Published:

Earn and Learn – Would you like to become a qualified Civil Engineer at Glanua?

Glanua is looking for 2024 apprentices to participate in the ATU Sligo, Civil Engineering Apprenticeship Programme. 

This year, Glanua partnered with Atlantic Technological University (ATU) Sligo along with leading contractors, Coffey Group, Ward and Burke and JJ Rhatigan on their first-ever Civil Engineering Apprenticeship Programme.

The Civil Engineering Apprenticeship Programme is a strategic investment in nurturing and developing engineers within Glanua. Due to the success of the programme, we are looking to recruit more apprentices for the 2024 programme. The programme is open to all ages including those that have worked in the industry for several years.  

Patrick O’Leary and Aaron Dilworth, both from Co Cork, started the programme in September with Glanua to pursue their Civil Engineering qualification while gaining invaluable on-the-job experience. 

This is a first for both Glanua and the college, and we are delighted to support Patrick and Aaron throughout the next three years. Our commitment includes covering their college fees, salaries, and assigning dedicated mentors in the company. 

Brian Hayes, Contracts Manager said “Aaron and Patrick have been a great addition to the Glanua site teams in East Cork. Both have hit the ground running and although the programme is in its early stages, you can see them making steady progress and taking on new responsibilities. Both lads have worked with us during summer holidays as general operators (GO’s) and I feel this has given them a good foundation and understanding of site operations. It’s a fantastic opportunity for Aaron and Patrick and personally, I believe that when they have finished their programme, they will be better equipped than students of more traditional study programmes. It’s great having youth on site and I feel it’s a big responsibility to put in the time and effort with the lads and ensure they get the best training possible to set them on the road for hopefully a long and successful future.” 

Aaron Dilworth, Apprentice Civil Engineer with Glanua

Patrick O Leary, Apprentice Civil Engineer says, “I like that you’re always interacting with people. On-site, the team takes every opportunity to introduce something new and you also get to travel to different sites to learn what is happening there. I worked as a labourer in Glanua for two summers, and I prefer the mix of office work and hands-on experience on-site.”

Aaron Dilworth, Apprentice Civil Engineer says, “I think it’s a better approach to further education. The balance of classroom learning, and on-site experience allows you to apply what you learn right away. Having a mentor is brilliant, although all the team are hugely supportive.

Patrick O Leary Apprentice Civil Engineer

Patrick and Aaron have both completed summer work in Glanua so they were no strangers to the company when they started the programme in September, although both agreed the work is different as an apprentice. 

“You get to see the work that goes on behind the scenes, such as Design, CAD, Health and Safety,” Patrick explains. The programme is a great head start as you can apply everything you learn in college straight away.” 

“We’re actively contributing to projects, assisting the engineers, using tools like the GPS while also seeing the commercial side of the business so you really hit the ground running from the start” adds Aaron.

Both Patrick and Aaron believe it is an excellent start to their careers and feel it will give them a competitive edge if they ever go for an interview – though they are having so much fun at Glanua they have no plans for that!  

Looking forward to sharing more of their journey over the course of the programme. 

Civil Engineering Apprenticeship Programme with ATU Sligo Overview: 

  • 3-year programme to achieve a QQI Level 7 Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering 
  • Online classes every Monday from 9 am to 6 pm. 
  • Monthly in-person labs/workshops in Sligo 
  • The remaining duration (Tues to Friday) is dedicated to on the job learning in Glanua 
  • Course includes regular college assignments and exams after Christmas  
  • Eligibility criteria: pass grade in Leaving Cert maths and must be over 18 years of age 

If you know someone who would like to become a Civil Engineer and is interested in participating, contact our HR team at recruitment@glanua.com  or visit Generation Apprenticeship.