I chose the Level 3 course after attending an open night, where I spoke to lecturers about the different career paths available. I was finishing Year 12 and wasn’t totally set on returning to sixth form. The course opened my eyes to a new direction.

Biography

Having recently completed the Level 3 Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment at the College, Emily accepted an apprenticeship in Quantity Surveying with Cleary Contracting and returned to college to begin a Higher-Level Apprenticeship (HLA) in Construction Engineering with Surveying.

Emily credits her success to the skills, support, and hands-on experience she gained during her time at the College. Emily said, “I chose the Level 3 course after attending an open night at the Farm Lodge campus, where I spoke to lecturers about the different career paths available. I was finishing Year 12 and wasn’t totally set on returning to sixth form. The course opened my eyes to a new direction,” she explained.

During her two-year course, Emily developed core skills in project planning, estimating and construction technology. A standout moment for her was the Tendering and Estimating module, which helped spark her interest in quantity surveying, the very path she is now pursuing.

A key part of the course is a work placement module, which proved to be a game-changer for Emily. Her placement with Cleary Contracting offered an up-close look at major projects such as the new Primark store in Ballymena and a Guinness canning factory extension in Belfast.

Emily added, “I got to experience how large-scale projects are run, and I was even given the chance to survey their new office. I loved meeting different people and learning about their roles, it gave me clarity on the direction I wanted to go in,” said Emily.

After completing her course, Emily reached out to Jonathan Cleary from Cleary Contracting to enquire about apprenticeship opportunities and was thrilled to be offered a position following a successful meeting."