Boatbuilder turned engineer proves alternative paths can lead to success

After graduating from university, Eoin O’Connor now works to prepare Ireland’s electricity grid for the future as part of the EirGrid graduate programme, but his path was different to that of his peers. 

At the age of 16, O’Connor decided to leave school and begin working.

“I had always been a hands-on kind of guy," he says, "so I began applying for a range of technical apprenticeships. One of those was to become a boatbuilder with the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI).

“As a boatbuilder I was responsible for the structural element of their boats and once trained, was primarily involved in building the Shannon class lifeboat from scratch. I also spent a lot of time repairing damaged lifeboats and refitting them to extend their life.” After working in France, O'Connor decided to move to Youghal and began working for Safe Haven Marine, building pilot boats.

“When the opportunity to work in Youghal came up, I knew I had to go for it. Life in the summer in Youghal is amazing, and there is so much in the local community to get involved with.

“The apprenticeship and factory environment was a real confidence builder for me. It taught me how to effectively communicate with people from an array of backgrounds, as well as how to perform in high pressure situations.” 

Now working in EirGrid on the engineering and asset management team, O'Connor is supporting Ireland’s transition to a cleaner energy future and reaching our climate targets.

“I enjoy the opportunity to work on real life problems that have a positive impact on the country and the world," he says. "My favourite days are days out on site blending theoretical and practical knowledge. Working in this field allows me to exercise my passion while making a tangible impact.” 

EirGrid is progressing the most ambitious programme of work ever taken on the transmission system in Ireland, to make the grid renewable-ready, in line with the Government’s Climate Action Plan. The integration of more renewable forms of generation on the power system is complex and will require significant upgrades to our national electricity grid.

“While I was studying, grid infrastructure and renewable generation design became a big interest for me. I realised its criticality in advancing towards a cleaner future. Renewable energy can’t be harnessed efficiently without sufficient infrastructure in place behind it.

“Although my career began in a different industry, I found being in an engineering and problem-solving environment translated well to my role at EirGrid. EirGrid also currently have partnerships with three RNLI stations in Ireland: Dunmore East, Heilvic and Youghal, so it’s almost like I’ve come full circle. It’s rewarding to work in an organisation that continues to support the RNLI and the communities it serves.

“To anyone considering a career in engineering, I’d say there is a huge range of opportunities available. Take the time to consider what really matters to you, both professionally and personally, because those priorities will guide the big decisions.

“Finding the right fit in your career can take time, so be patient and don’t feel pressure to have it all figured out right away.”

For more information on career opportunities at EirGrid visit eirgrid.ie