Sinéad said:
“If you were interested to learn, the tutors were always willing to teach outside of the syllabus[…] one tutor taught me all sorts about architecture, over and above the course requirements.”
Sinéad excelled academically, gaining the highest grades possible, and made every effort to immerse herself in the construction industry. She was a representative at STEM showcases, recruitment fairs, RICS events, and was a student representative on the MatRICS Yorkshire & Humber Committee, expressing the views of the junior members in the region.
The only female in her programme group at that time, Sinéad was chosen as a Student Representative to help influence change. She is an ambassador for women in the industry and contributed to the Higher Education Strategic Forum.
Sinéad continued:
“I’ve always been quite a confident person, so working in a male-dominated industry had never phased me. Thankfully, I’ve seen more females coming into construction in recent years, but I’m passionate about being a role model for other women. There are so many great vacancies available in construction, so it’s a fantastic industry for women who want career progression while earning and learning at the same time. More women need to gain the right skills to make this happen.
Sinéad’s BTEC qualification helped with her duties at work as studying while working complimented each other. She used her practical knowledge in the classroom while bringing about efficiencies in her job from what she had learned at College.
Outside of work, Sinéad is an inspirational role model in lots of other respects. She spent five years volunteering at the Riding for the Disabled Association and is part of a cyclo-cross team. Taking part in demanding events in elite categories, Sinéad races regionally and nationally, has represented Great Britain, and promotes women in sport.
Sinéad was runner up in the Yorkshire & Humber Women in Property Awards and, in 2018, won the national Pearson BTEC Award for ‘Construction Student of the Year’ in recognition of achievement in her subject.
She said:
“I was so pleased and excited to have won the award - I was surprised when my tutor told me I had made the final three and never expected to win it! It's nice to be recognised for working hard.”
Sinéad has now set her sights on becoming a Chartered Engineer. She aspires to one day run her own construction company and encourage more women to join the industry.
