Building My Future
Building My Future
From uncertainty to a career to be proud of – how a leap of faith (and some concrete) helped Site Engineer Darragh McElwee build a future in construction.
Finding my path
Like many school leavers, I wasn’t entirely sure what came next after completing my Leaving Certificate. I knew I wanted a career that meant something to me - something rewarding – but I wasn’t sure what that was.
I started a Marketing degree, thinking it might be the right direction. Three weeks in, I knew it wasn’t.
Feeling lost, I reached out to my dad for help. He had returned to education to study engineering and was working as a Site Engineer at the New Children’s Hospital in Dublin. He suggested I take a temporary job on the site whilst I figured things out.
That temporary job changed everything.
Stepping into the industry
In 2020, I started working on the New Children’s Hospital site, pouring concrete and later joining the fit-out team. Every day was different, every task a chance to learn something new. The more time I spent on-site, the more I felt like I had found the place where I belonged.
Working alongside my dad for nine months gave me more than just technical experience – it gave me confidence. He taught me the value of hard work and perseverance, and it wasn’t long before I started taking on more responsibility, even stepping into supervisory roles.
I gradually grew in confidence and realised this was more than just a job – it was a career I could grow in.
My Apprenticeship and beyond
Eventually, my temporary role became permanent, but I was eager to keep progressing. That’s when Construction Director Tadgh Kelly presented an opportunity I hadn’t even considered – an apprenticeship that would allow me to earn while studying for a BSc in Civil Engineering.
I hadn’t realised a path like this existed and the thought of balancing work and study was daunting, but this opportunity was too good to turn down.
It turned out to be the perfect fit. The apprenticeship allowed me to connect classroom learning with real-world application. I loved the challenges and unpredictability of construction. Each day on site reinforced what I was studying, and each lecture gave me a deeper understanding of the work I was doing.
Growth and the Graduate Programme
In 2023, I joined BAM’s Graduate Programme. It pushed me even further – technically, professionally and personally.
I developed leadership skills, improved my communication, and most importantly, found confidence in myself that I didn’t have when I first stepped onto site five years ago.
Sharing my story used to feel intimidating – now, I see it as a way to show others what’s possible.
Considering a career in construction?
If you’re unsure where your future lies or if the traditional education route isn’t working for you, don’t be afraid to explore alternatives. There are multiple routes to achieving a degree and many ways to build a career in this industry.
The initial financial sacrifices may seem daunting, but investing in your future is worth it. If you’re passionate, curious and willing to put in the work, there’s a place for you here.
Looking ahead
Today, I’m proud to have been promoted to Site Engineer – following a path not so different from my dad’s. I’ll finish my degree in 2026 and then continue my education at ATU Sligo and work towards achieving my chartership in construction management.
This journey has taught me that success isn’t a destination. It’s a journey built on growth, learning and surrounding yourself with people who believe in you.
Thanks to the support of my family, friends and everyone at BAM, I’m not just building my future – I'm living it.
About the author
Darragh McElwee
Site Engineer
Darragh McElwee is a Site Engineer at BAM. He began his career on-site at the New Children’s Hospital in 2020, later joining BAM’s Graduate Programme in 2023. Darragh will finish his degree in 2026 and then continue his education at ATU Sligo, working towards achieving Chartership in Construction Management.
