Derry women making waves in civil engineering

Three Derry women are among three students from North West Regional College to have been successful in earning a prestigious QUEST Technician scholarship from the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE).

Glynis Gallagher, Sinead Mullan and Chanelle McCook, who are all studying Foundation Degrees in Civil Engineering at NWRC, are part of a growing trend of females pursuing careers in what has been commonly referred to as a male dominated industry.

Two of the students are single mothers and have just recently returned to education.

Derry woman Glynis Gallagher returned to education at the age of 41. Inspired by the construction of the Peace Bridge and development of Ebrington Square in her home city,

Glynis decided that she wanted to be part of something rewarding.

She said: “Not only was the Bridge good for infrastructure, but also for the social structure as it integrated people from both sides of the city and contributed economically. “I have always worked hard as a provider, but I have always felt that I have never reached my full potential,” she said. “I feel like I will accomplish this on my course and as a civil engineer.”

Sinead (34), from Dungiven, said she had an interest in engineering since childhood.

“As a single parent of two sons, I have worked very hard in jobs which allowed me to put food on the table and which were a necessity rather than a profession of choice.

“However, while satisfying on a personal level, my previous jobs did not challenge me intellectually. Engineers make a difference, this is what fascinates me.”

Chanelle McCook, from Coleraine, ‘fell in love’ with civil engineering after completing work experience for her uncle, a structural engineer.

She said she decided to leave her grammar school to enrol at North West Regional College, which has a reputable construction and engineering programme.

“There were many challenges, particularly being the only female student in my class. Yet through these experiences, I have realised that an ability to handle change and a determination to succeed are fundamentally the core values which will stabilise my pathway to structural engineering.”

She added: “I believe strongly in equality and that I can, as a woman, make a positive contribution to a career which I love and respect.”