Donal Kane, Plumber / Construction Super.

Posted by Construction Industry Federation
Construction, Architecture & Property

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.

Related Occupations

Plumber

Donal Kane, Plumber / Construction Super.

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.