Colin Ryan
Between long working days, family life with three children, and evenings spent coaching from the sidelines, Colin Ryan’s schedule was already packed. But with the support of Portobello Institute, he completed the IWFM Level 4 Certificate and is now continuing to progress in facilities management (FM) with Tirlán at its Belview facility in Kilkenny.
Turning Trade Experience into FM Opportunity
While studying at art college in 1998, Colin undertook a summer apprenticeship in plumbing. It was during this time that he discovered a genuine love for the trade. He went on to work as a site foreman and across the domestic sector before moving into maintenance, where preventative maintenance quickly became a driving interest in his career.
In his current role as Maintenance Lead with Tirlán, a farmer-owned Irish food and nutrition co-operative, Colin saw the IWFM Level 4 Certificate in Facilities Management as a natural next step.
“My colleague, who is currently Facilities Manager for the Belview facility, keeps threatening to retire, so my natural instinct was to do an FM course as I will be his successor,” he explains.
“It was suggested to me by my company when I asked to further my education. I think Portobello offers such a wide range of courses that are designed to suit your needs. Being more educated in the role you are in, or the role you are preparing to fill, is a real advantage going forward.”
Anything is Possible
For individuals like Colin, who are ready to formalise their experience, deepen their understanding, and boost professional credibility, the IWFM Level 4 Certificate is a strong pathway.
“The course was perfect for me,” Colin reflects. “I’m not in the full transition to Facilities Manager yet but I do a great deal of the work here regarding FM, as well as being a technician. It’s always nice to learn new things and how to go about different strategies in the right way.”
He explains that the programme has changed how he views his work and the environment around him. It has made him more aware of the bigger picture and reinforced the importance of having the right people around you. With a strong team, Colin believes, anything is possible.
“I particularly loved learning about strategy in FM,” he points out. “But what was most important for me was learning more about sustainability and the environment as I deal with a lot of waste management, particularly on site.”
Dad, Coach, Technician, and Student
Undertaking a new professionally recognised qualification is no walk in the park, especially when you are juggling other commitments and priorities. A busy working professional and hands-on dad of three, Colin’s time was precious.
“I work long hours and sometimes out of office as well,” he explains. “Having three kids at home is very demanding because I’m not only their dad, but I’m also their coach in hurling, camogie and soccer!”
Much of Colin’s free time was occupied with training sessions and matches, making it difficult to find space for study. Work could also be unpredictable, with some evenings interrupted by urgent issues that could not be resolved remotely. On those occasions, he would have to travel back to site to deal with the problem in person.
There are only so many hours in the day, and it is challenging, but the support Colin received from Portobello helped him stay on track.
“I didn’t think it was going to be so hard to balance everything, but Portobello were fantastic and so accommodating towards any of my requests,” he explains.
“I had also never written a paper in my life and had to learn how to do that fast. Gerry Kelly, my Programme Lead, gave me some great advice after my first paper and I never looked back.”
The People Who Made a Difference
Colin credits the support he received from Portobello Institute as one of the key reasons he was able to complete his studies while managing such a busy work and family life. For him, the flexibility, understanding, and encouragement from the team made a real difference.
“Everyone I spoke to from Portobello was so kind and accommodating. Nothing was a problem. Particularly Catherine Green, the Certification Manager. Any time I was struggling with time, Catherine was always there to help.”
Colin also points to the guidance of his FM tutors, who helped him build confidence in both the subject matter and the academic side of learning.
“I really enjoyed the course,” Colin shares. “The tutors always explained everything in great detail. Gerry Kelly and Henry Sheahan were fantastic mentors and always had some great advice to give.”
Knowledge for Now and the Future
For Colin, the IWFM Level 4 Certificate given him exactly what he hoped it would: deeper knowledge in his current line of work and a stronger foundation for the future. While he is already established in a successful role, the qualification has helped him look ahead with more confidence and consider where his experience could take him next.
“I would definitely recommend Portobello Institute,” Colin says without hesitation. “They have such a variety of courses to study, and if you’re in a case like me with busy working hours and three kids at home, they will more than accommodate you.”
The programme has also opened the door to further study. When family life is a little less busy, Colin says he would love to return to education and complete his degree, continuing the professional development journey he has already begun.
“I am already in a successful job, but I’m not getting any younger. Hopefully, in a few years’ time, I will eventually drop down all the tools and take the full-time step into the office.”
Looking to Progress in Facilities Management?
Like Colin, you can take the next step in facilities management with a qualification designed to strengthen your skills and enhance your career prospects.
Explore Portobello Institute’s full range of accredited facilities management pathways by visiting the faculty page.
