HAI Certificate Latest – Students and Mentors have their say
March 21, 2025
HAI Business Index: Q4 2024
May 2, 2025
In our latest update on the HAI Certificate, students and mentors give their feedback on their experience to date, while students continue their learnings by completing sessions in Merchandising and Digital Marketing.
In April, this year’s HAI Certificate students completed the final module of the nine-month long programme. Their final module was Team-Building & Team-Leading, delivered by Noel Davidson from the Entrepreneur’s Academy.
In the final Product Knowledge modules, Paul Treacy from Glennon Brothers discussed the company’s operations, products, and sustainability efforts. Paul also introduced a free online CPD resource called TimberSpec, which provides courses on timber sustainability and other related topics.
Brett O’Sullivan provided an overview of Kingspan Insulation’s product range and recent developments, highlighting their focus on non-combustible mineral wool products for rainscreen applications.
Students and Mentors have their say
Earlier this year, HAI sought the feedback of this year’s students and mentors to gauge their experience to date. Feedback at this stage of the programme has been glowing, with both students and mentors pleased with progress to date and the opportunities for growth it provides:
“I have gained valuable insights into how different areas of a business operate and how small changes can make a big impact on quality of service and customer experience overall.”
Mark Reilly, Brooks Bluebell – HAI Certificate Student
“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 learned how best to approach and deal with customers and how to make a sale. I learned a lot about stock control and stock take.”
Vytas Preskaitis, Morris DIY – HAI Certificate Student
“The course has been very beneficial to all Brooks and MBM participants over the past number of years and has assisted the participants in securing promotions”
Brendan Sammon, Brooks Bluebell – HAI Certificate Mentor
“This is a very useful tool for staff trying to take the next steps towards management.”
Shane O’Dwyer, McMahons Builders Providers
With thanks to Octabuild for their Product Knowledge
We’re excited to continue our partnership with Octabuild and its esteemed members: Bostik, Dulux Paints, Etex Ireland, Glennon Brothers, Grant Engineering, Gyproc, Irish Cement and Kingspan Insulation. Together, we’re gearing up for an incredible year ahead, featuring Octabuild’s specialised Product Knowledge modules and exclusive site visits to Octabuild member locations across the country, where students can get more in-depth information on their products and the industry.
Building on Success: Octabuild Continues Support for HAI Certificate Programme
As the 2024/25 HAI Certificate in Hardware Retail & Merchanting continues, Octabuild and its eight members— Bostik, Dulux Paints, Etex Ireland, Glennon Brothers, Grant Engineering, Gyproc, Irish Cement and Kingspan Insulation — remain committed to supporting the next generation of industry professionals.
As the programme progresses, participants have the opportunity to engage in Octabuild’s specialised Product Knowledge modules and exclusive site visits to member locations across the country. These hands-on experiences offer invaluable insights into key products and industry best practices, ensuring a deeper understanding of the sector.
Commenting on Octabuild’s continued involvement, chairperson Mike Glennon of Glennon Brothers said: “Octabuild is proud to support this programme, which plays a vital role in developing talent and fostering excellence within the hardware and merchanting industry. In a time where continuous learning is more important than ever, our Product Knowledge modules provide participants with the practical expertise needed to stay ahead in this evolving sector.
“By investing in education and skills development through the HAI Certificate, we are strengthening the future of our industry and empowering the next generation of professionals to succeed.”
Stay tuned for further updates as this year’s programme continues to deliver valuable learning experiences for participants across the sector.
Have any queries? Contact aoife@hardwaressociation.ie
