Kildare Village Launches New Educational Cert for Staff
Kildare Village Launches Groundbreaking Retail Worker Certification: A New Era for Career Progression
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July 11,2025 – In a meaningful move for the Irish retail sector,Kildare Village has unveiled an innovative educational certificate training program designed to elevate the skills and career prospects of its retail workforce. This initiative, titled ‘Kildare Village Assured,’ marks a pivotal moment in recognizing and formalizing on-the-job learning, aligning with the evolving demands of the industry and the current emphasis on professional development.
‘Kildare Village Assured’: Bridging Education and Retail Excellence
The ‘Kildare Village Assured’ program is a collaborative effort between Kildare Village and the Kildare and Wicklow Education and Training Board (KWETB). Certified by City & Guilds Assured, the program aims to provide a nationally and internationally recognized qualification, fostering career progression and formally acknowledging the practical skills acquired by retail employees.
Enhancing Recruitment, Retention, and Long-Term Career Development
The core objective of this certification is to bolster recruitment and retention within the retail sector. By offering a structured pathway for skills development and formal recognition, Kildare Village is investing in its people, ensuring they have the tools and credentials for long-term career growth. This initiative is particularly impactful given Kildare Village’s extensive network of over 125 retail brands and more than 1,500 employees.
Digital badges for Professional Recognition
A key component of the ‘Kildare Village Assured’ program is the issuance of digital badges. Over 500 retail staff are expected to receive these badges, providing tangible and verifiable recognition of their professional development and acquired competencies. Participating brands, including high-profile names such as Tommy Hilfiger, Hugo Boss, Asics, and Mulberry, underscore the program’s commitment to industry-wide standards.
Industry and Education Partnership for Real Value
Victor Biffi Rosano, Business Director at Kildare Village, highlighted the program’s meaning: “This certification reflects our ongoing commitment to investing in the development of our people. It provides a structured, recognised framework to support skills progression within the retail sector, ensuring our teams are supported to grow.”
Eileen Cullen, Training Services at KWETB, emphasized the power of collaboration: “This collaboration is about thinking differently to recognize on-the-job learning and skills development, and, more importantly, making those skills visible and valued.” This sentiment was echoed by Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless, who officially launched the program. “This initiative is a strong example of how industry and the education sector can work hand-in-hand to deliver real development opportunities for those working in our economy,” stated Minister Lawless.
The ‘Kildare Village Assured’ program sets a precedent for how retail environments can proactively invest in their workforce, creating a more skilled, motivated, and professionally recognized employee base. As the retail landscape continues to evolve, such foundational initiatives are crucial for sustained success and individual career fulfillment.