Good news as Kildare Village launches new training program for retail workers

ABOVE : Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science James Lawless, Victor Biffi Rosano, Business Director at Kildare Village, Rachel Kearney, Store Manager Mulberry and Avril McCann Store Manager, Tory attended the launchThe Kildare Village retail complex in Kildare town has announced a new educational certificate training programme for retail workers.

The initiative titled 'Kildare Village Assured' is being run in collaboration with the Kildare and Wicklow Education and Training Board (KWETB).

The course, which has been certified by City & Guilds Assured, is designed to help with career progression and formally recognise on-the-job learning within the Irish retail sector.

The certification is aimed at improving recruitment and retention, and providing a nationally and internationally recognised qualification that enables long-term career development.

Kildare Village has over 125 retail brands and more than 1,500 employees.

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Over 500 retail staff are expected to receive digital badges through the initiative, offering formal recognition of their professional development.

Participating brands include Tommy Hilfiger, Hugo Boss, Asics and Mulberry.

"This certification reflects our ongoing commitment to investing in the development of our people," said Victor Biffi Rosano, Business Director at Kildare Village.

"It provides a structured, recognised framework to support skills progression within the retail sector, ensuring our teams are supported to grow," he added.

Eileen Cullen, Training Services, KWETB, said the new certification showcases how strong partnerships between education and industry can deliver real value to learners, employers, and communities alike.

"This collaboration is about thinking differently to recognise on-the-job learning and skills development, and, more importantly, making those skills visible and valued," Ms Cullen said.

The programme was officially launched by Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless.

"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," Mr Lawless said.