Posted by: Construction Industry Federation

Apprentice Carpenter Carpentery & Joinery

Oisín Murphy and Daniel Cowley are both Carpenters with John Sisk & Son Ltd. Oisín is approaching the end of his final year as an apprentice with the company. Both Oisín and Daniel highlight the importance of Maths, Art and Construction Studies as good subject backgrounds for this job.

Ask me your
first question!

What were the main 'career decision' milestones in your life so far?

Oisín:
My main career decision milestone was deciding to go down the apprenticeship route rather than pursuing a college course.

Daniel:
Deciding whether to do an apprenticeship or go to college was the biggest career choice I've made.

Who are the people who most influenced your career direction?

Oisín:
My family were the biggest influences - my father, mother and extended family.

Daniel:
My 6th year Construction Studies teacher.

How did you go about getting your current job?

Oisín:
Sending an application email and interviewing for the position.

Daniel:
I heard about this particular job through a family friend and also saw it online.

Describe a typical day?

Oisín:
Assisting in a machine shop, assembly of joinery items, finishing joinery work i.e. oil laquer spraying. Keeping the surrounding bench area tidy and setting out of joinery work.

Daniel:
Something new all the time but sticking to schedule and doing the work right.

What are the main tasks and responsibilities?

Oisín:
Getting work done right the first time and on time.
Taking the initiative to complete work on your own and not relying on others.
Problem solving keeping a tidy work area.

Daniel:
Finishing a job on time and making sure its done right first time round.

What are the main challenges?

Oisín:
Managing various projects and meeting deadlines.

Daniel:
Doing something new without any previous experience or practice.

What's cool?

Oisín:
Finished job satisfaction, seeing yourself and your skills develop using different tools and methods to get the job done.

Daniel:
I enjoy the work and being able to admire the finished product.

What's not so cool?

Oisín:
Having to delay your work to wait for a person to help you with a particular job or tool.

Daniel:
Cleaning!

What particular skills do you bring to your workplace?

Oisín:
Relating with co-workers to bring the job along more efficiently, patience in relation to finer work and managing the job to make target.

Daniel:
Accuracy, Patience and Speed.

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

Oisín:
Technical Graphics and Construction Studies - they give a basic insight into what you might be dealing with on a day to day basis. A good knowledge of Maths also helps.

Daniel:
Art, Maths and Construction Studies. I enjoyed working with my hands and being creative.

What is your education to date?

Oisín:
Leaving Cert 2011.

Daniel:
Leaving Certificate, Carpentry/Joinery- Phase 2, 4 & 6 (QQI Level 6)

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

Oisín:
A strong foundation in Maths is needed for everyday work. The ability to put your ideas across in a sketch is invaluable.

Daniel:
Technical drawing, Constructon Studies, Maths and Art have been most valuable to me.

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

Oisín:
Being awarded apprentice of the year, making trophies for the National Skills Competition and seeing bespoke jobs done to the best of my ability.

Daniel:
Being a National Skills finalist was a definite highlight.

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

Oisín:
I'm hard working, patient and have a good eye for detail. I am sociable with co-workers and eager to learn.

Daniel:
Accuracy & Speed.

What is your dream job?

Oisín:
Being around what interests me and seeing work being done properly and to a high standard. Being able to manage people and run my own job site, finishing all jobs with excellence.

Daniel:
Moving up the ladder with Sisk or setting up my own company.

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

Oisín:
Yes, occasional overtime at short notice but my social life is not greatly affected.

Daniel:
Yes 8.30am - 5.00pm Monday - Friday is perfect.

What advice would you give to someone considering this job?

Oisín:
Be as open to advice and teaching as possible. Craft your own methods and ways of doing things and always continue to learn and devlop yourself and your skills.

Daniel:
You need to enjoy working with your hands.

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

Oisín: