HAI Certificate in Hardware Retail and Merchanting – May Update

Sponsored by building products manufacturers group Octabuild, the nine-month long mentor-based programme is designed to equip those new to the hardware retail/builders merchanting sector, and those in need of more structured training, 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.

In April this year’s students completed their final module in the programme – Team Building and Team Leading – which rounded off all their learning over the previous nine months. This workshop dove into management and motivational skills to help the attendees understand how they can effectively manage and lead others, preparing them for managerial opportunities in their organisation.

The final Product Knowledge module covered Paint Products, and was presented by Derek Keyes from Dulux Paints.

With all nine modules now wrapped up our students have their remaining assignments to be completed, including a final reflection on the programme and how they have progressed in their role.

Grant Engineering Site Visit

In addition to their studies and Product Knowledge training, this year’s students visited the Grant Engineering Training Academy in Birr, Co. Offaly, in early May to complete a custom-developed Product Knowledge course on their heating products.

Keith Scully delivered a very detailed presentation to the attending students on Grant Engineering’s full range of renewable heating solutions, including Heat Pumps, Condensing Oil Boilers, plus the emergence of HVO as a replacement to kerosene.

We would like to thank the Grant Engineering team for their warm welcome and hospitality.

Students and Mentors have their say

Students:
“I’ve learned a lot about margins and the difference small gains make, how to engage better with customers and the day to day running of the shop.”

Mentors:
“Both students are doing very well. Growing with confidence constantly and broadening their product knowledge with a great awareness in general.”

“My employee is doing very well at present. We can see a real difference in his work performance.”

The HAI Certificate at The Hardware Show!

The HAI Certificate was proudly on display at the Hardware Association Ireland stand at The Hardware Show 2024 earlier this month! Photo credit: David O’Shea Photography

With thanks, as always, to Octabuild

HAI is delighted to be working with Octabuild and its members (Dulux Paints, Etex Ireland, Glennon Brothers, Grant Engineering, Gyproc, Irish Cement, Kingspan Insulation, and Wavin Ireland) to deliver a series of Product Knowledge modules, giving students a full rounded view perspective of the industry.

Octabuild Members sharing their Product Knowledge

HAI is delighted to be working with Octabuild and its members (Dulux Paints, Etex Ireland, Glennon Brothers, Grant Engineering, Gyproc, Irish Cement, Kingspan Insulation, and Wavin Ireland) to deliver a series of Product Knowledge modules, giving students a full rounded view perspective of the industry. The final Product Knowledge module to be covered is:

Paint Products: Dulux Paints

Octabuild Chairperson, Declan Conlon, Wavin Ireland, comments on the group’s involvement this year: “Octabuild is delighted to partner with Hardware Association Ireland to sponsor the HAI Certificate in Hardware Retail and Merchanting for the third year. We very much appreciate the importance of growing talent in the hardware retail and builders merchant trade and value the knowledge that this programme offers to participants. Octabuild members enjoy sharing their expertise in industry-specific product knowledge modules for participants and working with them as they progress through the programme.”

Enrolment for 2024/2025

Interested in enrolling in the 2024/2025 programme of the HAI Certificate? Email aoife@hardwareassociation.ie today. Click here to download the 2024 Brochure.

For more information about the HAI Certificate in Hardware Retail and Merchanting contact Aoife at aoife@hardwareassociation.ie or call 01 2980969.