Patrick O'Connor - Bachelor in Civil & Environmental Engineering

I graduated from IT Tralee with a Level 7 Bachelor in Civil & Environmental Engineering degree in 2015. I thoroughly enjoyed my three years studying in Tralee.

The impetus on practical based learning really gave me a greater understanding of the industry, coupled with friendly lecturers who were more than willing to share their vast experience. I felt the course really geared me towards what employers are looking for in today’s market.

I am currently working with a specialist Roofing and Cladding Company as a Junior Contracts Manager. We are involved in various commercial, industrial and pharmaceutical projects around the country and I am really enjoying the challenges of the role I am in.

There has been a huge increase in the demand for young engineers, with all the main contractors we are working for finding it hard to get graduates at the moment.
If Engineering is the career for you then I would highly recommend the Institute of Technology Tralee!

Aidan O'Connor - Civil Engineering

My Name is Aidan O'Connor, founder and director of Ireland's first commercial Drone surveying company, ASM Ireland. We use cutting edge technology to create accurate 3D land survey models of any terrain, from a few acres up to several square kilometres in size.

I initially qualified as a Civil Engineer in the Institute of Technology Tralee with further studies in the University of Napier Edinburgh.  Civil Engineering runs in my blood so I knew exactly what to look for when it came to choosing a college that was right for me.

Set in a relaxed but productive atmosphere in the South Campus, I.T. Tralee lecturers have the distinct advantage of being drawn from a wide range of different engineering consultancies from across the country. This allows them to bring real world experience to what is taught in the classroom.

The aspect of learning that I enjoyed most was the hands on approach to disciplines such design, surveying and planning. This provided me with the skills required to excel in the work environment once my studies were completed.

A degree in Civil Engineering is probably one of the most versatile and diverse career options possible. The sector of the industry I currently work in didn’t exist when I was in college, yet my foundation in Civil Engineering has stood to me time and time again. With a rapidly evolving world a great place to start is with a Civil Engineering degree from the Institute of Technology Tralee. 

I would advise anyone, with an interest in design, construction, mathematics or project management to seriously consider a career in Civil Engineering through the Institute of Technology in Tralee. It will completely change the course of your life!

Joseph Lucid - Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering

I graduated from the Institute of Technology Tralee with a Bachelor of Engineering Degree in Civil Engineering. Following this I transferred to NUI Galway where I obtained a Masters of Engineering Science. Upon completion of my Masters, I was employed by Liebherr Container Cranes Ltd., within their Design Department where I am involved in the design of various container crane components from the concept stage through to production and final assembly onsite.

Throughout my studies at the IT Tralee, I gained experience in all areas of Civil/Environmental/Structural Engineering as it is a broad and encompassing course. The course equipped me with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required not just for Civil Engineering but for other engineering disciplines and beyond. The course helped to shape me into the Engineer that I am today and prepared me for my further studies and my future career.

I would recommend anyone to go the IT Tralee route during the course of their college career as it nurtured my problem solving skills, help me develop as an Engineer and prepared me for my career.

Kate Sayers - Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering

As a Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering graduate of the Institute of Technology Tralee, I found the course extremely current and progressive and overall very rewarding.  The course covers a broad range of subjects relevant to Civil Engineering and this allowed me to discover what area suited me best. 

The course allows students incorporate the theory from lectures into regular practical sessions where lecturers and students can further interact, allowing students to obtain a greater understanding for the subject.   The I.T.Tralee is well equipped with state of the art laboratories for testing soils, fluids and structures and has modern equipment for surveying. 

Each of the staff were approachable and helpful.   If there was anything I needed or I didn’t understand, staff were always available to help me out.  The motivation and dedication of the staff influenced the students and created a great environment for learning. 

Upon graduating I joined the University of Limerick, where I am currently studying for a Level 8 Honours Bachelor Degree in Civil Engineering.  The practical experience and team work skills I gained at I.T.Tralee enabled me to overcome any challenges I have faced in my studies or on work experience.  I felt that I was well prepared for the Level 8 course and had already covered many of the subjects at I.T.Tralee

Liebherr Container Cranes at work in Southampton Port

James Sayers - Civil Engineering

Current Employer: Now working with Kerry County Council (Kerry National Road Design Office).
Secondary School Attended: Tralee Community College, Clash, Tralee, Co. Kerry.

Why did you choose this course?

I was always intrigued by the design and construction of infrastructure from an early age so the obvious course of choice for me was Civil Engineering. I wanted to work on the design and construction of large projects and Civil Engineering would provide me with the required skills. There is no greater employment satisfaction than a successfully completed project that will meet the present and future needs of the population.

What attracted you to IT, Tralee?

I considered the courses available by a number of colleges and found the ITT provided a very good Civil Engineering course with all the key subject areas covered.

How relevant was this course to your current work?

The Civil Engineering course at ITT is very relevant to my current work and the Institute is very good at keeping up to date with current developments in the engineering industry.

Any advice for someone thinking about going to IT, Tralee?

There are many excellent courses provided by ITT, select the course that best suits your talents. The ITT is a great college and I would say make full use the resources available within the college. Do not be afraid to ask a question or discuss some element of the course with a lecturer.

Joseph Lucid - BEng in Civil Engineering

I found that the ITT provided a great homely atmosphere which encouraged me to excel in my studies. The course provided me with the technical ability to enable me to continue on into further study. I gained excellent practical experience which helped me when I worked in an onsite environment. The college is equipped with a fully furnished dedicated civil engineering lab with all the latest equipment required to carry out surveying practicals as well as structures and materials experiments. Added to this there are excellent support services such as the careers office and the students union which are provided by the college in collaboration with the students. I found that the lecturers and staff were all very approachable and friendly when dealing with the students problems.

Maurice Healy - Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering

I completed the course at the Institute of Technology Tralee in 2012. The course was very beneficial as it enhanced my knowledge and analytical techniques. It also gave me a robust foundation in design and engineering that well prepared me for continued graduate studies at the Athlone Institute of Technology and ultimately a career in road design with the Kerry National Road Design Office.

The course in I.T.Tralee provided great experience as it helped to develop my understanding of transportation engineering and highway design principles. Civil Engineering is a unique field which delivers a variety of exciting areas of work from drafting and design to field work and laboratory research.  The IT Tralee provided me with a foundation and structure for my career that I couldn’t have received elsewhere and I recommend the Bachelor of Engineering in Civil and Environmental Engineering course  to all those who are interested.

Brian Looby - Civil Engineering

Company director of PereGreen Energy Ltd, Intelligent Industrial Lighting & Management Software

My name is Brian Looby of PereGreen Energy. I qualified from the Institute of Technology's Department of Civil Engineering in 2003. I remember my time in college with appreciation - not only for my time there - but for the opportunities it has provided me with since then. The vast, hands-on learning approach at the Engineering Dept. in ITTralee creates an incredibly supportive, practical environment for engineers and has provided me with a strong foundation in Civil Engineering. The support of the staff reflects their dedication to student success and growth.

My qualifications in Civil Engineering from ITT have provided me with many opportunities, one of which is travel. And there is no greater educator than travel!
As soon as I qualified from ITT I started work in the Civils Industry. I started working as a site engineer for a property developer in Munster, where I spent three years. I then got the opportunity to travel to South Africa where I worked as project engineer for a contractor on various pipeline rehabilitation projects for Johannesburg Municipality. I returned from Johannesburg to work as project engineer for a heavy civils contractor on various main drainage schemes in towns in the south of Ireland, as well as the M9 from Waterford to Carlow.

This eventually led to an opportunity to work in the UAE. I was project engineer at the construction of the Beeah Landfill in the Emirate of Sharjah. Soon after completion, I started as project manager on a road project in the Sultanate of Oman, which involved the construction of 27km of single lane carriageway through the Al Haq Mountains.
After Oman I became Project Manager for a Renewable Energy Project Developer focusing on procurement, project management, engineering and construction of renewable projects in the Indian Ocean.

All the experiences and opportunities achieved in my life have been as a direct result of my time at ITT. Without question, it was the catalyst for my career and has led me to where I am today, which was always my aim - to own my own company. In late 2012 I started PereGreen Energy Ltd, which specialises in Intelligent LED Lighting & Management Software for Industrial facilities, bringing the IoT into the industrial space.

Orla O'Connor - BSc (Hons) in Manufacturing Engineering Management

Why did you choose this course?

I completed the BEng in Mechanical and Electronic Engineering at the IT, Tralee and I wanted to further my education. The combination of work placement and study in this programme really appealed to me.

What attracted you to IT, Tralee?

While I was in secondary school we took part in an Engineering Taster Programme at the Institute where we got to see what the college had to offer and I really enjoyed the practical we were allowed to do on the day.

What do you think of IT, Tralee?

There is a great atmosphere at the college and the lecturers are easy to talk to. There is a wide range of clubs and societies for students to take part in which I really like.

What do you think of the accommodation in Tralee?

I’m lucky enough to live at home while I study. However there is a lot of good accommodation around Tralee for students if they decide they want to live in student accommodation.

Please comment on the particular aspects of college life you enjoy.

What I have enjoyed most about my college life is being introduced to new and interesting things. I’m taking part in different clubs and societies that I never took part in before and made many new friends.

Alan Egan - BSc (Hons) in Pharmaceutical Analysis with Forensics

"I’m a mature student and the location of the college is very convenient tome. I decided to study Pharmaceutical Analysis as ultimately I want to get in to cancer research or drugs research and the forensics element of the course seemed very appealing.

I have particularly enjoyed Chemistry and Biology as I hadn’t studied these subjects before. It wasn’t difficult to get to grips with this element of the course and I find once you keep on top of your studies it is very manageable."

Yvonne King - Year 1 BSc in Pharmaceutical Analysis with Forensics

"I have been studying Pharmaceutical Analysis with Forensics for the past year. It has been a very fulfilling experience from the start. The lecturers are very helpful and supportive. They are approachable and they encourage and give good advice if you listen. Among other subjects, we study law and physics and the diversity is great. Everything that is on the course is relevant to investigative forensic science. There is a lot of moral support here and I have found this experience positive rewarding and fulfilling. There are clubs and societies for every interest. The facilities are excellent, the surroundings are stunning and there is a sports and leisure centre adjacent to the south campus."

Katie Dundon - Year 2 Higher Certificate in Science in Biological and Environmental Studies.

"I chose this course because I've always been interested in the outdoors and wildlife and there didn't seem to be any other course like it. I really enjoyed the zoology and botany subjects and the field trips were a great opportunity to see our wildlife in its natural environment. Tralee is a very welcoming town, I've made lots of new friends during my time here and I'd recommend IT, Tralee to anyone thinking of going to college."

Alice McDonald - Year 3, BSc (Hons) in Wildlife Biology

"I have always had an interest in nature and science. This course gave me a great opportunity to combine these. The course itself is extremely interesting and the lecturers are friendly and helpful. I honestly couldn't say enough about the lecturers and facilities at the college. It is a fantastic course that offers a wide variety of career opportunities."

Niel - Bachelor of Science degree in Analytical Science with Product & Process Development

"I completed my Bachelor of Science degree in Analytical Science with Product & Process Development at the Institute of Technology Tralee which enabled me to  progress my career in the science field.  I found the degree enhanced my knowledge and analytical techniques and prepared me for industry.

This qualification enabled me to secure employment initially as a Laboratory Analyst and later as a Quality Control Chemist with Astellas Ireland Company Ltd  in Kerry.  Astellas is a global leader in pharmaceuticals. At the Kerry Plant, Astellas is involved in the manufacture and packaging of immunosuppressant pharmaceutical products used in the treatment of patients who have received an organ transplant.

My current role with Astellas as a Quality Control Manager is to ensure that the product meets the highest quality standards. This involves the management of all aspects of the laboratory such as the employees, testing and the development of work practices to maintain quality and compliance and to enhance company competitiveness.

I have subsequently returned to the Institute of Technology Tralee and completed my Masters in Business Administration which has complemented my science background and allowed me to get involved in other aspect of the business at Astellas from strategic level."