Fergal Feehely, Apprentice Painter Decorator

Posted by Construction Industry Federation
Construction, Architecture & Property

Fergal Feehely is a Painter Decorator who took over the family business in 2008. After his Leaving Cert Fergal went on to complete a four year apprenticeship course in conjuntion with CIT, as well as a certificate in AutoCAD and a correspondence course in Robotics.

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Painter / Decorator

Fergal Feehely, Apprentice Painter Decorator

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Who are the people who most influenced your career direction?

Most likely my father, being a 3rd generation painter himself, becoming a competent painter was always something I was going to aspire to.

How did you go about getting your current job?

I took over my fathers business in 2008, the worst possible time for those in the construction business. We originally had a staff of eight men which was cut back to two, we now have four men employed and we can see further prospects for employment in the near future.

Describe a typical day?

My day would usually start at 8am arriving on site. My duties include arranging materials and the days schedule for myself and the men, meeting clients, placing orders and ensuring everything is on site and ready to go for the next day. I usually finish work around 6pm.

What are the main tasks and responsibilities?

The biggest responsibility is probably ensuring finished projects are finished on-time, within budget and to the clients liking.

What are the main challenges?

In the current climate, tendering can be very difficult. It can be hard to ensure jobs are priced above cost and still within customers budgets.

There is a lot more to this occupation than people realise and there is always a problem you haven't yet encountered. An example would be damp issues or alkaline issues which need specialist knowledge to treat properly.

What do you like most?

In painting we get to experience a wide range of skills from paperhanging to shotblasting and we are never in the same place for too long. You also get to work on different sites and different buildings totally transforming them from what they were.

Is there anything that isn't great?

It can be dirty sometimes.

What particular skills do you bring to your workplace?

I am very hard working and determined.

What subjects did you take in school and how have these influenced your career path?

Physics and applied mathematics. Maths is definitely most important.

What is your education to date?

I completed my Leaving certificate in 2001 and I went straight into my four year apprenticeship which I served in Cork with the family business.

I did 40 weeks in block release with Cork Institute of Technology. I have also completed a Certificate in AutoCAD and a Correspondence Course in Robotics.

What aspects of your education have proven most important for your job?

Maths. In secondary school I never thought I would use Pythagoras Theorem and surface area formulas so much.

What have been the most rewarding events in your career so far?

Completing my Certificate in AutoCAD and the Correspondence course in Robotics. I am always interested in learning more.

What personal qualities do you have that helps you in your career?

I am hard working, patient and very determined which is important in this line of work.

What is your dream job?

I would like to expand the company and provide a wider range of services for people.

Does your job allow you to have a lifestyle you are happy with?

Yes certainly, the hours can sometimes be long but also very rewarding. It's what I love and it's what I know so I'll be sticking to it.

What advice would you give to someone considering this job?

If you work hard and produce excellent quality work you will never be quiet.

What are the three most important personal characteristics required for the job?

It is so important to be hard working, patient and determined. You also need a good head for heights.

What is your pet hate at work?

People undervaluing a painters work.

Have you undertaken, or do you plan to undertake any further training as part of your job?

I would like to when I find the time!

What kinds of work experience would provide a good background for this position?

Working with your hands and anything that involves a lot of activity.

What is your current job title?

Painting Contractor

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