About the Programme
The Work Ready Graduate Programme is a year-long programme which matches recently qualified graduates (Level 8 degree or equivalent in disciplines relevant to the construction and built environment sector) with our industry members, while also providing training, mentorship and support to the graduates through Construct Innovate.
“There’s a lot of value, a huge value in knowledge and experience coming from people who’ve worked in the industry for a long time, but the construction industry is also always evolving, and innovation is happening on a daily basis. You need to trust in your knowledge and your abilities, and challenge the norms.”
Learn more about Sawsan’s background, her experience with the Work Ready Graduate Programme, and details of two projects she has been working on at Scott Tallon Walker Architects.
“Scott Tallon Walker Architects had supported Construct Innovate from the very beginning of its existence in 2022, and as we already had an awareness of the Work Ready Graduate Programme, last year, when the opportunity came to engage with the graduate placement, we were happy to have a look at the list of applicants. We took our first WRGP participant in September 2024.
For us, it meant that we had somebody in the office who had a particular focus on the sustainability aspects of projects, both from, the practical and compliance side, but also from a theoretical level, and with a strong analytical, and ethical approach, which really kind of energised everybody here, in the Scott Tallon Walker Architects team in Galway. And, in fact, we had a whole new look at how we were doing projects in question. So that was the most helpful.”
Paul Mannion, Associate at Scott Tallon Walker Architects
“Take the time to explore different areas of the industry to discover what truly interests you. The construction field is changing fast, especially with the shift toward greener, more efficient building practices, and there’s never been a better time to get involved.”
Learn more about Sombi’s background, his experience with the Work Ready Graduate Programme, and details of D/RES Properities projects he has been working on.
“D/RES Properties has had an ongoing relationship with Construct Innovate since roughly 2023 when we attended the first AIMday event in Galway, which opened new doors of engagement between industry and academia. Closer ties were forged with Construct Innovate with our inclusion on technical adoption workgroups, followed in 2024 with two separate Construct Innovate Seed Funding grants into mass engineered timber construction.
When we were approached with an opportunity to assist with graduate placement via the Work Ready Graduate Progamme, it seemed a logical extension of our relationship with Construct Innovate. Almost one year on from taking on Sombi Stephen as a graduate in D/RES’ offices, it was clear he would be a good fit with his thirst for knowledge, his desire to make a difference, and a background in architecture and WLCA which has added to our in-house body of knowledge.
We believe that Sombi in turn has gained valuable insight and mentorship from D/RES with respect to his Post Graduate Diploma in Construction & Innovation and will thrive in his role as Sustainable Design Assistant once he resumes full employment with D/RES at the conclusion of his studies.”
Brett Chrystal, Head of Sustainable Design D/RES Properties
“I’d like to emphasize this: don’t be discouraged if your academic background isn’t directly related to construction. You will learn. You will adapt. The construction sector is evolving rapidly, and there’s a real demand for people with skills in AI, data science, and emerging technologies. It’s a rewarding space to grow in—and this programme is the perfect starting point.”
Learn more about Baran’s background, her experience with the Work Ready Graduate Programme, and details of projects she has been working on at KOSMOS company.
“This experience has been instrumental in translating theory into practice. While my academic background gave me a solid foundation in engineering principles, working at OCC Construction has allowed me to apply those concepts in real-time. I’ve also gained valuable insights into stakeholder communication, scheduling, and quality control. It’s helped me understand the pace, complexity, and collaborative nature of the construction industry, which you can’t fully grasp in a classroom.”
Learn more about Roan’s background, his experience with the Work Ready Graduate Programme, and details of projects he has been working on at OCC Construction.
“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
Work Ready Graduate Programme
About the Programme
The Work Ready Graduate Programme is run by Construct Innovate, funded by Enterprise Ireland commencing in September. The year-long programme matches recently qualified graduates (Level 8 degree or equivalent in disciplines relevant to the construction and built environment sector) with our industry members, while also providing training, mentorship and support to the graduates through Construct Innovate.
How long is the Placement
The Graduate must complete a 12-month work Placement in industry in addition to completing a Post Graduate Diploma in Construction Innovation. The programme runs from September to August.
Assignment of tasks
Whilst the Host Organisation may offer some flexibility to the graduate in carrying out their studies, the graduate is expected to adhere to a standard working week, following the company’s regular working hours. It is the responsibility of the Host Organisation to assign tasks to the graduate during this time in line with their business needs and as appropriate with the graduate’s level of experience.
Training and Mentorship
In addition to assigning work tasks to the graduate, it is expected that the Host Organisation will provide appropriate training and mentorship throughout the work placement to the Graduate.
The Host Organisation is expected to assign a suitable staff member to be the Graduate’s mentor during the Secondment. This mentor will stay in regular contact with the Graduate and
make sure they get the right training and work experience throughout the placement. The mentor should also be available to meet with Construct Innovate as required.
The Graduate will, at the same time as doing the work placement, undertake the Postgraduate Diploma in Construction Innovation and the Host Company is expected to provide some flexibility, in discussion with the graduate, to give them time to complete coursework, projects and study when required.
Employment
The Graduate will be employed by the University on a fixed-term, 12 month, contract of employment for the duration of their placement and will be seconded to the Host Organisation for this period.
The Graduate must work full-time within the organisation for the entirety of the programme, 5 days per week from the first day of the programme.
Secondment agreement
Once the Host Company has confirmed their participation in the Work Ready Graduate Programme, they will receive a secondment agreement. This agreement, which must be signed by the Company, the University and the Graduate, outlines the responsibilities and obligations of all parties.
Programme Costs and Graduate Salary
The structure of the Work Ready Graduate Programme allows for part funding of the cost of the programme by Construct Innovate and part funding by the Host Organisation. Programme costs include the salary of the graduate (including employer PRSI, employer pension contributions); mentorship; laptop; fees for Postgraduate Diploma in Construction Innovation; and programme management costs.
The portion of the funding to be covered by the Host Organisation depends on the Organisation type and size. For SME’s who are Clients of Enterprise Ireland (programme funder), the requirement is to contribute 30% of the overall programme costs. For Multinational organisations and/or IDA clients, the requirement is to contribute 50% of the programme costs.
The programme cost contribution required by the Host Organisation can therefore range between TBC. Exact costs will be outlined in the Secondment Agreement once an agreement has been reached between the organisation, the Graduate and Construct Innovate to proceed with a placement. The required cost contribution of the programme will be invoiced by Construct Innovate to the Host Organisation in 3 parts over the course of the year; September, March and August.
Of this programme cost, the Graduate’s salary for the 12-month placement will be € TBC and is paid monthly by the University to the graduate.
Contact Details
If you have any further queries, contact:
Maura Fleming – Work Ready Graduate Programme Officer
