Mr. Jamie Bermingham:

I am a newly qualified plumber and WorldSkills Ireland plumbing and heating champion 2022. I would like to begin by saying that my apprenticeship has been a life-changing experience for me. Not only has it helped me to acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in my chosen field, but it has also opened doors to numerous opportunities and experiences that I never thought were possible. Growing up I spent a lot of time around cars in the family garage and had a deep passion for them. I loved working with my hands, solving issues, learning how things work and operate. I thrived with the satisfaction of fixing something that was not working or was broken. I knew for sure that pursuing an apprenticeship as a motor mechanic as soon as I finished secondary school was the path I was going to take, and that third level was not what I wanted. Unfortunately, when I finished school, it did not work out for me, and I could not seem to find anyone or anywhere to get an apprenticeship in the motor trade. I was very upset and disheartened, but little did I know what was in store for me down the line.

My parents understood my passion was cars, but they advised me to maybe try something different, like an electrical or plumbing apprenticeship. I started out in the plumbing trade working for a relative, mainly in the domestic end of plumbing. However, it was not until I started my apprenticeship that I realised the true potential of the industry and the opportunities it can provide. Later in my apprenticeship I joined the Jones Engineering Group to gain more experience, and it has been a rollercoaster of experiences since, starting out on the construction side then moving to the maintenance division and making a name for myself through the interest I showed and the quality of my work, which led me to where I am today.

I am proud to say that I succeeded well in my apprenticeship, achieving distinctions in all my exams and qualifying with an overall distinction. This was a moment of great pride for me, as I knew that I had worked hard and dedicated myself to the apprenticeship program. My achievements did not stop there. I was privileged enough to compete in the WorldSkills Ireland heating and plumbing competition in the RDS last year, where I was able to showcase my skills and compete against other talented apprentice plumbers from around the country. This was an incredible experience, and after three intense days of competing, I was thrilled to win the event. It was a humbling experience to be recognised for my skills on a national platform, and it was an honour to represent myself and my company in such a prestigious event. In addition to this, I had the opportunity to take part in the Plumbing Champions event in Frankfurt, Germany, in March of this year. This was another fantastic experience that allowed me to meet other like-minded individuals from different countries and learn about new and innovative technologies in the plumbing industry.

Through my journey in the plumbing industry, I have come to appreciate the importance of hands-on learning and the value of apprenticeships. I strongly believe that apprenticeships are a fantastic way to acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in today's job market. Being involved in the apprenticeship system provides individuals with a pathway to a successful career and helps to bridge the skills gap that exists in many industries.

I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities Jones Engineering and the plumbing industry provided me. My experience with apprenticeship has been nothing but positive and I would highly recommend this route to anyone who is looking to excel in a chosen field. My journey is a testament to the value of apprenticeship and hands-on learning. I am also excited about my plans for the future. One of my primary goals is to move beyond the tools into a higher role in my field. I have gained a lot of valuable experience as a tradesman and I am now ready to take on more responsibility and challenges. In addition, I have a deep passion for travel and exploration and I hope to see more of the world in the coming years. Travelling can be an excellent source of personal and professional growth. I am lucky that, with my profession, I can go anywhere in the world. I am committed to continuing my journey of lifetime learning and upskilling as I believe that staying curious and open to new knowledge is essential for success in any field.