Jane McCarron, a dedicated and talented apprentice at GRAHAM, has been named a finalist in the prestigious Northern Ireland Apprenticeship Awards 2025. Competing in the Higher-Level Apprentice of the Year category, Jane is one of three finalists selected from thousands of applicants. Jane's journey is a testament to her exceptional skills, commitment and passion for construction.
Jane is currently completing her final year of a Higher Level Apprenticeship Foundation Degree accredited by Ulster University in Construction Engineering with Surveying, which she is studying at South West College's Enniskillen campus. Set to graduate in Summer 2025, Jane plans to continue her education with a part-time BSc (Hons) in Construction Engineering and Management, validated by The Open University.
Since joining GRAHAM in January 2024, Jane has quickly made a significant impact in her role as a trainee planner. She has successfully applied theoretical knowledge into practical skills, showcasing adaptability, attention to detail and a strong grasp of project planning processes.
Ray Ferguson, Regional Planning Director at GRAHAM, said:
“Jane stands out due to her exceptional work ethic, diligence and proactive approach. Jane's positive attitude, resilience under pressure and passion for construction planning makes her an invaluable asset to GRAHAM.”
Jane's dedication extends beyond her professional achievements. She has balanced her full-time job with demanding college coursework, often working long hours to excel in both areas. Her commitment to continuous professional growth is evident through completing the ‘Optimising High Performance Building Design’ course at Humber College in Toronto and participating in various training courses.
This week, as part of the judging process, Jane was interviewed by a distinguished panel of judges, including Davina McCay, Head of Economic Social Inclusion at the Department for the Economy; Professor Jonathan Heggarty MBE, Principal and CEO at Stranmillis University College; and Kathryn McCamley, Deputy Director of Apprenticeships, Careers and Vocational Education Division at the Department for the Economy.
Jane's journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring apprentices and highlights the vital role of apprenticeships in developing skilled professionals who contribute significantly to our industry.
The winners of the Northern Ireland Apprenticeship Awards will be announced at a ceremony in Belfast on Wednesday 26th March 2025 – wishing Jane, and all other finalists, the best of luck.