Jamie Bermingham, a plumber from Co. Dublin has earned a place in the semi-finals of this year’s Screwfix Top Tradesperson competition, beating more than 900 entries across the UK and Ireland.

Jamie is putting Lusk on the map as one of only 26 tradespeople still in the running for the national title. His application stood out for numerous reasons, not least his tireless work as an industry advocate in Ireland as well as his impressive volunteer work.

Based in Lusk, Jamie, who owns EcoHeat Home Energy Solutions, has worked as a plumber and heating engineer for several years. It was his combination of skill, resilience, and determination that helped Jamie stand out among hundreds of entries.

Jamie got his start as a plumbing and heating apprentice, picking up several accolades along the way, including Rising Star of the Year award at the Plumbing & Heating Awards in 2023. He later continued his education, achieving a Level 7 BSc in Energy Management (Buildings) and developing skills in gas, heating and renewable technologies. More recently, he established his own business, EcoHeat Home Systems, which he has said he wants to be at the forefront of the transition to energy-efficient heating systems and renewable technologies.

Elsewhere, Jamie is a strong advocate for apprentices and has addressed an Oireachtas committee about the future of STEM education and apprenticeships in Ireland. He has also put his skills to good use as a volunteer with IWSH, a global nonprofit that works to provide clean drinking water for under-resourced communities. He travelled to Germany to take part in a charity plumbing initiative, working alongside other tradespeople from other countries and using their skills to make a positive difference to a community.

He is also the founder of TradeKonnect, a community built to connect tradespeople, encourage knowledge sharing, provide support and create a space where apprentices and experienced professionals can learn from one another.

The semi-final stage will see Jamie compete against 25 other tradespeople for a place in the final 10 ahead of the national final at Screwfix LIVE in September.

Jamie says: “Making the semi-finals means a huge amount to me. I’m incredibly proud to represent Lusk and show the quality of tradespeople we have here. I’ve worked hard to build my career, so being recognised at this level is really special. I’m looking forward to sharing my story and hopefully doing Dublin proud in the final.”