s a role for you in this transformation.

👉 Join the Skills for Retail Alliance and pledge your support today

Let’s work together to build a more resilient, inclusive, and future-ready retail sector.