Enrolment for 2023/2024 HAI Certificate in Hardware Retail and Merchanting is now OPEN

Enrolment is now open for the 2023/2024 schedule of the HAI Certificate in Hardware Retail & Merchanting, after seeing its latest tranche of students complete their studies.

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

The nine-month programme comprises nine modules, delivered in Zoom-based half-day sessions:

1. Communication Skills
2. Selling Skills
3. Customer Service
4. Basic Instore Finances
5. Credit Control
6. Stock Control
7. Merchandising
8. Digital Marketing
9. Team Building & Team Leading

Product Knowledge modules in a range of product areas are also delivered, covering areas such as Paint & Décor, Insulation Products, Heating & Plumbing, Garden Products, Cement and more.

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.

Read the 2023 brochure here

About the Programme – 2023 Student and Mentor Feedback:

After successfully completing the programme all 2022/23 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:

“I have learnt a lot, coming from a completely different industry, this has been very helpful
to understand more of this industry. I have learnt how best to approach and deal with
customers and how to make a sale and also know it is best to remember when working in
the shop to think how the customer would think.”

“I have learned a lot from the course so far. Particularly how many areas in business are
more closely tied together than people might expect. I have also found the product knowledge
presentations on the course to be very useful.”

“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.”

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’.

Declan Conlon, Student of the Year Sarah Day, Martin Markey

Octabuild Chairman – Declan Conlon, Tracy Walsh – High Achieving Student, and HAI CEO Martin Markey

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

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.