HAI Certificate Latest: Selling Skills and Product Knowledge

The highly anticipated HAI Certificate in Hardware Retail and Merchanting is now in full swing, offering a comprehensive training programme for employees in the hardware and building materials sector. Participants, who hail from various companies across the industry, are currently immersed in a masterclass on Selling Skills, designed to enhance their customer engagement and retail strategies.

September focuses on Selling Skills and Product Knowledge

This training programme aims to upskill employees by offering them practical tools to excel in their roles.

September saw the students complete their second module of the programme – Selling Skills – which was delivered by Terry Harmer, a well-known trainer within the sector. The session was a highly interactive one, with Terry testing the students on their selling skills via role-play exercises, group exercises and discussions to take them out of their comfort zone and bring their selling skills to another level.

Alongside the Selling Skills module, students are also getting caught up on essential product knowledge, ensuring they are well-versed in the latest trends and innovations within the hardware and building materials sector.

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.

This session will be followed by eight other modules covering key facets of working in a retail/builders merchanting environment:

• Customer Service
• Basic Instore Finances
• Credit Control
• Stock Control
• Merchandising
• Digital Marketing
• Team-Building and Team-Leading

Coming up next Terry Harmer will deliver his masterclass in Customer Service, and Grant Engineering will deliver their Product Knowledge module on Heating Products!

HAI Certificate welcomes back Octabuild as sponsor
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 first hand a deeper understanding of the products and practices that drive our industry.

“By supporting this HAI initiative, together we are investing in the future of our industry, ensuring that the next generation of professionals is well-equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed.”

Last chance to enroll!
This is your final opportunity to secure a spot in the HAI Certificate! If you have team members who are new to the hardware retail or builders merchanting sector, or if someone on your team is eager to elevate their skill set with structured, comprehensive training, then act fast – CLICK HERE to enroll in the HAI Certificate in Hardware Retail and Merchanting today!

Have any queries? Contact aoife@hardwaressociation.ie