Construction Industry Federation Careers

Building the Future – Now!

The Construction Industry Federation (CIF), is the national and regional representative body for construction industry employers (contractors) in Ireland.

CIF is recognised by Government, client and professional bodies as the representative body and voice of the construction industry and represents the views and interests of contractors in the sector.

The CIF's objective to to develop the construction industry in Ireland into a strong industrial sector, making a positive contribution to the development of the Irish economy by ensuring the delivery world class infrastructure, to attract inward investment and to ensure a highly skilled workforce is available to meet this demand.

Graduates and craftspersons are employed directly by CIF members.

Carpentry Apprentice Eddie Mongey

Walls Construction Louise Martin

Apprentice Painter Decorator Fergal Feehely

Apprentice Electrician Mark Maguire

Engineering Upskilling Programmes Local ETB

Apprentice Electrician Chatreen

Construction, Architecture & Property Sector in Ireland Courses and Careers

Site Manager - Grad Entry Aidan Maher

Apprentice Carpenter Oisin Murphy

Electrician / Quantity Surveyor Eileen Faherty

Construction Health and Safety Officer Sean Lee

Construction & Engineering Upskilling Courses

Civil Engineering Contractors Association CECA

Careers in Construction and Engineering

Tremco Illbruck Sara Phillips

Mercury Engineering Joanne Bradley

Electrical Apprentice Katie O'Connell

Building Services / Projects Engineer Emma Hinch

Site Manager - Trade Entry Colin Butterly

Apprentice Painters / Decorators Angela & Aoife

Colin Butterly, Site Manager - Trade Entry

Colin Butterly has worked his way up from apprentice Carpenter / Joiner to trainee Site Manager, offering him greater opportunities and more responsibility. He is currently studying in DIT for a level 7 degree in Construction Management which he gained advanced entry into due to his trade qualification.

Hi, Ask me a question...

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

Taking on an apprenticeship in Carpentry and Joinery.

Who are the people who most influenced your career direction?

I always had an interest in being involved in timber construction particularly and I found FAS Trade instructors very influential in pursuing goals.

How did you go about getting your current job?

After I completed my time as an apprentice, I was being offered opportunities to take on more responsibilities in the work I was doing and it progressed to assisting the site manager.

Describe a typical day?

Arriving on site early, planning what trades are required and where. I would be ordering materials and tracking work progression across the site to see if deadlines will be met.

What are the main tasks and responsibilities?

Ensuring deadlines are met while maintaining high standards of quality control within any construction work being carried out. There is also a large focus on safety.

What are the main challenges?

The main challenges are keeping to a deadline when issues arise or when a sub-contractor or supplier can�t meet the demands.

What do you like most?

I like the satisfaction you get at the end of the week when you see all the planning and the work co-ordinated well to present a new piece of construction.

Is there anything that isn't great?

Some days can be very challenging and stressful when things aren’t working out or constant setbacks start creeping in making it hard to switch off.

As you get more experienced you tend to find different ways as a person to deal with these situations.

What particular skills do you bring to your workplace?

I believe I am a good motivator when it is not always easy. I am also good at foreseeing problems and obstacles, something I have learned my experience working as a tradesperson.

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

In school I would have done Woodwork (materials technology) along with Technical Drawing and Construction Studies. I found these subjects were great backgrounds to have studied when doing an apprenticeship as they developed technical skill and knowledge in all aspects of construction.

What is your education to date?

I have a Leaving Cert and a National Fetac (QQI) qualification - NFQ 6 in carpentry and joinery.

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

Although not necessary in trades I would see my Leaving Cert as very important in my job as it allowed me that extra time to mature and gain more from the subjects I did.

My apprenticeship was key for the role I now have due to the practical knowledge developed through my trade both on the job and in the training centres.

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

The most rewarding event was surviving through a recession and coming out of it with my trade qualification.

Also becoming involved in a company that has managed to expand during difficulties in the industry in the past few years is very rewarding.

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

I am energetic and eager to learn. I can accept that there is always someone that will know more than myself and not allow my own opinion to create barriers for new information taken on.

What is your dream job?

I hope to see my career grow from strength to strength and be able to influence people the way I have been by my piers, whether its in a management role in construction or by craft.

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

Generally yes it would as I know I have weekends off and the industry allows you to meet a wide variety of people. The early mornings can be hard if your trying to participate in sports clubs etc. on week nights, so it requires trying to find a happy balance.

What advice would you give to someone considering this job?

For anyone who even vaguely considers a trade or a management job they shouldn’t hesitate to pursue it as it can surprise you how capable you can become despite any reservations you may have.

It could even introduce you to different roles in the industry that you hadn’t realised were available to you or felt where out of your reach.

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

Be energetic and willing to get hands on.

Be up to taking on a challenge but not afraid to ask for help when you need it.

Communicate your ‘’message’’ effectively by whatever means necessary, whether its giving an instruction or showing your best attributes.

What is your pet hate at work?

My pet hate is my mobile phone, despite all of its uses and how it makes some aspects of the job easier, it can ring at the worst of times...

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

Yes I am currently studying in DIT for a level 7 degree in Construction Management which I was allowed advanced entry into because I have a trade qualification.

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

Apprenticeships in your preferred trade are a fantastic way of experiencing the work and lifestyle. If that is not available, approach companies about internships and try to get an insight with engineers, managers or even building service co-ordinators so you can extract some of their day to day endeavours.

What is your current job title?

Trainee Site Manager