L-R: Louise Duffy, host, with Matthew Grocott, Altecnic (sponsor), Liam Dempsey, K-Mech Mechanical, and Colm O’Regan, host.
Jamie Bermingham, winner of the Rising Star Award
WINNER: Rising Star
WINNER: Apprentice of the Year
JAMIE BERMINGHAM - JONES ENGINEERING
LIAM DEMPSEY - K-MECH MECHANICAL
KINDLY SPONSORED BY: ALTECNIC
KINDLY SPONSORED BY: ALTECNIC
Judges were blown away by Jamie Bermingham’s entry and consider him “a fantastic ambassador for the industry” and “one to watch as he will do great things”. Competing over three days, he was named WorldSkills Ireland Plumbing & Heating Champion 2022 at the RDS Dublin and subsequently attended the ISH Frankfurt 2023 trade fair as a team member. Jamie was then invited to contribute to a Houses of the Oireachtas joint committee, on the future of STEM in Irish education. He told the committee: “I strongly believe that apprenticeships are a fantastic way to acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in today’s job market.” John Sweeney, a Phase 2 plumbing instructor for Donegal ETB, said, “Jamie’s journey in the plumbing trade so far has seen him excel to new heights in the trade and no one deserves that more than Jamie. His kind mannerism and leadership qualities far outshine anyone I have ever worked with.” Manager Simon Watson said: “Jamie has been a rising star since his first days with Jones Engineering. He has moved through a number of different departments and made a lasting impression on all of his colleagues to date. He is passionate about his trade and constantly wants to learn and improve his skills at every opportunity.”
Testimonial from Liam Dempsey’s instructor and employer made this apprentice’s great interest in his career crystal clear to judges. Since starting his apprenticeship in 2021, Liam has demonstrated exceptional attributes including a strong work ethic, dedication, meticulous preparation and a strong grasp of plumbing systems. His candid statement also impressed the panel. Liam said, “I have loved the plumbing and heating trade from the day I started. I always want to provide the best workmanship and service at every job I undertake.” He has achieved all distinctions in his phase two plumbing assessments, while his practical achievements include installing oil boilers, wood pellet stoves and hot cylinders to a high standard. In his free time, Liam has carried out bathroom renovations, plumbing of mobile homes and urgent repairs and leaks, as well as offering his services without charge or at a discount to people in need. His lecturer, Mike McMahon from the Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board, describes Liam as “an outstanding apprentice plumber” who has volunteered his time to assist weaker students. Kieran Moore at K-Mech said Liam is a valued member of staff who is hard-working, honest, studious and displays great emotional intelligence, patience and organisational skills.
T: +353 (0)1 474 9800 E: info@joneseng.com www.joneseng.com
T: +353 (0)45 579 027 - M: +353 (0)87 767 8238 E: info@kmech.ie www.kmech.ie
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