For STEPS Engineer’s Week this year, we welcomed students from Mercy Secondary School, Inchicore to Dundrum Town Centre for a full‑circle moment marking both the week and the centre’s 21st anniversary. During their visit, Facades Manager Emer Brennan spoke to the students about her career journey.
"My name is Emer Brennan and I am a Facades Manager at Sisk. I have 15 years’ experience in engineering and have been with Sisk for the past seven.
"At this time of year, many Leaving Cert students are mulling over CAO points, university choices, and all the permutations that come with them. It can feel like everything depends on one decision, but the truth is there are plenty of opportunities and entry routes into the construction sector.
"I grew up in what you could call a ‘maths family’ so numbers were always an interest of mine, but I also knew early on that sitting in an office all day wasn’t for me. I liked being hands on and seeing things take shape in the real world. One of the first big decisions I made was repeating fifth year in secondary school, I also decided that I wanted to take Applied Maths, an idea I had to pitch to my parents, but I was adamant on. Those choices were a turning point for me. I wasn’t the most driven teenager, but repeating the year and taking on the extra subject helped me realign and set my focus towards engineering."
"From there, I went on to study engineering at Queen’s University Belfast, where I made great friends and had the time of my life. University opened my eyes to the possibilities of engineering. After graduating, I started out as a site engineer, moved into a senior engineer role, and eventually transitioned into building façade management. During this time, I spotted a niche and demand in this area and decided that I wanted to go down this route into a bespoke specialised field of engineering.
"Across the Sisk Group, we have more than 3,000 people, yet only a handful specialise in this space. I wanted to carve out my own niche and become a specialist in all aspects of building envelopes and facades. Today, my role is incredibly varied. I provide technical support, answer complex queries, and ensure accuracy in the testing and performance of building façades. No two days are the same, and that’s exactly what I love about it.
"If I were to give any advice to young people considering engineering as a career, I would say don’t be afraid to ask people what they do, there are so many roles in construction and engineering, so be sure to research and ask questions!"
If you’re considering a career in construction or engineering, explore some of the opportunities available here: https://sisk.com/careers