The construction industry is a dynamic, diverse and challenging industry. The industry needs energetic problem solvers to deliver a vast array of projects – could you be part of it?
The Construction Industry Federation (CIF), is the national and regional representative body for construction industry employers (contractors) in Ireland.
CIF is recognised by Government, client and professional bodies as the representative body and voice of the construction industry and represents the views and interests of contractors in the sector.
Key areas where CIF lobby on behalf of members include:
Public capital spending programmes
Procurement contracts, policies and procedures
Legislation impacting on the construction industry and construction employers
Taxation policy
Employment and Industrial relations issues.
Health, Safety, Environmental and Quality issues
Issues of concern to specific groups of members - e.g. specialist sub contractors
CIF is a members based organisation and policy decisions are made by these member companies, through an Executive Body (Board) of 34 representatives appointed by each Branch and Association. All interests, both sectorally and regionally are represented in its decision making processes.
To support the operation of the CIF and provide expert advice to the Federation’s Committees, Associations and Branches, the CIF has a dedicated team of Executives and support staff who have specialist knowledge in construction matters . Offices are located in Dublin, Cork and Galway.
The CIF's objective to to develop the construction industry in Ireland into a strong industrial sector, making a positive contribution to the development of the Irish economy by ensuring the delivery world class infrastructure, to attract inward investment and to ensure a highly skilled workforce is available to meet this demand.
Graduates and craftspersons are employed directly by CIF members.
www.apprenticeshipjobs.ie allows you to search apprenticeships, filtering by location and apprenticeship type. You can search jobs here.
Donal Kane began his plumbing apprenticeship at the age of 17. Since then he has progresed through the ranks to become Construction Site Supervisor. Donal has completed several related courses including a night course Diploma in Building Services, Welding and Health & Safety.
Hi, Ask me a question...
What were the main 'career decision' milestones in your life so far?
Starting my plumbing apprenticeship along with completing several night courses to help develop my skills.
Who are the people who most influenced your career direction?
My family were the biggest influence.
How did you go about getting your current job?
A friend working within the company.
Describe a typical day?
Check emails, set up tasks for work crews, site meetings, walk all work areas and meet all work crew, carry out health and safety and quality checks and pre plan upcoming works.
What are the main tasks and responsibilities?
Ensuring labour is assigned correctly to tasks and ensuring workers carry out works safely to allocated time scales and to a high quality of installation.
What are the main challenges?
Cost / Time constraints. Sourcing correctly skilled and knowledgeable labour.
What do you like most?
Meeting people from all walks of life and no two days being the same.
Is there anything that isn't great?
It can be a very demanding job at times.
What particular skills do you bring to your workplace?
Good communication and management skills. I am also ambitious and hard working.
What subjects did you take in school and how have these influenced your career path?
Main subjects that influenced my career path were engineering studies and technical graphics.
What is your education to date?
Leaving cert followed by Plumbing apprenticeship and a night course Diploma in Building Services.
What aspects of your education have proven most important for your job?
Doing engineering in school gave me hands on experience of working with tools / hands etc. Technical graphics and Maths for reading and creating drawings.
What have been the most rewarding events in your career so far?
Progressing from an apprentice to Construction Supervisor along with looking after projects worth several million euro.
What personal qualities do you have that helps you in your career?
Good communication skills and working well within a team.
What is your dream job?
I would love to run my own mechanical engineering company.
Does your job allow you to have a lifestyle you are happy with?
Yes, the majority of the time.
What advice would you give to someone considering this job?
Once you’re willing to listen, take advice and work hard there are many options for career paths / future development.
What are the three most important personal characteristics required for the job?
Be energetic, motivated and work well within a team.
What is your pet hate at work?
Laziness and people set in old ways of thinking.
Have you undertaken, or do you plan to undertake any further training as part of your job?
Several H+S and construction management courses and welding courses. I plan on doing a project management course and CAD course in the near future.
What kinds of work experience would provide a good background for this position?
Any work experience incorporating good time keeping and good people skills.