Quest scholarship helping NWRC students build for the future

Two students from North West Regional College (NWRC) have each secured a prestigious QUEST Technician scholarship from the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE).

Daryl McCauley from Strabane and Derek Kelly from Derry~Londonderry are both studying Foundation Degrees in Civil Engineering at NWRC, Strand Road.

The QUEST scholarships of up to £1,500 are awarded annually to students pursuing a qualification in the United Kingdom that can lead to ICE technician membership.

Having grown up in a family of engineers Daryl McCauley had aspirations to make his own mark in the profession.

However his A-Level results were not enough to secure him a place at University in his first choice Engineering Degree course.

The 23 year-old had a successful career in the Hospitality industry before returning to education at North West Regional College in 2015 to study for a Foundation Degree in Civil Engineering.

He’s now the second year of his course and also works part time as a civil engineering technician with WDR&RT Taggart.

“My ultimate ambition is to become a Chartered Civil Engineer,” said Daryl. “I am particularly interested in water engineering and management as well as structural analysis and design.

“With the aid of the scholarship I intend to develop and expand on my existing knowledge and become a better student because of it.”

27 years-old Derek, who is currently on placement at Altnagelvin Hospital was inspired to begin his course after travelling across the world.

“I’ve been to some amazing cities including Dubai, London and New York,” Derek explained.

“After seeing the buildings there I thought to myself that I’d love to be able to put something like that together.

“When I’ve graduated I’d like to work on complex engineering jobs anywhere and everywhere around the world and hopefully become chartered along the way.

“The Quest Scholarship will bring the financial burden of travel costs and other outlays associated with education down for me and enable me to focus more on developing my skills as an engineer.”

North West Regional College offers a number of courses in construction and built environment.

For more information log on to www.nwrc.ac.uk

Or join us on one of our Open Days which will be held in Strabane on Tuesday March 28 from 5.00 p.m;  Strand Road and Springtown on March 29 (12noon – 8.00pm), and Limavady and Greystone on March 30 (5.00pm – 8.00pm).