• Roan Hegarty

    “By having WRGP placement you’re a step ahead already…”

Roan believes that true growth happens when you challenge yourself:

“Be curious, stay open-minded, and be willing to step outside of your comfort zone”

Roan acknowledges that, OCC fosters an environment of cross-learning and forward-thinking—qualities he values deeply. This approach has not only enhanced his professional development but also aligned perfectly with his career ambitions.

“What attracted me to WRGP was its strong emphasis on bridging academic knowledge with real-world industry experience. It offered a structured yet flexible pathway to gain hands-on exposure in a professional setting. Being placed at OCC Construction has been a perfect fit for my career goals. OCC’s focus on innovation, particularly through the use of Modern Methods of Construction, aligns with my academic pursuits and long-term interest in sustainable and efficient building practices. It’s a company that values growth, learning, and forward-thinking—qualities I deeply resonate with.”

Watch 30-second video to listen Roan talking about his background.

Read the corresponding extract below.

“I’m a graduate civil engineer from the University of Galway, currently pursuing a Diploma in Construction Innovation. I’ve always been passionate about engineering and problem-solving, which led me to explore both traditional and modern construction methods. I’m currently working with OCC Construction in Galway, where I’ve been involved in the development of 102 A2-rated residential units using Modern Methods of Construction. My experience spans from site engineering to junior project management, including a placement in Frankfurt, Germany, and a project management role in retail development. I’m driven by continuous learning and innovation, especially in sustainable construction practices.”

Watch 1 minute video to listen Roan talking about the projects he has been involved in at OCC Construction WRGP placement.

Read the corresponding extract below.

“During my time with OCC Construction as part of the WRGP placement, I’ve had the opportunity to work on a wide range of projects that have significantly enhanced my practical knowledge and technical skills. One of the primary projects I’ve been involved in is the construction of 102 A2-rated residential units at Clai Mór in Galway. This development utilizes Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), specifically light gauge steel, and has allowed me to take on responsibilities such as quantity take-offs, temporary works design, health and safety management, subcontractor coordination, and overseeing mechanical and electrical services.

In addition to this, I’ve been studying the design and development of the Modern Methods of Construction Demonstration Park. This initiative is focused on showcasing innovative, sustainable, and affordable building techniques, aligning closely with Ireland’s Housing for All strategy. It’s a forward-thinking project that aims to inspire industry-wide adoption of modern construction practices.

I also worked on a modular classroom project at Gort Community College, where we encountered challenging ground conditions and issues with water infiltration. This project required adaptability and problem-solving on-site. I was responsible for the setting up of site controls, which enabled the accurate use of total stations for quantity measurement and setting out works—an essential step in ensuring precision in such conditions.

Furthermore, I’ve been involved in two separate phased developments in Headford. The first phase, consisting of 19 units, which is currently under construction, and I’ve been engaged from the initial site setup through to the physical build. The second phase, which includes 56 units, is in the preconstruction stage. These projects have exposed me to both traditional and modern construction methods, and I’ve learned how to adapt these approaches to meet specific project requirements and deadlines. This broad exposure has given me a well-rounded understanding of the construction process from planning to execution.”

“OCC Construction were delighted to support the Construct Innovate Work Ready Graduate Programme, We are an innovative construction company, always trying to push the boundaries with MMC elements on our projects. The WRGP allowed us to teach enthusiastic engineers the practical side of the materials and methodologies they were learning part-time which ensured they developed a well rounded knowledge. This has helped them accelerate their career and progress to the forefront of our projects. ”

John O’Connell, Senior Contracts Manager at OCC Construction

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