On Wednesday, May 28, 2025, the University of Bucharest received the School Recognition award at the Junior Achievement România Gala – „Investește în educație” (Invest in Education), in recognition of its contribution to the Erasmus+ Skills4Retai project.
The project is coordinated by Professor Răzvan Papuc, PhD, Vice-Rector for Infrastructure, Administration, and Heritage at the University of Bucharest. The UB team includes faculty members from the Faculty of Business and Administration: Prof. Camelia Surugiu, Phd, Assoc. Prof. Cosmin Olteanu, PhD, Assoc. Prof. Cătălin Grădinaru, PhD, Lecturer Ștefan-Alexandru Catană, PhD, Lecturer Cristina Veith, Phd, and PhD student Anca Hoțoi.
Skills4Retail is funded by the European Commission and aims to accelerate the “Triple Transition”—green, digital, and resilient—by delivering customized vocational education and training (VET) programs for both new and existing employees in the retail sector. By equipping the workforce with future-ready skills, the project supports sustainable growth and innovation in European retail.
Within the Skills4Retail project, the University of Bucharest serves as co-leader of Work Package 3: “Development of VET Training Curriculum, Content, and Certifications.” UB’s team has also designed and delivered training sessions as part of Work Package 4, addressing both urgent and long-term skills needs. In 2024, over 600 retail professionals participated in the Reactive Training Programme, gaining knowledge in areas such as E-commerce Essentials, Digital Marketing Essentials, and Human Skills.
The project will continue in 2025 with the launch of a VET Training Programme that includes modular courses, workplace-based learning, and tracks tailored for three target groups: new employees, retail managers, and training & development professionals.
The Skills4Retail project is implemented by a consortium of 30 partners from nine EU countries, coordinated by JA Europe, and brings together top academic institutions, industry leaders, and service providers. The consortium is working to develop a new retail skills strategy to meet the sector’s evolving demands. The program offers a variety of flexible learning options, including short-term modular courses and on-the-job training, available in Ireland, Austria, Romania, and Hungary.
More information about the Erasmus+ project “Accelerating the Triple Transition in European Retail through Skills – Skills4Retail” is available here.