A great installation showcasing Hager’s FWB range of distribution boards saw Russell Fitzpatrick named winner of Hager’s Install of The Year 2023 competition.
The concept of the competition was to encourage and support electricians within the industry, with Hager selecting finalists and then inviting a public vote for first, second and third places through its Instagram and website www.hager.ie in January 2024.
Each of the finalists provided a brief description of their work experience, along with a photo of their Hager installation.
The reaction to the competition was outstanding with thousands of votes counted to determine the placings, which included Paddy Hegarty in second and Lee Murphy in third place.
As winner, Russell and his partner will join Hager on a fabulous Mediterranean cruise in May 2024.
Kevin Curran, Hager Head of Sales in Ireland, said, “It was really encouraging to see the incredible support for colleagues within our electrical industry. Hager also holds monthly competitions for electricians and apprentices on social media, and we get an extremely positive response to them.
“However, the reaction to our Install of the Year competition was on another level, as we received over three times the volume of votes compared to 2022. It’s great to see electricians applauding and promoting the excellent standards of work within our industry, and this should certainly be nurtured. We need to promote and support excellence in our industry.”
Kevin interviewed Russell to get an insight into his working life.
Q: Congratulations Russell, on winning Hager Ireland’s Install of the Year competition. The response to the competition has been extremely positive. How did it feel to be voted Hager Ireland’s Install of the Year?
A: I was genuinely over the moon winning the Install of the Year; it really was a feel-good moment. The recognition from peers and the industry has already been incredibly rewarding.
Achieving this award has not only filled me with personal pride but has also underscored the value of hard work and dedication in our industry. I am immensely grateful for the positive response it has garnered and the support of my peers.
Q: How did you initially become interested in becoming an electrician?
A: Well, my father was an electrician, and I vividly remember him bringing me along during my school holidays to job sites. To be perfectly honest, at that time, I wasn’t particularly fascinated with the intricacies of chasing walls or the complexities of electrical work. However, as I progressed through school, the exposure to the field grew on me. The hands-on experience and witnessing the transformative power of electricity sparked a genuine interest. By the time I finished school, the decision to pursue an electrical apprenticeship became clear.
My father’s influence played a pivotal role in shaping my career path, and I am grateful for the guidance he provided, setting me on this rewarding journey in the electrical industry.
Q: Can you tell us a little bit about the company you work for, Robbie Burke Electrical, and the type of electrical work that you carry out.
A: At Robbie Burke Electrical, it’s truly a fantastic company to work for and be a part of, boasting an exceptional team of dedicated electricians and apprentices. The work environment is enriching, with a culture that fosters collaboration, innovation, and a strong sense of pride in our work.
I consider myself fortunate to be a part of this successful team, where every member contributes to the collective success of the company. Our scope of work is extensive, ranging from rewiring houses to working on projects in hotels, bars, restaurants, offices, and handling urgent callouts for multiple companies.
The diversity of projects keeps us on our toes and continually challenges us to expand our skill set. The technical intricacies and the occasional humour in wondering whether our brains are growing or burning out adds a unique dimension to our daily endeavours.
Q: What advice would you give apprentices starting out in this industry?
A: I believe that apprentices, as they embark on their journey in the electrical industry, should prioritise taking pride in their work, maintaining a consistently neat and tidy workspace and, above all, prioritising safety. These foundational principles are not only crucial for personal and team success but also form the bedrock for cultivating a mindset of excellence.
By instilling these values from the very beginning, apprentices can lay a solid foundation for their future growth and development within the industry. It’s a profession that demands precision and dedication, and these early habits can significantly contribute to one’s success in becoming a truly exceptional electrician.
I believe the electrical trade is one of the best apprenticeships out there. The options you have once you qualify are endless. I would recommend that apprentices find a progressive, forward-thinking company to work for and to always be open to learning new skills.
Q: What aspects of your job do you enjoy most?
A: I find immense satisfaction when projects are completed successfully, and our customers or clients are delighted with the outcomes. Witnessing the fruition of our hard work and seeing how projects turn out is genuinely fulfilling. Beyond the technical aspects, the joy of customer satisfaction and the tangible impact our work has on improving and enhancing spaces are what make every project uniquely rewarding.
The culmination of our collective efforts and expertise and knowing that we’ve contributed positively to the built environment are a source of pride for me and the entire team at Robbie Burke Electrical.
Q: What do you and Robbie Burke Electrical value most about Hager?
A: At Robbie Burke Electrical, we highly value Hager for their exceptional support team and the reliability of their products. The depth of support we receive from Hager has been instrumental in the successful execution of our projects.
We consistently find Hager’s products to be of the highest standard, remarkably reliable, and appreciate the spacious and well-laid-out panels they provide. Hager’s commitment to excellence aligns seamlessly with our own standards and aspirations. Building a partnership with a company that not only provides top-notch products but also prioritises ongoing support and innovation is crucial for the continued success of our projects.
Hager’s dedication to quality supports our mission at Robbie Burke Electrical, ensuring that the solutions we deliver to our clients are of the highest calibre and meet the evolving demands of the industry.
