Valerie gives us insight into her role as a Principal Engineering Draughtsperson in the Office of Public Works.
Please tell us a little bit about your role.
I joined the OPW Civil & Structural group as a Senior Engineering Draughtsperson in 2019 after working for several years as a Structural Technician in private industry. The OPW Civil & Structural Engineering group provide a full Civil & Structural Engineering Design Service on a large variety of projects requested by the various units of the Office of Public Works and other Government Departments. As a Principal Engineering Draughtsperson my role focuses on communicating with a large cohort of people from all engineering and architectural disciplines in order to produce highly detailed and accurate drawings, 3D models and documentation for the Civil & Structural group. My role also includes assisting with the recruitment, development and management of more junior draughtspersons.
What were your reasons for applying for your role?
I applied for the role as my previous education, skills and experience as a structural technician in the private sector really matched what the OPW were looking for. They were looking for someone with relevant engineering qualifications and experience of working on structural projects as well as civil and drainage work. I was looking for a role with good career progression, job security and work life balance that the Civil Service offers. The broad variety of the role also appealed to me - I knew I would be working on new types of projects (conservation, retrofitting, drainage and wastewater treatment) that I was eager to learn about.
What do you value most about your job?
What I value most about my job is having the opportunity to work on some of the most important and valuable assets owned by the State. The learning opportunities in the OPW are fantastic, the team has an amazing array of skills and knowledge that can’t be found anywhere else, from national monuments, historic properties to government buildings and new build construction & drainage works. Maintaining and preserving these sites and buildings for future generations is a pleasure.
What are some of the benefits and supports available to you?
One of the main benefits has been training and upskilling opportunities. The OPW supports and encourages you to progress in your career with on the job training, CPD, paid membership to Engineers Ireland, return of fees scheme if you want to obtain relevant qualifications as well as standard benefits like shorter working year, flexi time and a pension scheme.
What opportunities has this role provided for you?
This role has provided the opportunity for my career to grow and learn new skills. I have progressed from Senior Engineering Draughtsperson to Principal Engineering Draughtsperson which has given me the opportunity to be more involved in decision making processes, managing my workload and supervision of Engineering Draughtspersons and Senior Engineering Draughtspersons. An example of the new skills I have picked up include Topographical Surveying and BIM management - I was encouraged to obtain a Level 8 qualification in BIM (Digital Construction) so I could assist in my group’s development and adoption of the governments BIM mandate which is currently being adopted by the OPW.
What has surprised you since starting this role?
The variety of work has surprised me, I was a more than a little unaware of how much the OPW was involved in. In the past year alone I have worked on the Courts Building Programme, Irish Coastguard Buildings, Garda Stations, Conservation Engineering Projects, Structural advice on Flood Relief projects, National Monuments Projects, Drainage Maintenance and Design Project works and many more. Every week I could be working on drawings for something completely different.
Would you recommend a career in the public sector and why?
Yes I would recommend a career in the public sector, especially in the OPW. We have a wonderful team here with a huge variety of skills and backgrounds and the work done here is extremely important, building and preserving our environment and national heritage.