THE hustle and bustle is one of the things which drew Brendan O'Connor to the electronics manufacturing industry. The 23-year-old Corkonian says his job with car parts manufacturer Beru Manufacturing GMBH in Killarney, Co Kerry, provides everything he expects from a career. There's challenge, responsibility and an enjoyable working environment.

"I get a real buzz from my work," he says. "The atmosphere here is great - there is a real sense of accomplishment in what we do." O'Connor, from Ovens, near Cork city, entered the industry by the established route - a three-year diploma in product engineering at Cork IT. He squeezed in a FAS course in machine programming during a 12-month sabbatical between years two and three, a move which has paid off handsomely in his present job.

He graduated from Cork IT in 1997 and immediately took up a position with Beru. The German company maintains a workforce of 170 at its Kerry operation. It supplies electronic car components to all the major European manufacturers. The bulk of workers are in assembly with the rest in quality control, product engineering and administration. Beru, which employs 1,500 worldwide, has been in Tralee since 1986.

O'Connor plays a vital role in the manufacturing process. He is responsible for operating a "C&C" production machine, a hulking piece of equipment which assembles intricate components.

It was his decision to take a FAS course which proved instrumental in his securing work with Beru. High-tech companies are constantly on the look-out for graduates with specialist skills. O'Connor's 12 months at FAS led to an approach from the company before he had even finished third year at Cork IT.

"C&C programming is a complicated business," he says. "A machine is only as efficient as its operator and demand is high for people with my qualifications. So, I had no problem finding work."

O'Connor loves his job and the pressures which come with it. "I try to push myself, to get the best out of both myself and the equipment."

He admits that he is ambitious but has no desire to move on from C&C programming for the foreseeable future. "It's a great place to work - everybody gets on really well. My job is varied and interesting. What more could I want?"

BERU AG MANUFACTURING: This German maker of electronic car components employs 170 in its Tralee centre. 30 technicians oversee the manufacturing process, with 100 general operatives.