From Workshop to Boardroom: The Rise of the Technical Professional

At Harper Finley, we’re proud to work with professionals who bring both hands-on skill and forward-thinking ambition to their careers. Few people understand this shift better than Nathan Grant, who specialises in recruiting across engineering and professional trades. In this guest post, Nathan shares his insights into how Ireland’s workforce is evolving and why employers and candidates alike are rethinking what a “technical career” really means.

In the last few years, I’ve seen a real shift in the career paths of skilled tradespeople. More and more, the people who once spent their days on the tools are now leading teams, overseeing complex projects, and working alongside engineers and technical managers. It’s an evolution that reflects how quickly our industries are changing and how valuable practical experience has become at every level.

Across sectors like manufacturing, utilities, and logistics, the most in-demand professionals are those who can bridge two worlds: the practical and the technical. As automation and digital systems become part of everyday operations, employers need people who understand both the theory and the reality of how work gets done. That balance is what makes today’s technical professionals stand out.

For candidates, this shift opens up huge opportunities. I speak every week with tradespeople who are ready to take that next step, whether that’s into maintenance planning, project coordination, or supervisory roles. They already have the foundation of experience and reliability. What they often need is the confidence to recognise how transferable those skills are. The career path from hands-on trade to leadership or engineering is no longer unusual. It’s becoming the norm for those who are willing to learn, adapt, and lead.

For employers, it’s a reminder of how powerful internal progression can be. The best-performing teams I’ve seen are the ones that blend traditional skill sets with modern technical thinking. When a supervisor has spent years on the workshop floor or a planner has previously been a technician, the understanding and respect across the team are completely different. Those are the people who make systems work in the real world.

Helping people make that transition is one of the most rewarding parts of my role. There’s something special about seeing someone move into a job they once thought was out of reach, whether it’s a new challenge, a step up in responsibility, or simply recognition of the skills they’ve built over time. These are the professionals driving progress in Ireland’s technical industries, and I’m proud that Harper Finley plays a part in connecting their ambition with the right opportunities.

If your organisation is growing and you want to tap into this new generation of technical talent, people who combine hands-on expertise with leadership potential, we’d be happy to help. At Harper Finley, we work with employers who see beyond job titles and focus on building capable, future-ready teams. To talk to us, contact info@harperfinley.ie

About the Author

Nathan Grant is a Recruitment Specialist at Harper Finley, focusing on engineering and professional trade roles across Ireland. Known for his straightforward approach and deep understanding of technical industries, Nathan works with both candidates and employers to build long-term, successful partnerships that go beyond the job title.