Why Upskilling Matters – No Matter What Your Job Title Is

Hard hats and hi-vis jackets are still essential on-site, but the tools and knowledge behind them are changing fast. Whether you’re just starting out as a general operative or leading multi-million-euro builds as a project manager, one thing is clear: upskilling isn’t optional anymore - it’s essential.

At Breagh Recruitment, we work with candidates across Ireland at every level, and we’re hearing the same message from employers over and over again: they want people who are ready for what’s next. That means digital know-how, energy awareness, and a commitment to continuous learning.

 

The Game Has Changed

Construction is evolving quickly. Clients want more sustainable builds. Legislators are introducing stricter energy and carbon targets. Projects are now managed with 3D models, smart tools and data. And that means the people working on them need to adapt too.

Elisabeth O’Brien, manager at the Digital Academy for the Sustainable Built Environment (DASBE), puts it simply:

“Construction has rapidly evolved over the last few years and continues to advance. Everyone will have to upskill.”

Whether you’re on the tools or behind a laptop, keeping your skills current helps you stay relevant - and in demand.

 

What You Can Learn (Without Giving Up the Day Job)

Thanks to DASBE’s flexible course model, you don’t need to stop working or head back to full-time college. Their evening online lectures and occasional Friday/Saturday workshops are designed to fit around your site schedule.

The focus? The things that matter most in today’s market:

• Energy efficiency

• Digital construction (including BIM)

• Circular economy and sustainable practices
  
  

Courses range from micro-credentials and certificates to practical upskilling on retrofitting, low-carbon construction, traditional building renovation and more.

Even better? Many of these courses count towards your CPD and are recognised across the industry.

 

Why This Matters to You

Let’s be honest - the industry isn’t what it was 10 years ago. But that’s not a bad thing.

It means more opportunity for workers who want to futureproof their careers, boost their earnings, and become the people companies want to keep.

If you’re a:

• General operative: learning new green building techniques could move you up the ranks

• Tradesperson: BIM knowledge or retrofit experience can open doors on larger, more specialised projects

• Site manager or engineer: digital tools and compliance knowledge will set you apart in a competitive hiring landscape
  
  

The Bottom Line

Whether you’re on the first rung of the ladder or already managing teams, upskilling helps you stay ahead of the curve. It gives you more choice, more confidence, and a better shot at long-term, secure roles - the kind Breagh Recruitment is proud to support.

So if you’re thinking about what comes next in your construction career, don’t just wait for the right job to show up. Make sure you’re ready for it when it does.

 

About Breagh Recruitment

Breagh Recruitment is a specialist agency for permanent construction and engineering roles across Ireland, the UK and Europe. With over 20 years of industry experience, we support contractors, consultancies and developers in building strong, project-ready teams. From site engineers and BIM managers to project leads and site managers, we place people who know how to deliver. We take the time to understand each brief properly and offer a straight-talking, relationship-led recruitment service that prioritises long-term fit over short-term fixes.

Note: Breagh Recruitment is not affiliated with Digital Academy for the Sustainable Built Environment (DASBE). We are simply sharing it as a useful resource for professionals across the construction and infrastructure sectors.