Redundancy in 2010 made Allen re-evaluate and decided returning to college would help him gain employment in his chosen area, Civil Engineering
Graduates Name: Allen Treacy
Course Studied: BEng(Ord) Civil Engineering and BEng(Hons) Sustainable Civil Engineering
Year of Graduation: 2016
"The three year BEng(Ord) in Civil Engineering WD139 is a thoroughly enjoyable course for those with an interest in construction and design. The course is led by a dedicated team of lectures with a vast knowledge from personal experiences in the construction industry and who are always willing to offer help and advice. Advancing to the two year add-on course Beng (Hons) in Sustainable Civil Engineering WD178 is the natural step for anyone wishing to pursue a serious professional engineering career. A six month work placement is part of the first year of this course. This placement is a great chance to get experience working within the industry, to meet great contacts and almost always leads to employment after graduation."
What did you do before studying at WIT?
I was a construction Worker.
What motivated you to take up study?
After being made redundant in 2010 after a down turn in the construction industry I decided to apply for college to enhance my chances of returning to employment.
Why did you choose your course/ to study at WIT?
My experience in the construction industry was my reason for choosing to study civil engineering. Living locally in Waterford was my reason for selecting WIT as my place of study.
What advice would you give to students considering your course?
Prepare for a few years of hard work for a lifetime of opportunities.
What was the highlight of the course you studied?
The knowledge and experience I gained on work placement was definitely the highlight of the course. A site visit to Shay Murtagh Precast Ltd together with Construction Management students was also a great opportunity to meet and talk to experienced engineers and managers from such a leading precast products manufacturer. There were also great career opportunities on offer to future graduates.
When and where was your first job after graduating?
One week after my final exam I began work in Carlow as a Site Engineer for JJ Rhatigan & Company on a housing estate project for six months and then onto a primary care center project in Dungarvan.
Where are you currently working?
I am currently working as a Technician in Tramore House Regional Design Office. This is the South East Road Design Office situated in Tramore, County Waterford with employees from various county councils including Waterford, Carlow, Tipperary, Kilkenny and Wexford. My work placement was spent in Tramore House and I was delighted to have secured the position after applying while on placement.
What do you hope to achieve in the future?
My aim is to try and advance to position of Engineer and work towards Chartered Engineer status in the future.
How have your studies at WIT helped you to get where you are today?
My qualifications were a requirement for the position I am now in, having completed my work placement within the same organization led me to apply for this position.
Did your work placement with the Careers Centre help get you to where you are now?
My work placement and help from the Careers Centre helped tremendously in securing the position I hold currently.
What advice would you give to those unsure of college or of what course to pick?
Picking a course that you have a genuine interest in makes the few short years of study a lot more enjoyable. Yes its hard work at times, but the benefits of an academic qualification and the friends made will last a lifetime.
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SETU Waterford, Cork Road, Waterford City, 
