ASSOCIATION NEWS
“…the focus is on promoting quality apprenticeships; they are the future of the industry.”
Richard Megarity, Chair ECA NI region.
RICHARD MEGARITY, OPERATIONS DIRECTOR FOR IRWIN M+E, TALKS TO IRELAND’S ELECTRICAL MAGAZINE ABOUT HIS NEW TENURE AS CHAIR OF THE NORTHERN IRELAND REGION ECA… An inspiring journey from apprentice electrician to ECA NI Chair
IEM: What career path did you follow within the electrical industry? RM: I started my apprenticeship with Irwin M+E in June 2003. After qualifying as an electrician, I then progressed through the roles of supervisor and contracts manager before receiving a directorship within the business in November 2010. I currently own Irwin M&E with my business partner Keith Stewart. IEM: When did you become involved with the ECA? RM: Irwin M+E decided to join the ECA in 2018. I was asked to take on the role of Vice Chair later that same year; a position I held for four years instead of the usual two-years due to the pandemic. When Colin Cherry vacated the Chair last year, I moved into that role. IEM: What does it mean to take on the role as Chair for ECA’s NI Region? RM: The ECA is the voice of the electrical industry in Northern Ireland and the rest
IEM: What are the main benefits of becoming a member of the NI Region ECA? RM: You have access to a national association which brings together networking opportunities. Being a member of the ECA, you can avail of support for employment law, legal support, health & safety support, employer relations, medical and business insurance. There is a massive support mechanism to lean on for advice within your business. As members, we have access to different construction forums, and a bigger network to understand what is going on in the wider construction industry.
of GB. Being Chairman is something I am extremely proud of. I’m delighted to have the opportunity to represent the local electrical industry in this role with the support of the NI Region ECA members; a group of highly experienced and respected individuals within local industry. IEM: What will you be working to achieve within your tenure as Chair? RM: For me, the focus is on promoting quality apprenticeships; they are the future of the industry. We have lost a lot of skilled electricians over recent years through the pandemic and employment opportunities arising in other booming locations such as Dublin. We need to get that skill set back by investing in apprentice training and strengthening the electrical industry through continual upskilling and development. I will also be looking to promote the ECA membership and the extensive benefits that come with it.
T: +44 (0)28 3839 7990 E: richard.megarity@irwinm-e.com www.irwinm-e.com
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IRELAND’S ELECTRICAL MAGAZINE | 21
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