HAI CERTIFICATE IN HARDWARE RETAIL AND

HAI Certificate

Back for 2022/2023

After its highly successful inaugural year, the HAI Certificate in Hardware Retail and Merchanting is back with enrolment open and Octabuild returning as sponsors.

CERTIFICATE

HARDWARE RETAIL AND MERCHANTING

Hardware Association Ireland (HAI) is pleased to launch its Certificate in Hardware Retail and Merchanting, a mentor-based development programme for new employees in hardware retail/ builders merchanting, for the second year. The nine-month programme will commence with an in-person introductory session in late August with modules starting in September. The course is designed to equip those new to the sector, and those without formal 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 successfully completing the programme all 2021/2022 students and mentors reported growth in their confidence in their role, whether it’s in interacting with customers and answering their questions or making suggestions on operations and instore promotions. It was this Confidence Through Knowledge that contributed to the students’ success.

Here is some of the feedback from students over the course of the programme:

“It’s hard to pinpoint one thing because I’ve learned so much! After the Selling Skills workshop I suggested introducing instore signage to promote one of our offers, and sales significantly increased on that product in just a few weeks! I’m much more confident in my role now.” “For someone starting off it gives you a great insight into how a shop operates from start to finish. I have a better understanding of credit.”

Product Knowledge

In addition to the core modules, https://hardwareassociation. ie/enrolment-for-2022-2023-hai-certificate-in-hardware-retailand-merchanting-is-now-open/, the students will also attend a number of Product Knowledge modules, delivered by industry suppliers, including Octabuild member companies, who will share their expertise and products/industry knowledge in their respective sectors. A popular and engaging part of the course for students, the modules will explore a wide range of areas in building materials, details of which to be announced.

Octabuild back as sponsor for 2022/2023

HAI are delighted to announce that Octabuild returns as sponsor of the HAI Certificate in Hardware Retail and Merchanting for a second year. HAI are pleased to work with the group and its members, Irish building material suppliers – Dulux Paints Ireland, Etex Ireland, Glennon Brothers, Grant Engineering, Gyproc, Irish Cement, Kingspan Insulation and Wavin Ireland – in their commitment to promoting the benefits of high quality, Irish manufactured products for the building, construction and DIY sectors.

Speaking on behalf of the eight Octabuild companies, Ray Molyneaux, Chair, Octabuild said: “We have been hugely impressed by the quality and enthusiasm of both lecturers and participants in the first year of the HAI Certificate in Hardware Retail and Merchanting and look forward very much to seeing this again in the coming year. Octabuild recognises the importance of the HAI Certificate in attracting and retaining talent in the industry. These students represent the future of the hardware industry and bring with them great expectation. We must work hard to support and encourage them in their endeavours.”

HAI looks forward to working with Octabuild in sharing their Product Knowledge and experience with students in the coming year.

2022/2023 Enrolment is now OPEN

If you have an employee or employees who are new to hardware retail/merchanting, and are looking for formalised training in the area to help refine their skills for the future of their career, contact Aoife at aoife@hardwareassociation.ie or call 01 2980969 about enrolling your team today.