The social store Buyersclube.ie is teaming up with the Irish Internet Association (IIA) to launch a scholarship programme for three people to undertake the IIA diploma in e-commerce management along with a six-month internship programme.
The idea of the scholarship is to help people upskill from offline to online retail.
The 11-week, part-time diploma course will start on 28 February, with Buyersclub.ie covering the fees for all three participants. The diploma course has been designed by the IIA.
Speaking at the launch of the scholarship programme yesterday, Dara O’Mahony, founder and CEO, Buyersclub.ie, said the course would be suited to those who are seeking to upskill in online retail.
Following an interview process, three successful candidates will start the IIA’s e-commerce diploma, plus they will get work experience via a six-month internship.
“We know there are people out there who have significant retail experience in the market but who have also lost their jobs due to the downturn in traditional retail,” said O’Mahony.
He said Buyersclub.ie would support people in getting formal training in e-commerce, while people will also be offered internships under the Jobsbridge scheme.
“We will support them in the workplace by allowing them to rotate experience across all aspects of an e-commerce business from warehousing, to digital marketing, to product buying and customer service and sales,” said O’Mahony.
He also indicated that Buyersclub.ie might be able to offer a full-time position to one of the candidates once the programme ends.
Joan Mulvihill, CEO of the IIA, said that with Irish shoppers spending €4bn online annually, the growth opportunity for Irish retailers is “enormous”. Aligned with this, she said there is also a greater demand for e-commerce professionals.
“Businesses, such as Buyersclub.ie, are challenged to find candidates with the requisite skills,” explained Mulvihill.
“For those considering the course, the value of combining the diploma with an internship is a great way to optimise their career prospects,” she added.
Mulvihill said anyone who is interested in availing of the scholarships or internships should get in touch with the IIA as soon as possible.
