HAI Certificate in Hardware Retail and Merchanting – January Update

Once again kindly sponsored by 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 January our Certificate students began their Operations training by attended a compelling session on Stock Control, followed by a highly comprehensive Product Knowledge session, presented jointly by Etex Ireland (Roofing Products) and Glennon Brothers (Timber Products).

In February students return to the virtual classroom with a session on Merchandising and another detailed Product Knowledge module, this time covered by both Gyproc and Irish Cement who will both be covering Cement Products. 

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’s is going very well at present. We can see a real difference in his work performance.”

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 remaining modules to be covered are:

Insulation Products: Kingspan Insulation

Paint Products: Dulux Paints

Octabuild Chairman Declan Conlon, Wavin Ireland, comments on the group’s involvement this year: “Octabuild is delighted 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 merchant trade and value the knowledge that this programme offers to participants. We look forward to sharing our own expertise in industry specific product knowledge modules for participants and working with them as they progress through the programme.”

HAI looks forward to working with Octabuild in sharing their Product Knowledge and experience with students in the coming year.

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