Limavady engineer graduates through degree apprenticeship at Terex
When considering her future career options, the opportunity to combine academic study with workplace experience appealed to Limavady woman Dara
An engineer from Limavady has graduated from Ulster University after successfully completing a four-year degree apprenticeship with Terex at its Campsie facility.
Dara McGilligan, a past pupil of Limavady Grammar School, graduated with a degree in Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering after combining university study with hands-on engineering experience, building practical skills while contributing to real projects within the business.
From an early age, she had a naturally hands-on approach to learning and enjoyed understanding how things worked.
"I loved figuring out how things worked, fixing components and seeing projects through from start to finish," she explained. "Over time, that naturally developed into an interest in engineering."
When considering her future career options, the opportunity to combine academic study with workplace experience appealed to her.
"Terex stood out because of the scale and complexity of the machinery and products it designs and builds. The opportunity to study while gaining real-world experience on that level of equipment was exactly what I wanted."
Throughout the apprenticeship, she gained experience across both manufacturing and design engineering, providing valuable insights into different aspects of the business.
"Working here allowed me to split my time between manufacturing and design engineering. Experiencing both sides of the business has been invaluable. It gave me a much better understanding of how a product moves from an initial design concept to a physical machine on the shop floor."
Delivered through a partnership with Ulster University and the Department for the Economy, the degree apprenticeship combined academic learning with practical industry experience over four years.
The first year consisted of four days at university and one day at work each week, before switching to four days in the workplace and one day at university for the remaining three years.
"Being able to apply what I was learning at university directly to my work helped bring the theory to life. Staying with Terex throughout the programme also gave me the opportunity to gain experience across a number of engineering departments, which broadened my knowledge and understanding of the industry."
Looking back, one of the aspects she valued most was the responsibility and trust placed in her throughout the programme.
"Degree apprenticeships were still a relatively new pathway when I started, and Terex treated me like a full member of the team from day one. A lot was expected of me, which was challenging at times, but it pushed me to develop quickly. One of the highlights was earning the trust of my colleagues and progressing from observing projects to actively contributing to them and helping solve problems."
While her apprenticeship included a wide range of projects and experiences, she says graduating remains her proudest achievement.
"Graduating from university represents the culmination of everything I've worked towards over the last four years. Balancing the demands of a full-time role alongside a degree wasn't always easy, but completing the programme and gaining both a qualification and industry experience makes me incredibly proud."
Reflecting on her journey, she believes the experience helped her grow both professionally and personally.
"Professionally, I've developed the technical knowledge and skills needed to tackle real engineering challenges. Personally, I've become much more resilient, adaptable and confident. Balancing work and study taught me how to step outside my comfort zone and take on challenges that initially seemed daunting."
She also credits her fellow students with helping her navigate the challenges of the programme.
"My classmates were a huge influence. We were all balancing full-time work with university studies, so we understood the pressures and challenges each other faced. Having that support network made a real difference."
Bronagh McAteer, Senior HR Manager at Terex, said: "Dara's achievement is a fantastic example of the commitment and determination required to complete a degree apprenticeship. Over the past four years she has demonstrated a strong work ethic, a willingness to learn and an ability to take on increasing responsibility within the business.
"At Terex, we're committed to investing in talent and providing opportunities for people to develop rewarding careers in engineering. Degree apprenticeships offer a valuable pathway that combines academic learning with practical experience, and we're delighted to see Dara reach this important milestone."
Now working in a design engineering role, Dara is looking forward to the next stage of her career with Terex.
"My immediate goal is to continue developing my skills and gaining as much hands-on experience as possible. Graduating means I am now a qualified engineer with four years of industry experience behind me, and I'm excited to continue building my career."
For anyone considering an apprenticeship, particularly young women interested in engineering, she has a simple message.
"If it's something you're interested in, go for it. It's an incredible opportunity to gain work experience, earn a degree and build a career at the same time. It can be challenging, but the rewards are worth it. I'd especially encourage more young women to consider engineering. There are so many opportunities in the industry and nobody should feel put off by outdated stereotypes."
Terex, a global manufacturing company which employs people across multiple locations in Northern Ireland including Lurgan, Dungannon, Cookstown, Omagh, Ballymoney and Campsie, continues to invest in apprenticeship and early-careers programmes that provide the opportunity to gain industry experience while studying towards recognised qualifications. For more information, please visit www.terex.com