HAI Certificate in Hardware Retail and Merchanting underway for its second year

After its first very successful year, which saw nearly 20 employees in the hardware/DIY industry nationwide complete their studies, with some progressing further in the career, the HAI Certificate in Hardware Retail and Merchanting is now underway for its second year. 

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 incoming students and mentors got to meet each other and their tutors in person at the Introductory Day at The Osprey Hotel in late August, the first module, covering Communication Essentials, was delivered via Zoom by Noel Davidson from the Entrepreneur’s Academy. It was a highly interactive, and by all accounts enjoyable, session with break-out rooms, group discussions and exercises, all designed to help the students enhance the power of good communications and to have a positive impact on others.

The session was followed by a highly comprehensive Product Knowledge module on Heating Products, presented by Octabuild member Grant Engineering. The session covered key technical and market FAQs students might face from DIY and trade customers, looking at products such as heat pumps, alternative fuels and energy consumption.

HAI is delighted to confirm that it will be working closely 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. The modules covered will include:

• Paint and Décor
• Insulation Products
• Roof and Timber Products
• Plumbing Products
• Fasteners & Fixings
• Garden Products
• Cement Products
• Hand and Power Tools

Up next for the students will be Selling Skills, delivered by Terry Harmer, followed by a Product Knowledge module in Paint & Décor presented by Dulux Paints.

In the meantime, students and mentors are well underway with their assignments, which help them to reflect on their learnings and on how its applied in their role.

For more information about the HAI Certificate in Hardware Retail and Merchanting, you can download the official brochure here, or contact aoife@hardwareassociation.ie.