One of Northern Ireland’s leading independent retailers is making a major investment in its workforce, with Belfast-based The Wall Group launching a new training partnership designed to support more than 300 employees across its growing business.
The company has teamed up with recruitment and training provider Craft Recruitment to roll out a wide-ranging programme of nationally recognised NVQ qualifications across its retail, food and operational divisions.
The initiative will support staff working across The Wall Group’s SPAR stores, Wall’s Foodhall & Butchery, Subway franchises and deli operations, allowing employees to gain qualifications while continuing in their day-to-day roles.
Training opportunities will include qualifications in butchery, customer service, retail management, food safety and operational management, helping staff progress into leadership and specialist positions within the business.
According to the company, the programme represents one of the largest single-site workforce development investments by an independent retailer in Northern Ireland in recent years.
Speaking about the partnership, Managing Director Gavan Wall said the investment reflects the company’s long-term commitment to developing local talent and creating clear career pathways within the business.
He said the partnership is about “backing people with action” and ensuring staff at every level have the opportunity to build skills and earn qualifications recognised across the industry.
The programme will also support the continued expansion of Wall’s Foodhall & Butchery, with specialist butchery NVQs aimed at strengthening the company’s growing food production team. Retail staff will also have access to customer service and retail management qualifications, while Subway and deli employees will receive additional food safety and management training.
Craft Recruitment praised the partnership, describing The Wall Group as a business that is “serious about its people” and committed to giving Belfast workers opportunities to develop recognised skills and long-term careers.
The Wall Group has been part of Belfast’s retail landscape for more than two decades and currently operates a portfolio of SPAR convenience stores, forecourts, Subway franchises and its recently launched Wall’s Foodhall & Butchery concept.
The first group of employees is expected to begin the new training programme in summer 2026.
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