I’m currently studying Civil Engineering at Ulster University and am in my third year of a four-year degree. As part of my placement with John McQuillan Contracts, I’ve spent the year working on the Gortin Road Improvements Scheme, gaining valuable experience on a large-scale civils project. I’ve developed my surveying skills using total stations, GPS and dumpy levels, while working alongside experienced engineers who have helped me build my confidence and understand the role of an engineer in practice. I’ve also gained hands-on experience in resurfacing and the processes involved. What has stood out most is how approachable and supportive everyone has been, creating a positive environment where I’ve been able to learn and develop

I’m studying Civil Engineering with Placement at Queen’s University Belfast and, after completing my third year on placement with McQuillan Companies, I’m now entering my fourth and final year. I chose McQuillan to gain practical experience in the construction industry and put what I had learned at university into practice. During my placement with McQuillan Contracts, I worked across a range of projects, using CAD drawings, GPS equipment, total stations and other surveying equipment, while also gaining experience in coal tar testing and road surveying. The biggest thing I’ve learned is how different engineering can be in practice compared to university, while developing my technical, communication and teamwork skills. The variety of work and the support from experienced colleagues made the placement a valuable experience, and I would definitely recommend it to other students.

I’m studying Chemistry at Queen’s University Belfast and, after completing my placement with McQuillan Environmental, I’m now entering Level 4 of my Master’s year. I chose McQuillan after learning about the student placement programme at a Queen’s Careers Fair and was particularly interested in chemical recovery and recycling. During my placement, I worked across the Hazardous Waste Chemist and Chemical Treatment Facility teams, gaining hands-on experience in the laboratory, treatment facility, yard and off-site operations, as well as developing skills in chemical testing, research and development and hazardous chemical transport. I also gained my ADR licence for the transportation of hazardous chemicals by road. What I enjoyed most was the variety of the role and the responsibility I was given, which made me feel like a valued member of the team. The placement has developed both my technical knowledge and my communication and teamwork skills, and I would highly recommend it to other students.

I’m studying Quantity Surveying and Commercial Management at Ulster University in Belfast and am currently completing my placement year before starting my fourth and final year in September 2026. I chose McQuillan Companies because I wanted to understand the role of a Quantity Surveyor from a main contractor’s perspective and gain practical experience of the commercial side of construction. Working within the commercial team at John McQuillan Contracts, I’ve supported Quantity Surveyors with valuations, subcontractor payments, procurement and tendering, as well as working between the office and various sites to see how projects develop. The placement has helped me connect what I’ve learned at university with real projects, while developing my communication, organisation and problem-solving skills. I’ve particularly enjoyed seeing how work completed at the pre-construction stage translates onto site during construction. Everyone has been approachable and supportive while also giving me the opportunity to take responsibility and work things out for myself. I would definitely recommend a placement with McQuillan Companies, as it has given me valuable experience and a much clearer understanding of what a career as a Quantity Surveyor involves.

I’m studying Environmental Management at Queen’s University Belfast and am currently in my second year. I chose McQuillan Companies for my placement because it’s a local, family-run business that I had grown up familiar with, with a strong connection to both construction and the environment. Working in the Compliance Department, I’ve gained experience through projects including BREEAM on the Shankill Gateway Project and the Business in the Community Charter, developing my skills in data analysis, strategic thinking and time management. Working on BREEAM has been particularly valuable as it has shown me how environmental principles are applied in a real-world construction project. I’ve also really enjoyed getting to know colleagues from across the business, and the kindness and dedication of the people here has been one of the things that has stood out most. My placement has given me valuable insight into environmental management in a real business and I would highly recommend McQuillan Companies to other students.