HAI Certificate – Latest News (February 2023)

Sponsored by Octabuild for a second year, 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.

After having already completed modules in Communication Skills, Selling Skills & Customer Service, and Financial Management, the students are currently in progress with their Instore Management training, having completed Stock Control in January and completing Merchandising in the coming weeks.

Octabuild Members sharing their Product Knowledge

In addition to their learning modules, they also completed Product Knowledge modules, many of which are presented by Octabuild members, having most recently attended a highly detailed Insulation Products module by Kingspan Insulation and a very informative session on both Roofing and Timber Products presented by Etex and Glennon Brothers, along with another highly detailed session on Garden & Outdoor products by Niall Nugent from Ames True Temper.

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

• Paint & Décor – Dulux Paints
• Heating Products – Grant Engineering
• Insulation Products – Kingspan Insulation
• Roof and Timber Products – Etex and Glennon Brothers
• Plumbing Products – Wavin Ireland
• Cement Products – Irish Cement
• Garden Products – Ames True Temper
• Hand and Power Tools – Toolbank Ireland
• Fasteners & Fixings – tbc

Incoming Octabuild Chairperson, Declan Conlon, Sales Manager for Wavin, commented: “We very much value the importance of nurturing talent in the builders merchant trade through education and fully support the efforts of the HAI Certificate. Octabuild member companies are delighted to share their expertise through the product knowledge modules delivered throughout the programme. We have been impressed by the students participating in the course to date and look forward to continue working with them as they move towards their graduation in the coming months.”

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