Apprentice Support Officer, Retail Ireland Skillnet

JOB DETAILSRetail Ireland Skillnet are seeking an Apprentice Support Officer for the Apprenticeship in Retail Supervision programme for our Cork cohort of apprentices and supporting other regions if necessary.

The successful candidate will be based in the Letterkenny Office and will be required to travel to Cork 2-3 times per month when classroom days are being delivered.

The successful candidate will also be required to oversee communications and marketing activities.

The role is a full-time fixed term contract and will be for 5 days per week.

Applications will close on 14th July 2025.

Applications may be reviewed before the closing date.

ABOUT THE ROLEPrimary point of contact for Cork apprentices.Supporting apprentices with assessments, workplace learning, online learning tools and general programme issues.

Monitoring apprentice attendance, workplace task completion and assessments.Monitoring learning in the workplace by reviewing apprentice logbook and providing written feedback on a regular basis.Communicating with workplace mentors regarding apprentice progress.Contribute to apprentice inductions at the start of the programme.Contribute to workplace mentor training.Gather and collate feedback from apprentices, tutors, and employers regarding the programme.Attend classroom days for the allocated cohorts.Engage with tutors in advance, during and post module delivery.Update apprentice records in student information system.Provide E-Mentor support during online classes.Engage with the Authorised Officers in relation to apprentice registrations and progress.Share feedback with the Apprenticeship Team in Retail Ireland Skillnet.Identify and implement improvements to the programme.

Promote the programme to new employers through company visits and online meetings.Communicating social media posts.General administrative duties  Ensure all paths have been exhausted with various stakeholders prior to accepting an apprentice is leaving the programme.

Track and manage the transition of apprentices leaving the programme, ensuring the employer and mentor are contacted prior to initiating the apprentice leaver process.

Ensure all documentation and relevant information are accurately recorded and archived.Ensure data security and compliance with relevant privacy regulations.Adhere to RIS Quality Assurance procedures for the delivery of the Apprenticeship in Retail Supervision programme.

Contribute to event planning and promotion, including designing promotional materials and supporting event logistics.Assist in managing social media accounts, including scheduling posts, responding to messages, and analysing engagement metrics.Write, edit and proofread communications materials such as handbooks, logbooks, press releases, blog posts, case studies, and internal updates.Support with the development of engaging content across digital platforms, including social media, websites, email campaigns, and newsletters.Manage content updates on WordPress website.Other tasks or activities relating to RIS, as required.

This role and its responsibilities are subject to change in line with business needs.Qualifications Level 7 qualification or higher desirable ORminimal of 5 years retail / hospitality work experience with marketing & communications experience Knowledge base Understanding of delivering service excellence to member companies and Ibec staff Knowledge of information communication and web technology for service delivery Knowledge of Ibec and its services to members Experience working in retail or hospitality sector.Knowledge and experience of Apprenticeship programmes in Ireland.Knowledge and experience with e-learning tools.

Personal characteristics Excellent IT and administration skills.Content creation and copywriting skillsMarketing principlesHigh level of Customer Service Reliable - consistency of performance and dependability Responsive - willingness and readiness to provide service Courteous and friendly Listening / understanding Punctual and organised DependableTeam player Demonstrates a flexible approach to work Ibec Core Competencies  Bias towards actionCollaborative – work together as 'one Ibec'.Dynamic – approach initiatives with careful planning, energy, drive, and resilience.Decisive – make clear, well-informed decisions.Member and Customer FocusAgile and Adaptive – embrace change and be adaptive to members' needs and in ambitious situations.Creative and Innovative – not afraid of dynamic thinking in finding solutions.Curious and Critical Thinking – open minded and proactive in gathering data in developing opinions.Drive and Personal LeadershipAmbitious – driven and can take responsible risks.Accountable – committed to highest standards and takes ownership of actions.Continuous Improvement – proactive on personal and professional development Ibec is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for potential and existing employees with a disability.

Should you wish to request a reasonable accommodation please email Kenny at

• About usWorking in IbecJoin Ibec and further your career.Working in Ibec means you are part of an overall effort to deliver on a vision for Ireland to be a balanced, growing and prosperous society.

We look to the workplace of the future with the changing needs of our members as well as our workforce to create a dynamic and exciting working environment.We hire people from many backgrounds who are highly knowledgeable, engaging, professional and, most importantly, passionate about business.