HAI Certificate Latest: Instore Finances and Product Knowledge

The HAI Certificate in Hardware Retail and Merchanting progressed this month, as students completed their Customer Service training and participated in their first live Product Knowledge module (the first of many!). This session, delivered by Keith Scully of Grant Engineering, provided an in-depth exploration of the Heating Sector, offering valuable insights into key industry products and practices.

November takes a deep dive into Instore Finances and the Cement Sector

This nine-month mentor-based training programme aims to upskill employees in the hardware and building materials sector by offering them practical tools to excel in their roles.

On November 26th students completed their fourth module – Basic Instore Finances – which was delivered by Declan Flood – The Credit Coach. This in-depth module covered topics such as financial statements, credit control, and the importance of accurate record-keeping. He also discussed the concepts of assets, liabilities, and accruals, and the significance of understanding financial terminology in business operations. Declan emphasized that the session was not meant to turn participants into accountants, but rather to make them more comfortable with finance-related terminology and concepts.

At the end of the session, students left with key actions that they can start putting in effect straight away, which they will catalogue in their monthly self-reflection assignments with their mentors.

Following this session, students completed two in-depth Product Knowledge modules:

Brian Gilmore from Irish Cement was on first, presenting on the company’s history, operations, and sustainability efforts – giving the students an overview of the development and characteristics of their products. He highlighted the importance of quality control in cement production, the use of solid recovered fuel to reduce fossil fuel consumption, and the introduction of new more sustainable developments. Brian also discussed the company’s commitment to reducing environmental impacts and working with customers to achieve this goal.

Up next, Jason Horrex from Gyproc Ireland provided an overview of plasterboards, their manufacturing process, types, applications, and performance characteristics. He explained that plasterboards contribute to fire resistance, sound insulation, moisture resistance, and impact resistance as part of a system, not individually.  He highlighted the importance of using the right board for the intended purpose and discussed sustainability aspects like recycled content and waste management.

Both presentations emphasised the importance of quality control and sustainability in their respective industries.

The HAI Certificate is recognised for its focus on professional development and is regarded as a vital asset for career progression within the industry. Both participants and employers are enthusiastic about the value this training will bring, equipping staff with the skills and expertise necessary to thrive in today’s competitive market.

With more modules to follow, the certificate programme is set to continue its success in shaping the future leaders of the hardware retail and merchanting industry.

• Credit Control
• Stock Control
• Merchandising
• Digital Marketing
• Team-Building and Team-Leading

Coming up next students will delve deeper into the world of Credit Control, focusing on balancing financial management with maintaining strong customer relationship, delivered again by Declan Flood, the Credit Coach.

Octabuild Continue Sharing their Product Knowledge 
We’re excited to continue our partnership with Octabuild and its esteemed members: Dulux Paints, Etex Ireland, Glennon Brothers, Grant Engineering, Gyproc, Irish Cement, Kingspan Insulation, and Wavin Ireland. 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.

Speaking about their involvement in the Certificate this year Declan Conlon, Octabuild Chairman said: “Octabuild is proud to continue its sponsorship of the 2024/25 HAI Certificate in Hardware Retail & Merchanting, a programme that plays an important role in fostering talent and driving excellence in the hardware and merchanting sector. We believe continued learning and development is more important than ever, and through our product knowledge modules, participants gain firsthand a deeper understanding of the products and practices that drive our industry.

HAI are delighted to be working with Octabuild and its members for the coming months, who will be delivering the following modules:

5th December – Grant Engineering: Plumbing Products

14th January – Etex: Roofing Products

12th February – Kingspan: Insulation Products

22nd April – Glennon Brothers: Timber Products

HAI also has other exciting plans with Octabuild and its members, including Site Visits, events, and more! Watch this space for more details!

Have any queries? Contact aoife@hardwaressociation.ie