TYs build up for future in construction sector

Bennett Construction and Shay Murtagh Precast worked together again last week to deliver a comprehensive Careers in Construction Work Experience Programme for 29 students from Columba College, Killucan.

The initiative began as a placement for 12 girls completing the STEM Passport for Inclusion with Maynooth University, and strong demand and collaboration with the school broadened it to include 29 transition year students, reflecting the growing interest in construction and engineering.

Across five days, students experienced a mix of classroom learning, industry training, live site exposure, and factory-based engineering insight. The programme included introductions to company ambassadors from Bennett Construction and Shay Murtagh, including overviews of their operations, career opportunities and various routes into the industry.

Completion of CIF Safe Pass training, enabling students to understand core safety requirements in the construction sector, was part of the week, as was a visit to the Bennett Construction Cromcastle Residential Development in Coolock, a 146-unit housing project for the LDA, where students engaged directly with engineers, managers, and the wider site team.

They also had a guided tour of the Shay Murtagh Precast manufacturing facility, where the saw demonstrations of precast production, ‘role speed dating’ across eight disciplines, and an ‘Ask the MD’ session with Ciaran Murtagh.

The last day was at Bennett Headquarters, where students completed a final networking session with team members from estimating, pre-construction, purchasing, marketing and HR. Students presented video highlights of their week to joint MD, Paul Bruton, and had a celebratory finish with certificates, goody bags and pizza.

Mr Bruton of Bennett Construction said it was a great week. “As a first of its kind mentoring model within the construction sector, we were delighted to host so many students from Columba College. The mentoring week gave students time to connect with the team, build confidence and ask questions that mattered to them. It also helped us identify the learning style that suited them best. Our goal was to highlight the wide variety of roles in the sector and the different pathways to reach them, whether through college, apprenticeships, or earn-as-you-learn programmes.”

Gillian Murtagh, shared services director at Shay Murtagh Precast, enjoyed the week. “The students showed genuine interest in many of the roles and asked thoughtful questions. Programmes like this are invaluable in giving students insight into our industry, especially when two companies in the same sector doing very different work can demonstrate how similar skills and roles apply in completely different ways.”

Columba College TY teacher Darren Finn said the blend of site visits, factory tours, and professional engagement has given the students an understanding of what a future in construction could look like. “The support from both companies made the experience exceptional.”

Lauren McCauley, Maynooth University (STEM Passport for Inclusion), stated: “The expansion from 12 STEM Passport participants to 29 students reflects the real commitment shown by Bennett Construction and Shay Murtagh. Experiences like this are vital for helping young people particularly young women, see clear, tangible pathways into STEM and construction careers.”