HAI Training: Evolution to 2022

Hardware Association Ireland has a rich history of training and development dating back to the 1960s. Its current iteration of classroom and virtual-based training has been in place since 2015 and has been well received and supported by retailers, builders merchants and suppliers/ distributors alike. This has grown to other forms such as webinars, bespoke training and our Certificate in Hardware Retail and Merchanting. Here is a look back at the recent history of HAI’s training and how it has shaped our plans and will continue to do so in the years to come.

HAI 2022 Training in Numbers

Key Developments in HAI’s Training Services

2015 started with three subjects covered: Credit Control, Finance for Non-Financials and Digital Marketing.

2016 saw the introduction of Selling Skills and Customer Service for retailers/builders merchants and for B2B sales reps.

2017 saw even further expansion of our training services with Sales Management training, Improving Your Profit Margins and Stock Control.

2018 introduced Wood Flooring product training, Merchandising and Leadership & Communication Skills.

2019 introduced highly interactive Digital Marketing workshops covering Email Marketing, Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) and Digital Video.

2020 – due to Covid-19 our in-person training ground to a halt, and saw the introduction of virtual half-day sessions and webinars.

2021 – More focus on webinars, including an Eco-Product webinar series, and the launch of the first HAI Certificate in Hardware Retail and Merchanting, with 32 students to date.

2022 – Our first year of completely virtual half-day training sessions.

HAI’s training and development services for the hardware/DIY industry continue to grow and develop with thanks to the support of our members and training attendees.

If you are interested in availing of any of our training services (see details of our Spring training on page 72) or would like more information please contact aoife@hardwareassociation.ie or call 01 2980969