National Apprenticeship Week – Donal’s journey from Apprentice to Junior Contracts Manager

Apprenticeships are a fantastic way for students to learn through a hands-on experience within a working environment. Apprenticeships encourage the diversity within STEM in schools – the fields of science, technology, engineering and maths academic disciplines.

To celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, we asked our Junior Contracts Manager Donal a few questions about his career journey which begun with an apprenticeship whilst working at Michael Nugent Ltd.

Donal studied at St Ciaran’s Ballygawley secondary school where he gained a great interest Engineering and decided to take the career path of an apprenticeship. Donal then enrolled with the SRC (Southern Regional College) to study a NVQ (National Vocational Qualification) Level 2 & 3 in Mechanical Engineering.

Donal, tell us about your journey from when you began with Michael Nugent Ltd?

I started my career with Michael Nugent Ltd in June 2006 as a plumber, working on site for 13 years. In 2019, I joined the Commercial Department as a Mechanical Estimator for two years.  After two years as a Mechanical Estimator, I then decided I wanted to venture into Contracts Management. Currently, I am studying HLA Building Services with Sustainable Energy at the SWC (South West College) Dungannon Campus/Open University one day a week, and working the remaining 4 days. It’s a great opportunity that Michael Nugent Ltd have provided me with to further my career and progress within the industry. Michael Nugent Ltd are passionate about helping their team progress in the career direction they wish to take.

Would you recommend an apprenticeship to students?

Yes, I would highly recommend the apprenticeship route. It provides you with the opportunity to learn from experts within the industry. Whilst studying you are able to put the knowledge you have learned into good use with practical and real-life scenarios. The knowledge and skills that you gain become essential within the industry. An apprenticeship is a great opportunity to gain experience while working, learning and earning at the same time.