Meet Paddy Brennan – 25 Years at Noreside Engineering
Paddy, you’ve been with Noreside for 25 years – that’s some milestone! What first brought you to Noreside back in the day?
I joined Noreside back in the late 90s. At the time, it was a small but busy workshop, and I knew a few of the lads already working here. There was a good reputation for solid engineering work and steady projects, so I decided to give it a go.
I’ve never looked back since.
You started your apprenticeship in 1975 – what do you remember most about those early days in engineering?
It was very hands-on, and everything was done by eye and experience. There were no fancy tools or computers back then — just a file, a vice, and a good teacher. You learned your trade properly. It was hard graft, but those early years gave you skills you’d use for life.
You spent years working across America during the 80s and 90s. What kind of projects were you involved in over there, and what stands out from that experience?
I worked on a mix of industrial and manufacturing sites — everything from food plants to large construction projects. It was great experience, especially seeing the scale of operations over there. America was an eye-opener at the time — big jobs, tight deadlines, and long hours, but it really shaped how I approach work even now.
A lot has changed in engineering since then. What’s been the biggest shift you’ve seen on the factory floor over the years?
Definitely technology. The move from manual fabrication to automated systems and precision machinery has been huge. We’ve gone from sketches on paper to 3D models and laser cutting in a short space of time. The quality and consistency now are incredible, but it’s still the people behind the machines that make the difference.
Finally, what do you enjoy most about working here today?
It’s the team. There’s a great mix of experience and new talent coming through. Everyone works hard and takes pride in what we build. Seeing a project go from design to installation is still a buzz, even after all these years. And I suppose it’s nice to see that after 25 years, I’m still learning something new every week.
Building the Future of Engineering: Noreside Apprenticeships 2026