HAI Certificate in Hardware Retail and Merchanting – March 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.

Since the last update, students have completed their Instore Finances, Operations and Instore Promotion training, by completing the Credit Control, Stock Control, Merchandising and Digital Marketing & Social Media modules.

Each session was followed by highly comprehensive Product Knowledge sessions delivered by Octabuild members:

• Roofing Products: presented by Etex Ireland
• Timber Products: presented by Glennon Brothers
• Cement Products:presented jointly by Irish Cement and Saint Gobain/Gyproc
• Insulation Products: presented by Kingspan Insulation

Our students have just one remaining module left before their graduation ceremony upon completion of their final assignments. In April they will complete their final module – Team Building and Team Leading – which will round off their learning and give them the opportunity to grow their managerial skills and career opportunities within their organisation.

The final Product Knowledge module will be presented by Dulux Paints, covering Paint 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.”

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.

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