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.
Victoria Wall from Wallace’s Homevalue, Wexford, was honoured as Student of the Year.
Victoria’s exemplary performance and commitment throughout the programme distinguished her as a leader among her peers.
Rafal Jopek from Brooks Timber & Building Supplies, Bluebell, received the High Achieving Student Award.
Rafal’s consistent excellence in his coursework and practical learning and development earned him this special recognition.
High Achieving Student 2024), Martin Markey (CEO of HAI), and Declan Conlon (Sales Manager, Wavin Ireland, and Octabuild Chairperson).
Aoife Kinsella O’Reilly, co-ordinator 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.”
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.
Octabuild Chairperson, Declan Conlon, Wavin Ireland, said: “Octabuild has been delighted to partner with Hardware Association Ireland to sponsor the HAI Certificate in Hardware Retail and Merchanting for the third year. We very much appreciate the importance of growing talent in the builders merchant trade and value the knowledge that this programme offers to participants. Octabuild members have enjoyed sharing their expertise in industry-specific product knowledge modules for participants and working with them as they progress through the programme.”
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.
About the HAI Certificate
The HAI Certificate in Hardware Retail & Merchanting is a comprehensive programme 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.
Enrolment Open for 2024/2025
For more information on the HAI Certificate in Hardware Retail & Merchanting and how to enroll in the next session, please visit www.hardwareassociation.ie.
