How to start a career in Hardware/DIY

There are a number of options available to any job seekers (particularly school-leavers and graduates). For anyone without experience or looking for a career change employers in the hardware sector can provide learn-on-the-job opportunities that can help employees progress and prosper. 

For any students interested in getting into the hardware industry we recommend they initially do their research and look into the facilities and support available from their career guidance counselors. Talking to friends/family members with experience in the industry is also recommended, so they can get advice on who to contact and what kind of roles they can apply for.

Transition Year is a particularly helpful time to look for any available work experience in local hardware stores or builders merchants. Typically employers start out student/entry-level employees in specific areas in stores, like the warehouse or back office, where they can shadow more experienced employees in their day-to-day activities. As they start to learn more about the role and their environment they start to receive more responsibilities.

Anyone entering the industry from a different sector and who has a flair for sales, customer service, relationship/account management and logistics and enjoys working as part of a team are encouraged to talk to Hardware Association Ireland (HAI), Ireland’s official trade association for the hardware industry, register their CV with Hardware Jobs, or seek advice from anyone they know in the industry, such as current employers or employees.

CareersPortal

HAI has recently launched a hardware industry specific section on CareersPortal, Ireland’s National Career Guidance website, providing the most up-to-date and relevant career information and resources to those needing or providing career guidance. This section provides information about the types of roles available in the sector, employee profiles and career advice for school leavers, graduates and adult-learners alike. They also provide a catalogue of recommended recruitment and job support agencies for anyone seeking further guidance and advice.

Interested job seekers and guidance counsellors can find this section here.