Dundalk IT apprentice charts new path in plumbing industry

Having recently completed her plumbing apprenticeship in Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT), Emma Crimmins from Clondalkin grew up around the trade but only realised it was her calling after a number of years as a chef.

“I don’t think there is anything nicer than making someone’s house warm for them,” Emma said, reflecting on her decision to embark on a plumbing career.

The 31-Year-old previously studied Professional Cookery before making the change to plumbing, a pivot she is delighted about. “I loved it, but I just didn’t love the hours,” Emma says, recalling her career in the culinary arts.

Having worked in some of Ireland’s top hotels, including roles as a pastry chef in the K Club, Kilashee House, The Intercontinental and The Marker as well as working as a sous chef before she retired from the sector, she realised she needed a change and looked to a trade that she knew inside out.

“Plumbing stood out for me because it’s kind of in my blood. There’s around eight to nine plumbers in my family.” With her Dad working as an industrial pipe fitter, she grew up around the trade and plumbing jobs were a regular feature around the house.

Read also: PHOTOS: Louth groups receive awards at TidyTowns awards ceremony

Having decided on her next move, Emma applied for her apprenticeship online through her company Gas Networks Ireland. She was particularly drawn to the renewable energy aspect, and the company’s mission to deliver a net-zero carbon gas network in Ireland.

“It really helps in your apprenticeship if you have a good company and they are going to put the time in to training you properly,” according to Emma as she reflects on her experience with Gas Networks Ireland.

As she moved through her apprenticeship, Emma landed back in DkIT, where she had been previously, having spent a year there to get her culinary qualification, before moving to Crumlin College for two years to get her Certificate.

“I’m very hands on as a person, I don’t thrive on sitting down and reading books, but plumbing is all go and it’s something different every day,” according to Emma, who initially found the return to college for her Phase 2 apprenticeship a bit daunting, but soon flourished on the high level of practical tasks involved which complemented her learning style.

Although many of her class came in to the apprenticeship directly from school, many have pivoted from other studies or career choices to become a plumber.

Emma strongly encourages anyone interested to apply for the apprenticeship, advising that having your Leaving Cert in order and completing courses such as Safepass and Manual Handling can be a big advantage when securing a company placement.

The application process is completed online and typically involves around four stages, including an aptitude test, two interviews, and a medical. She also recommends practicing tests online and really understanding your company and your reasons for wanting to work there.

In a world where there are constant changes in technology and uncertainty of job stability, Emma’s advice is that if you’re thinking of an apprenticeship, go for it. If you don’t like it there are always other choices, “there is so much talk about what Ai is going to do, and it will never take over a trade, you’ll always have work.”

Being continuously paid to train and get her craft has been another huge benefit for Emma. Unlike her previous studies where she had to work nights to get by, “in a trade, you get it all in one!”

No two days look the same in her role, and that unpredictability is part of what makes the work so meaningful. “The best bit about my job is that I get to have lunch somewhere different every day,” she jokes.  The challenge of a varied role and being able to help is what motivates Emma the most.

“It is really nice when you go in to someone’s house and you can get the heating working or take them out of the cold, especially when you’re working with more vulnerable people.”

Looking ahead, Emma has a clear vision for her future. Working with her company Gas Networks Ireland, she hopes to achieve her RGI certification, complete her gas leak qualification, and continue building her career as she works her way up through the ranks.