Colleagues from across the business recognised for completing internal development programmes designed to build specialist skills and support career progression
Chadwicks Group has celebrated the graduation of 32 colleagues from across the business following the graduation of participants from two of its internal development programmes: the Chadwicks Heating & Plumbing Academy and the Chadwicks Credit Academy.
The graduation, which took place on 17 June at Killashee Hotel, Naas, recognised colleagues from across Chadwicks Group who completed structured learning programmes designed to build specialist knowledge, strengthen business capability and support career progression within the organisation.
A total of 18 colleagues graduated from the Chadwicks Heating & Plumbing Academy, the first programme of its kind for the Group. The academy was developed to support colleagues who are new to plumbing counter roles, as well as those looking to build their confidence and expertise in heating and plumbing.
Running from October 2025 to April 2026, the programme combined practical learning, product knowledge and supplier-led training. Participants completed modules covering areas such as water systems, heating systems, oil heating, renewable technologies, supplier product training and selling skills. Training was delivered through a blend of sessions at the Ashfield Learning Centre and offsite learning with key suppliers, supported by Chadwicks Group subject matter experts, supplier guest speakers and external trainers.
The Chadwicks Credit Academy was also recognised at the graduation, with 14 colleagues completing the programme. Graduates came from a range of roles across the business, including credit control, administration, sales, yard and logistics, with representation from specialist brands including Steel, The Panelling Centre and Davies.
The Credit Academy is designed to help colleagues develop a deeper understanding of credit control and the important role it plays in supporting customers and the wider business. Delivered primarily by Chadwicks Group subject matter experts, with specialist input from Declan Flood of ICMT, the programme covered topics including credit decision-making, debt recovery, insolvency, customer communication, IT systems, collections, negotiation and the relationship between credit and sales.
Together, the two academies reflect Chadwicks Group’s continued investment in colleague development and its commitment to creating opportunities for people to learn, grow and progress within the business.
One of this year’s graduates, Luke Donnelly from Chadwicks Carlow, has already taken the next step in his career. Luke, who graduated from the Heating & Plumbing Academy, was recently promoted from Sales Advisor to Plumbing Supervisor.
Eimear O’Reilly, HR Director at Chadwicks Group, said: “At Chadwicks Group, we are committed to supporting colleagues to develop new skills, broaden their experience and build meaningful, long-term careers within the organistion.
“The graduation of 32 colleagues from our Credit Academy and Heating & Plumbing Academy is an important milestone and reflects the dedication and ambition of our teams across the Group. These programmes help build specialist capability in areas that are vital to our business, from credit management and best practice to product knowledge and customer service.
“We are incredibly proud of all our graduates and look forward to seeing them continue to grow, progress and deliver for customers across Ireland.”
The Credit Academy and Heating & Plumbing Academy form part of Chadwicks Group’s wider people development strategy, supporting colleagues to build the skills, knowledge and experience required to progress within the business and deliver for customers across Ireland.
