Taking on an apprenticeship in Carpentry and Joinery.

I always had an interest in being involved in timber construction particularly and I found FAS Trade instructors very influential in pursuing goals.

After I completed my time as an apprentice, I was being offered opportunities to take on more responsibilities in the work I was doing and it progressed to assisting the site manager.

Arriving on site early, planning what trades are required and where. I would be ordering materials and tracking work progression across the site to see if deadlines will be met.

Ensuring deadlines are met while maintaining high standards of quality control within any construction work being carried out. There is also a large focus on safety.

The main challenges are keeping to a deadline when issues arise or when a sub-contractor or supplier can’t meet the demands.

I like the satisfaction you get at the end of the week when you see all the planning and the work co-ordinated well to present a new piece of construction.

Some days can be very challenging and stressful when things aren’t working out or constant setbacks start creeping in making it hard to switch off.

As you get more experienced you tend to find different ways as a person to deal with these situations.

I believe I am a good motivator when it is not always easy. I am also good at foreseeing problems and obstacles, something I have learned my experience working as a tradesperson.

In school I would have done Woodwork (materials technology) along with Technical Drawing and Construction Studies. I found these subjects were great backgrounds to have studied when doing an apprenticeship as they developed technical skill and knowledge in all aspects of construction.

I have a Leaving Cert and a National Fetac (QQI) qualification - NFQ 6 in carpentry and joinery.

Although not necessary in trades I would see my Leaving Cert as very important in my job as it allowed me that extra time to mature and gain more from the subjects I did.

My apprenticeship was key for the role I now have due to the practical knowledge developed through my trade both on the job and in the training centres.

The most rewarding event was surviving through a recession and coming out of it with my trade qualification.

Also becoming involved in a company that has managed to expand during difficulties in the industry in the past few years is very rewarding.

I am energetic and eager to learn. I can accept that there is always someone that will know more than myself and not allow my own opinion to create barriers for new information taken on.

I hope to see my career grow from strength to strength and be able to influence people the way I have been by my piers, whether its in a management role in construction or by craft.

Generally yes it would as I know I have weekends off and the industry allows you to meet a wide variety of people. The early mornings can be hard if your trying to participate in sports clubs etc. on week nights, so it requires trying to find a happy balance.

For anyone who even vaguely considers a trade or a management job they shouldn’t hesitate to pursue it as it can surprise you how capable you can become despite any reservations you may have.

It could even introduce you to different roles in the industry that you hadn’t realised were available to you or felt where out of your reach.

Be energetic and willing to get hands on.

Be up to taking on a challenge but not afraid to ask for help when you need it.

Communicate your ‘’message’’ effectively by whatever means necessary, whether its giving an instruction or showing your best attributes.

My pet hate is my mobile phone, despite all of its uses and how it makes some aspects of the job easier, it can ring at the worst of times...

Yes I am currently studying in DIT for a level 7 degree in Construction Management which I was allowed advanced entry into because I have a trade qualification.

Apprenticeships in your preferred trade are a fantastic way of experiencing the work and lifestyle. If that is not available, approach companies about internships and try to get an insight with engineers, managers or even building service co-ordinators so you can extract some of their day to day endeavours.

Trainee Site Manager