Enrolment for 2022/2023 HAI Certificate in Hardware Retail and Merchanting is now OPEN

After a highly successful first run of the HAI Certificate in Hardware Retail and Merchanting, we are pleased to confirm that enrolment is now open for the 2022/2023 schedule, with Octabuild back as sponsor for a second year. 

As the sector evolves it will require more people with problem-solving skills. Hardware Association Ireland (HAI) is pleased to launch its Certificate in Hardware Retail and Merchanting, a new certificate programme for new employees in hardware retail/builders merchanting, for the second year. The mentor-based programme will commence in September.

The course is designed to equip those new to the sector, and those who never did a course in it with a knowledge and skills base that will enable them to contribute to the business of their employer. It will also help employees build a career in the sector.

To enrol to the HAI Certificate in Hardware Retail and Merchanting please complete the form below. Cost per student to the nine-month programme is €1,350.

About the Programme – 2022 Student Feedback:

After successfully completing the programme all 2021/2022 students and mentors reported growth in their confidence in their role, whether it’s in interacting with customers and answering their questions, or making suggestions on operations and instore promotions. It was this Confidence Through Knowledge that contributed to the students success.

Here is some of the feedback from students over the course of the programme:

“It’s working really well for me. I’ve learned a lot. Selling, the importance of being confident, learning more about stock and finding out the best product for a customer – asking them questions.”

“It’s hard to pinpoint one thing because I’ve learned so much! After the Selling Skills workshop I suggested introducing instore signage to promote one of our offers, and sales significantly increased on that product in just a few weeks! I’m much more confident in my role now.”

“How to deal with customers in a correct manner. I have learned what goes on behind the scenes – like in accounts. It has really opened my eyes to the depth of the job and what goes on behind the scenes.”

“For someone starting off it gives you a great insight into how a shop operates from start to finish. I have a better understanding of credit.”

This foundation course will enhance the employer’s ability to attract and retain talent as employees will feel that the employer has invested in them.

There is opportunity for even further recognition, with student awards including ‘High Achieving Student’ and ‘Student of the Year’.

HAI Certificate ‘High Achieving Student’ Jamie O’Mahony – Walsh’s Homevalue Hardware

HAI Certificate ‘Student of the Year’ William Kenny – Lambert’s Homevalue Hardware

Applications will be limited to 20. Only HAI members can apply.

Octabuild back as sponsor for a second year

HAI is delighted to welcome back Octabuild as sponsor of the HAI Certificate in Hardware and Retail and Merchanting for a second year. As a group of major Irish building material suppliers – Dulux Paints Ireland, Etex Ireland, Glennon Brothers, Grant Engineering, Gyproc, Irish Cement, Kingspan Insulation and Wavin Ireland – Octabuild is committed to promoting the benefits of high quality, Irish manufactured products for the building, construction and DIY sectors.

We look forward to working with Octabuild and its members again this year to share their product knowledge and industry experience with our students.

Details of the 2022/2023 schedule and modules can be found here.

If you have an employee or colleague interested in this programme, please complete the application form below, and we will be in touch about the next steps. If you have any queries about the programme please contact Aoife Kinsella at 01 2980969 or email aoife@hardwareassociation.ie.