Emily McIntyre, who recently completed the Level 3 Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment at the College’s Farm Lodge campus in Ballymena, has accepted an apprenticeship in Quantity Surveying with Cleary Contracting. She returned to college this week 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.
Emily continued, “I’m so excited to begin my Higher-Level Apprenticeship with Northern Regional College. The HLA pathway means I can earn while I learn and gain real-world experience alongside my studies. I’ve always known that full-time university wasn’t for me, the HLA is the perfect balance.”
Cherith Simpson, Course Coordinator and Lecturer at Northern Regional College, praised Emily’s commitment and highlighted the value of the College’s construction programmes.
Cherith said, “We are incredibly proud of Emily and all she has achieved. Her story is a brilliant example of how the Level 3 Construction and the Built Environment course prepares students for the real world through both technical learning and practical work experience.
The Higher-Level Apprenticeship pathway is an excellent next step and allows students to continue developing professionally without the financial pressures of university. Employers also benefit from bringing in highly motivated talent who are learning on the job.”
Emily also hopes her story will inspire more young women to consider a career in construction. She said, “To any girls thinking about it, just go for it. You’ll never know if it’s right for you unless you try. The industry is definitely becoming more welcoming to women, but we need more support and information in schools to show young people what careers in construction really look like.”
Emily’s long-term goal is to become a fully qualified Quantity Surveyor, beginning with a Foundation Degree at Northern Regional College and eventually completing a part-time degree in Quantity Surveying at Ulster University – all while gaining industry experience through her HLA.
For more information about construction courses and Higher-Level Apprenticeships at Northern Regional College, visit www.nrc.ac.uk