In this episode of Under Construction with Chadwicks, host Donncha is joined by Shauna Doyle, better known as The Tarmacing Mammy, and David Swan, aka The Carpentry Kid.

From career changes to apprenticeships, the conversation explores what it really takes to build a life in the trades today. Shauna shares her journey from working as a beauty therapist to becoming a tarmacker in her family-run business, Doyles Tarmacadam in Carlow — proving that it’s never too late to change direction and find a career that fits. She also speaks honestly about the realities of being a woman on site, the challenges she’s faced, and the pride that comes with doing hands-on work that makes a visible difference.

David takes us back to the beginning of his carpentry journey — from starting out with a passion for the craft, to completing his apprenticeship through TUD, and becoming a qualified carpenter. Now specialising in everything from panelling and kitchen units to flooring, wardrobes, and door fittings, he explains how training, consistency, and confidence helped shape his career — and why the apprenticeship route is one of the strongest pathways into construction today.

A key theme throughout the episode is the importance of apprenticeships and trade careers for the next generation. Shauna and David discuss the opportunities available right now in Ireland, why there still isn’t enough awareness around apprenticeships, and what they’d say to anyone who thinks they “wouldn’t be suited” to a trade.

The episode also shines a light on the rise of the modern tradesperson online. With Shauna and David both building loyal followings by sharing their work on social media, they talk about how content creation has opened doors, created new opportunities, and helped inspire more people — especially young workers and women — to consider careers in construction.

🛠️ Honest, practical, and full of career-defining insight, this episode is a must-listen for anyone considering the trades, already working in construction, or simply curious about what life on site is really like today.

🔗 Follow Chadwicks, Donncha, and the Guests

🔗 Chadwicks Website: www.chadwicks.ie

📲 Follow Chadwicks on Instagram: @chadwicks_ie

📲 Follow Chadwicks on TikTok: @chadwicksie

📲 Follow Donncha O’Callaghan: @donnchaocallaghan

📲 Follow Shauna Doyle (The Tarmacing Mammy): @the_tarmacing_mammy

📲 Follow David Swan (The Carpentry Kid): @the_carpentry_kid

🎧 Listen on all podcast platforms, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

#ChadwicksPodcast #UnderConstructionPodcast

Under Construction with Chadwicks

Episodes 20

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