Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) is delighted to report on a group of female construction students from the BSc (Hons) in Construction Management who are about to take their final leap from college into the industry full time.
DkIT has long been a go to for the Construction and Built Environment industry to recruit high quality graduates. The Construction Management course is all about getting the students industry ready. The course provides them with the much in demand skillsets needed to be managers who are involved with the built environment and its planning, design, construction, maintenance, and restoration. Whether tackling the housing crisis or improving the world’s infrastructure, construction managers help build the places we work, homes we live in and roads we travel on.
Dr Breda Brennan Head of School of Engineering said, “In the School of Engineering we are committed to achieving gender balance so it’s wonderful to see an increased number of females embracing careers in Construction and Engineering. We are delighted to report that we had 5 females in 4th year this year in Construction Management. Even though construction is traditionally more male dominated, females have so much to bring to this industry, after all everything that is constructed is used by as many females as males. We are also delighted that we have been whole heartily supported by our industry partners who are critical as part of our student’s work placement. The future is bright for females in construction”.
Abby Shields, a 4th year construction student said“I was wary at the start of my studies as I knew Construction was a male dominated industry. My lecturers have always encouraged myself and other girls within my class that we have the same opportunities to avail from as our male class members. This has given me the confidence I need to go out into the industry and put my knowledge to use”.
Alanna McGeown also a 4th year construction student added, “I knew when I started studying Construction Management that it was a male dominated industry but the lecturers in DkIT were committed to making sure we knew that we could thrive within this industry no matter what our gender. I received great support from both lecturers and classmates”.
And 4th year construction student Jodie Duffy finally added to the comments“"I highly recommend the Construction Management program at DkIT. As a woman in the construction field, this program has been instrumental in my professional development, offering a robust curriculum that blends theoretical knowledge with practical application.
The lecturer’s industry expertise and the program's emphasis on inclusion create a supportive environment where female students can thrive. Additionally, the networking opportunities and mentorship provided have been invaluable in helping me establish a strong foothold in a traditionally male-dominated industry. This program is an excellent choice for any woman aspiring to lead in construction management”.
DkIT are dedicated to striving for gender balance on all their course offerings, recently the School of Engineering was awarded the extremely prestigious Bronze Athena Swan award. Only 2 other Institutes in Ireland hold the Bronze Athena Swan School of Engineering accreditation.
The Construction Management course in DkIT integrates theory with practical application to equip students with real life management, communication, and research skills. It provides them with a broad understanding of construction management, resource management, construction technology, building regulations, financial management, health and safety legislation and environmental protection. Graduates of this course are also able to commence the process of becoming a Chartered Construction Manager with the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB).
The Department of Built Environment also offers award winning and much in demand courses in Quantity Surveying, Architectural Technology and Building Surveying.
