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Eamonn O’Neill: From plumbing apprentice to BIM – A journey of digital transformation, opportunity & growth
Eamonn O’Neill, a Model Detailer in Mercury’s Building Information Modelling (BIM) department, didn’t initially envision a career in digital construction. However, after nearly two decades with Mercury, he is proud to be making a “significant impact on some of Europe’s most innovative projects”, leading a team of experts, and playing a key role in our continued growth and success.
In 2004, Eamonn embarked on his journey with Mercury as an apprentice plumber. He gained invaluable experience across a diverse portfolio of projects, ranging from pharmaceutical to industrial, and commercial, he even worked on the iconic Aviva Stadium in Dublin. These groundings forged his strong foundation in construction, particularly in project management, and collaboration, which would later prove invaluable as his career gravitated towards the digital environment of BIM.
After completing his apprenticeship, Eamonn took up a role with Mercury on a complex semi-conductor campus in Ireland, where he played an integral role in the ongoing development of this major project. While he enjoyed the hands-on nature of this post, Eamonn had a long-standing passion for computing and design, and when he learned that Mercury’s ever-expanding BIM team was seeking a candidate for a QA role which required on-site expertise, he promptly seized the opportunity.
As the use of BIM continued to gain greater traction within the industry, Eamonn noticed that more people with similar trade backgrounds were joining the team. Mercury’s commitment to employee development and support, exemplified by an eight-week training course for all new BIM team members, fosters a culture of mentorship, collaboration, and growth. This supportive environment allowed Eamonn and his colleagues to excel, driving the BIM department’s growth and solidifying our position as an industry leader.
Eamonn’s enthusiasm for his profession shines through when discussing the evolution of BIM, which is becoming increasingly essentially on every project that we deliver. ‘‘It’s exciting to watch as BIM becomes more and more important and plays a vital role on projects’’ he notes.
As a team leader, Eamonn oversees the process of transforming initial project designs into high-spec models, providing comprehensive information for the on-site team before the construction phase commences. This not only ensures efficiency and accuracy during the build process, but also helps identify and mitigate potential issues before they become costly problems.
As a Lead Appointed Tier 1 Contractor, Mercury boasts one of Europe’s largest BIM teams with over 270 dedicated personnel in this field. We utilise state-of-the-art modelling floors, VR labs, and cutting-edge software such as Autodesk BIM 360, Revit, and Navisworks, to ensure that we continue to set new standards for innovation and excellence in this field, which Eamonn regards as „essential to the continued evolution of our BIM department.“
Eamonn’s day-to-day role involves manging a large team and working with various software and design processes, uses geometry, design calculations, and data to deliver comprehensive design solutions tailored to our client’s needs. He highlights the diverse nature of his work, which challenges and inspires him to push the boundaries of what is possible in digital construction.
Over the past 19 years, Eamonn is adamant that Mercury has invested in his continued professional growth and development. His journey from apprentice plumber to model detailer is a testament to our dedication to nurturing the talent of our people and promoting professional growth. “There are so many opportunities for career progression here. It’s Mercury’s dedication to their people that really sets them apart,” he adds.
This people-first approach has consolidated Mercury’s position as a leader in the construction industry. For anyone considering a career move to Mercury’s BIM department, Eamonn highlights the exciting opportunities we offer those looking to work on cutting-edge European projects in a forward-thinking environment that values and supports the goals of its employees.
Eamonn’s career journey serves as an inspiring example for professionals in the construction industry who are considering a career shift towards digital construction and BIM. By leveraging their existing skills, embracing new technologies, and harnessing the power of teamwork and collaboration, Mercury offers suitable professionals an exciting platform where they can shape the future of digital construction.
As BIM continues to rise in prominence within the sector, Mercury remains at the forefront, driving change and setting new benchmarks for excellence. Joining Mercury’s BIM department offers ambitious individuals an ideal platform for personal and professional growth, with a focus on employee development, cutting-edge projects, and a supportive team environment.
“There has never been a better time to join the BIM department, digital construction is becoming such a major part of the industry and skills developed working on site are very transferable and invaluable within our team,” Eamonn concludes.
We are currently recruiting the best people for a number of exciting BIM roles throughout Europe, you can apply for these positions by following the relevant link below.
To read more about career opportunities at Mercury, click here.
| Position Name | Category | Location | Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIM – 3D Piping Designer | BIM | Kildare, Ireland | APPLY |
| BIM Engineer – Inżynier BIM | BIM Engineer | Poznań, Poland | APPLY |
| BIM Technician – Revit Modeller | BIM Technician | Kildare, Ireland | APPLY |
| Electrical BIM Engineer – Inżynier Elektryk BIM | BIM Engineer | Poznań, Poland | APPLY |
CAREERS AT MERCURY
We believe that to achieve incredible things you must invest in your people. We recruit and train staff from apprentices to qualified engineers, a policy that has kept many of them with Mercury since the company’s earliest days.
Mercury is committed to promoting learning and career development. We provide assistance for employees pursuing a variety of courses in keeping with Mercury’s strategic objectives.
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