Students Celebrate Success at HAI Certificate in Hardware Retail & Merchanting Graduation Ceremony

June 13, 2024 – Hardware Association Ireland (HAI) proudly hosted the Graduation Ceremony for this year’s cohort of the HAI Certificate in Hardware Retail & Merchanting, celebrating the dedication and achievements of all participating students. The event, held at in HAI’s offices in Rathcoole, Co. Dublin, saw students receiving their Certificates of Completion in recognition of over nine months of hard work and on-the-job learning.

This year’s graduation saw the presentation of two prestigious awards: the Student of the Year and High Achieving Student Award.

Victoria Wall from Wallace’s Homevalue, Wexford, was honoured as Student of the Year. Victoria’s exemplary performance and commitment throughout the program distinguished her as a leader among her peers.

Victoria Wall, Wallace’s Homevalue Hardware – Student of the Year 2024 – with Senan Foley, Martin Markey and Declan Conlon

Rafal Jopek from Brooks Timber & Building Supplies, Bluebell, received the High Achieving Award. Rafal’s consistent excellence in his coursework and practical learning and development earned him this special recognition.

Rafal Jopek, Brooks Bluebell – High Achieving Student 2024 – with Senan Foley, Martin Markey and Declan Conlon

Aoife Kinsella O’Reilly, coordinator of the HAI Certificate, commended all the graduates on their achievements: “We are immensely proud of this year’s graduates. Each student has shown remarkable dedication to their professional development. Special congratulations to Victoria and Rafal for their outstanding accomplishments. These awards highlight their exceptional talents and commitment to excellence in the hardware industry.”

The HAI Certificate in Hardware Retail & Merchanting is a comprehensive program designed to equip employees in the industry with the essential skills and knowledge required for successful careers in the hardware sector. The curriculum covers critical areas such as customer service, sales techniques, product knowledge, and operational efficiency, preparing students to meet and exceed industry standards.

Group photo of all students and mentors with HAI CEO Martin Markey, Octabuild Chairperson Declan Conlon and HAI Vice President Senan Foley

Sponsored for a third year by building products manufacturers group, Octabuild, the Certificate includes specially designed product knowledge modules on Heating & Plumbing, Paint Products, Insulation, Roofing Products, Timber Products and Cement delivered by Octabuild members – Dulux Paints, Etex Ireland, Glennon Brothers, Grant Engineering, Gyproc, Irish Cement, Kingspan Insulation, and Wavin Ireland.

The Graduation Ceremony was attended by students, mentors, Octabuild Chairperson Declan Conlon, and members of the HAI team, who collectively celebrated the achievements of the graduates.

For more information on the HAI Certificate in Hardware Retail & Merchanting and how to enrol in the next session, please click here: HAI Certificate in Hardware Retail & Merchanting. Contact Aoife Kinsella O’Reilly at aoife@hardwareassociation.ie for more information.