16 minute read
Octabuild Awards
Haldane Fisher, Newry has won the overall Octabuild Award for Excellence 2022 at the first-ever all-island Octabuild Builders’ Merchant Excellence Awards. The company also won the Northern Ireland Regional Award. Other winners came from Dublin, Galway, Longford, Louth, Meath and Waterford.
Newry company tops in first all-island awards for builders’ merchants
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The Octabuild Builders’ Merchant Excellence Awards ceremony was held on 13 October at a gala event in the Round Room at the Mansion House in Dublin.
Merchant trade
It was attended by over 300 guests including shortlisted merchants and representatives of the builders’ merchant trade from across the country.
The event was hosted by the eight Octabuild members, Dulux, Etex, Glennon Brothers, Grant Engineering, Gyproc, Irish Cement, Kingspan Insulation and Wavin.
Guest of honour at the awards was Michael McGrath TD, Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.
Congratulating all the winners the Minister said: ‘I would like to congratulate all the finalists and winners at this year’s awards, particularly Haldane Fisher Newry who won the overall Octabuild Award for Excellence 2022.
‘This is the first year the awards were held on an all-island basis and I want to commend the organisers and Octabuild Chairperson, Ray Molyneaux for such a great event.
‘These are a unique set of awards designed to promote excellence within the Irish builders’ merchants industry and highlight the importance of the industry to the wider construction and building sector.’
First year
Since these prestigious awards were first introduced in 1986, this is the first year they have been held on an allisland basis. Previously awards were held in Ireland and Northern Ireland on alternate years.
This year builders’ merchants competed for
four Regional Awards, five Individual Category Awards and a Rising Star Award, which acknowledged upand-coming talent in the industry.
Octabuild Chairperson, Ray Molyneaux said: ‘It’s important for Octabuild that the Awards highlight to the building and construction industry the excellence of Irish builders’ merchants amidst its everchanging landscape.
‘Congratulations to all finalists and winners from all over the country who represented absolute excellence in the industry.’
Commenting on the quality of the entries, Chair of the independent Judging Panel, Liam O’Gorman, said:
‘It is evident that the industry has evolved hugely and that merchants have led the way in embracing this changed landscape.
‘These merchants have transformed their processes, systems and operations to reflect this new way of doing business.’
In total eleven awards were presented at the awards ceremony as well as the Octabuild Lifetime achievement Award, which was presented to Brian Wogan, Dunleer Hardware, Dunleer, Co Louth.
ABOVE: Michael McGrath, TD, Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform with Octabuild Chairperson, Ray Molyneaux and Rising Star finalists. ABOVE: Pictured at The Octabuild Builders Merchant Excellence Awards 2022 is Octabuild Chairperson, Ray Molyneaux with Octabuild Award for Excellence winner, Haldane Fisher, Newry. (L-R) Mark Nicholson; Chris Bagnall; Ray Molyneaux; Gary Cranney; Brian McCauley; Patrick Craven; Sean Cleary.
Other winners
In addition to the two awards won by Haldane Fisher, Newry other winners were: Connacht/Donegal/ Monaghan/Cavan Regional Award: Joyce’s Hardware & Home, Galway
Leinster Regional Award: Rooney’s Homevalue, Kells, Co Meath
Munster Regional Award: Morris Builders Providers Ltd, Waterford
Excellence in Business Management Award: Chadwicks Coolock Dublin
Excellence in Customer Service Award: Nioclás Ó Conchubhair Teo Homevalue, Connemara, Co Galway
Excellence in Sales & Marketing Award: Ganly’s Longford
Excellence in Sustainable Business Award: Brooks Timber & Building Supplies Ltd, Galway
Excellence in Community Outreach: Chadwicks Thomas Street, Dublin
Rising Star Award: Laura Cassidy, Rooney’s Homevalue, Kells, Co Meath
Training & Careers
Geospatial surveyors required
• Are you an adventurous person? • Are you interested in a career that allows you to work both outdoors and indoors? • Would you like to be qualified to work in Ireland and have a qualification that is internationally recognised? • Do you have an aptitude for spatial awareness, like working with numbers and have an interest in using leading edge location-based technologies in a sustainable environment? • Are you a kinetic learner (learn by physically doing the task) and like solving problems? • Would you like to have high employment opportunities and be career ready on graduation? • Do you want to become a
Chartered Surveyor?
If you answered yes to many of these questions then Geospatial Surveying is the programme for you.
Geospatial Surveying (TU089 Part-Time and TU834 Full-Time) are honours degree programmes that provide an excellent technical and scientific base to build a successful career. They cover three main domains:
M1: Measurement for mapping – involves collecting spatial data using advanced digital techniques e.g. drones, laser scanners, terrestrial and aerial cameras and satellites. M2: Modelling using GIS (Geographical Information Systems) and BIM (Building Information Modelling) – location-based data can be spatially analysed and integrated.
M3: Management of geospatial data – integrating large data for evidencebased decision making used in land and marine administration and governance systems.
TU089 Part-time programme will appeal to mature students, school leavers and applicants who already work in the Geospatial sector.
Candidates not currently employed in the geospatial industry will be directed to local companies to secure employment.
A particular feature of the programme is the ‘Work-Related Learning’ component which provides the student with the opportunity to record and reflect on their experience in the workplace and undertake work-related projects.
Career Opportunities
The three domains (M1, M2 & M3) open up lots of exciting career opportunities at home and abroad.
The BSc in Geospatial Surveying in TU Dublin is recognised worldwide as a pathway to many career options in construction, engineering, conservation, data analytics, data modelling, and location-based services.
Accreditation
Geospatial Surveying in TU Dublin is accredited by the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland (SCSI)/ Royal Society of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and the Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors (CICES). Thus ensuring the degree is recognised throughout the world.
TU834 BSc Geospatial Surveying Full-time https://www.tudublin. ie/study/undergraduate/courses/ geospatial-surveying-tu834
TU089 BSc Geospatial Surveying Part-time https://www.tudublin.ie/ study/part-time/courses/ geospatial-surveying-tu089
Want to advance your current career prospects and earn a geospatial related MSc? The MSc in Geographic Information Science Programmes (TU 268 FullTime and TU220 Part-Time) are level 9 degree conversion courses that provide strong computing and spatial analysis basis to build a successful career in the geospatial arena.
There is a very high demand for graduates, who have found job opportunities in various sectors of industry, including in engineering, telecoms, utility and logistics companies.
This programme is accredited by the SCSI/ RICS.
TU268 MSc GIS Full-time https://www.tudublin.ie/study/ postgraduate/courses/geographicinformation-science/ TU220 MSc GIS Part-time https://www.tudublin.ie/study/ postgraduate/courses/geographicinformation-science2/
For further information please contact: surveying@tudublin.ie School of Surveying & Construction Innovation TU Dublin Bolton Street, D01 K822
The students got to not only see showcased skills but had the chance to engage in VR Welding, Vehicle Body Repair and Spray Painting, and to try a skill – along with a host of other engagement opportunities.
The Education Zone represented the wide variety of o ers in the tertiary education system from the University sector to Further Education and ETB centres while the industry zone allowed for recruitment directly form the visitors.
New skills competitions in Cyber Security, Digital
Infrastructure, Industrial Mechanics added to the wide variety of engagements on o er.
Spotlight
The heroes stage hosted spotlight talks from student peers and had the Generation Apprentice winners attend and showcase their career journeys.
Key industry leaders explored the emerging range of new careers in development and explored how skills change lives.
Minister Simon Harris addressing the large crowd said, ‘the question we shouldn’t be asking young people is, “tell me the name of the college you are going to”.
‘It should be, “tell me what you want to do with your life, what you are passionate about, what di erence do you want to make on the world?”’
Connection
WorldSkills Ireland provides the connection with passion and showcases the best of skills in undergraduate, trainee and apprenticeship careers and connects with pathways to careers and educational opportunities.
Destined to be back bigger and better in September 2023, it’s time for industry to invest in skills and showcase Ireland’s incredible talent base!
Training & Careers
As one of Ireland’s longest established companies, Jones Engineering has a proud history of innovative and sustainable growth. Here, they discuss the evolution of their Responsible Business Framework and how it reflects their vision for the future.
Jones Engineering have recently finalised their internal Responsible Business Framework, which formally defines their goals and vision for a more sustainable and inclusive future.
The framework builds a structured foundation around their established legacy and includes areas such as measurable carbon reduction goals, active community engagement and strong investments in team development.
The framework has been aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s) with a particular focus on the seven main goals which Jones believe they can have the greatest influence and impact on.
Cutting edge
It is public knowledge that Jones have spent decades working on some of the most cuttingedge renewable energy projects such as Anaerobic Digestion Plants, Wind Farms, Battery Storage Systems and Power Plants.
Their website is covered with exemplar examples of cross-industry projects such as the design and build of Taggart Windfarm, the country’s first Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) wind farm to be connected, and the St. James’s Hospital Energy Performance Contract which delivered €26m in guaranteed energy and operational savings and reduced the hospital’s carbon footprint by approximately 118,380 tonnes.
However, what may be less commonly known, is just how active and engaged they are with their global and local communities as well as the development of their team members.
From Senior Management down they strive to make a difference by fostering the next generation of talent, sponsoring organisations within the community, and supporting charities through company and employee efforts.
ABOVE: Jamie Bermingham (centre)
Jones Engineering – framing their longstanding strategies
Awarded
Recently Jamie Bermingham, Jones Engineering Apprentice, was awarded the winner’s medal at the World Skills Ireland Plumbing and Heating Final in the RDS demonstrating his exemplary skills and training.
While the innovative Jones BIM Team collected the Digital BIM Initiative Award at this year’s Irish Building and Design Awards.
Not every achievement is measured in accolades and some ‘wins’ are more personal.
For example, when Amy joined Jones in 2018 as a HR Intern, she never expected that two years down the road she would be able to pivot to her dream role.
Interest
In her own words Amy said: ‘Whilst I loved my job and the team, quantity surveying had tweaked my interest from a young age, but I pushed it to the back of my head as I didn’t feel confident to pursue such a male-dominated career.
‘When I discussed the possibilities with my manager, she was very supportive and encouraged me to pursue my interests in Quantity Surveying.
‘I have recently made the transition from office to site and started my master’s degree in Quantity Surveying.
‘Jones have helped me every step of the way from supporting me for college to the transition from office to site to get some hands-on experience.
‘Although it is a big change, the support and guidance from Jones Engineering, in particular the HR and QS Teams has been outstanding.’
Higher
The CSO estimates that only 5.5% of the workforce across all construction related sectors are women. At Jones Engineering the figure of 8.4% is marginally higher than the norm, something they are proud of while still recognising the need for continuous improvement.
With their newly formalised Responsible Business Framework, it seems inevitable that they will deliver on their promises, securing a sustainable and brighter future for their clients, their staff and their community.
Jones have already grown sustainably in both size and reputation, becoming a business with a turnover of €970m+ and resources of over 4,200 people worldwide.
Unrivalled
Their core value is the delivery of engineering through people, and the breadth of their team is unrivalled.
Recruiting, nurturing and developing the best talent has been a cornerstone of the group’s development.
Check out the opportunities
If this sounds like a company you would like to ‘engineer your career’ with then why not check out their Current Opportunities today: https://joneseng. com/careers/currentopportunities/
TRAINING & CAREERS
Research tells us that people want purpose. We want to be rewarded and acknowledged for the work that we do – we want to grow with an organisation that shares our values.
At Kirby, we are listening, and we are learning, as we create sustainable careers with purpose. Careers that deliver for our clients, our employees, and our planet. Careers that deliver for people.
As an engineering and construction company, we know that Kirby makes a real di erence by delivering worldclass and leading-edge digital, MedTech, pharmaceutical, industrial manufacturing and renewable energy infrastructure.
Our people can be proud of the impact we have on the planet, as we work for the world’s leading international companies to deliver the world’s vision of tomorrow.
We invest in people
We invest heavily in our people to ensure that we are at the leading edge of engineering, as we deliver mission-critical infrastructure projects for a greener, more sustainable planet.
We have invested in a number of ways; in individual development planning, a learning academy, online learning resources and strong networked relationships with our third and fourth level learning institution partners.
We constantly engage with our people and develop them, to keep pace with emerging technology and practices, ensuring top-tier teams that can deliver on the emerging market demands.
Our managers function as coaches and mentors of talent, and we encourage the honest conversations and openness that is required to create a learning environment and culture.
It is this ethos that saw us recognised with a ‘platinum’ accreditation from the ‘Investors in People’ programme in 2021.
The highly rigorous assessment, which included a sta survey, scored us among the top 2% of organisations worldwide that have been assessed so far.
We continue to invest in the future of the industry, and this year we launched several three-year bursaries for third level colleges across Ireland, which will support female engineers in their training.
What do you want from your career?
Careers with a sustainable purpose
by Fergus Barry (below), HR Director at Kirby Group Engineering
We put people first
Kirby is a unique employer. We genuinely believe that all business is about people and relationships. We put People first.
By joining our futurefocused organisation you will receive investment, in you, your career and in a sustainable future. Kirby provides structured career paths and invests in the development of our people and seeks to retain our talent, as a key part of our sustainable competitive advantage.
At Kirby we have long recognised the importance of training and development.
Many of our top people joined the company as graduates or apprentices and have grown with us and shaped the company into what it is today.
It is these same people who ensured that People is our core company value. At Kirby, People come first.
Opportunities
We are fortunate to be in a position to support our people’s ambitions and to provide early development opportunities.
This enables strong organic growth and development of worldclass professionals. Growth provides the opportunity for real career advancement and development. There is no substitute.
At Kirby, we are creating a diverse and inclusive organisation with people at its core, with a sustainable purpose and with growth, which delivers for our people, their careers, and the planet.
We have forty-two di erent nationalities working in Kirby and we genuinely believe that our strength is in our diversity. If you want more from your career, please join us and go to: careers. kirbygroup.com.
THE WORLD WE LIVE IN HAS RADICALLY CHANGED IN THE LAST FEW YEARS, WHICH HAS CHALLENGED THE WAY WE THINK ABOUT OUR LIVES AND CAREERS.
Training & Careers
The National Construction Training Centre, announced as the site for the National Modern Methods of Construction Demonstration Park on the same day Minister Harris launches the new National Scaffolding Apprenticeship in Mount Lucas.
Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board welcomed Minister Simon Harris to the National Construction Training Centre at Mount Lucas.
Announce
Minister Harris was on site to announce Mount Lucas as the site for the National Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) Demonstration Park, and to officially launch the new QQI Level 5 Scaffolding Apprenticeship.
On welcoming the audience to the National Construction Training Centre, Minister Harris said:
‘I am delighted to be here to formally launch the Scaffolding Apprenticeship and to announce the new Modern Methods of Construction Demonstration Park.
‘I’m also happy to share the news the centre will be expanding as I’ve approved our first project under the Strategic Investment Upgrade Fund for the NZEB Centre.
Commitment
‘The Government’s Housing for All (HfA) Strategy provides a commitment to promoting a culture of compliant, good quality sustainable innovation in residential construction through development of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC).
‘HfA sets out a number of measures which will support and promote the development of MMC in Ireland, including the establishment of a National Demonstration Park for MMC.
‘The MMC Demonstration Park will be an accessible and interactive built resource for applied research, training and demonstration.’
Deliver
Minister Harris stated: ‘We need up to 51,000 more workers to deliver on the Government Climate Action Plan and Housing for All. That’s why centres like this are critical for all of us.’
A Project Management Group has been established and will provide inter-departmental oversight of the development of the National Demonstration Park.
Phase One of the Demonstration Park will consist of a street of 10 building ‘pads’ with additional space available for future development.
An open competition will be held inviting construction companies to build on the pads exhibiting the latest construction technologies and innovative methods in residential construction.
Minister Harris; Joe Cunningham, CE Laois & Offaly Education and Training Board; Tony Dalton, Director of FET, Laois / Offaly Education & Training Board
Onwards and upwards at Mount Lucas!
Scaffolding
The new Scaffolding Apprenticeship, which was officially launched by Minister Harris, was developed with the Construction Industry Federation (CIF) as consortium lead along with Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board (LOETB).
The Consortium Steering Group (CSG) comprised of the National Association of Scaffolding & Access Contractors (NASAC), SIPTU, the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) and had representation from the scaffolding contractors from the Scaffolders Together Association.
On the launch of the National Scaffolding Apprenticeship, Tom Parlon, director general, CIF said:
‘The CIF welcomes the announcement of the National Scaffolding Apprenticeship, developed by the National Association of Scaffolding and Access Contractors (NASAC), in collaboration with Laois Offaly Education & Training Board, and the National Construction Training Centre, Mount Lucas.
‘This apprenticeship will greatly contribute to the raising of standards in the industry and ensure that working at height is carried out safely and by competent contractors.
‘I would personally like to acknowledge the hard work undertaken by the stakeholders involved and wish the students every success in their journey to occupational excellence.’
Accredited
The Scaffolding Apprenticeship is a QQI Level 5 accredited programme run over two years with twenty weeks training on site in The National Construction Training Centre at Mount Lucas.
The aim of the apprenticeship is to provide a national standard for the construction industry, improve health and safety and recognise scaffolding as a craft.
Modules cover all elements of scaffolding from design to dismantling.
Elements included range from BIM for Scaffolders, to Toolbox Talks and Working on Complex Structures.
