From Sports to Rail Engineering: A Belfast Man's Inspiring Career Shift

A Change in Direction

Starting out on one pathway doesn’t mean you have to continue if you want to change. For Caolam Donnelly, a change in family circumstances motivated a shift in direction and a focus on career progression.

Finding a New Path

Caolam, 20 and from Belfast, had completed a sports qualification after his GCSEs but decided to change direction. Following the birth of his daughter, Cleígha, who is now two years old, he was eager to pursue steady employment and opportunities for progression.

Joining On Track Technicians

Caolam said: “I knew someone who had worked for On Track Technicians (OTT), and I had heard good reports about them as an employer. So I applied and successfully secured a Level 2 Rail Engineering Apprenticeship with them and am completing the qualification with South Eastern Regional College (SERC). OTT has been great in supporting me with a work-life balance.”

Supportive Learning Environment

He continued: “The tutors for the apprenticeship are great as they have years of railway engineering experience, so they are very knowledgeable. We are in SERC’s Downpatrick Campus for one whole week each month, which is a bit different from other apprenticeships where you would be in one day each week. I prefer being in for the full week, as we focus on a whole unit of theory from Monday to Thursday and then Friday is for catching up on anything you missed or need to go over, with additional support if you need it.”

Reflecting on His Journey

Reflecting on his change of career path, Caolam said, “I am still into my sports and I don’t regret changing pathway. I think all students should hear more about different pathways they can take so they can make informed decisions when it comes to progression.”

Upcoming Opportunities

SERC is hosting four Information and Apprenticeships - Have a Go Sessions over two evenings during NI Apprenticeship Week, 4.30–7pm on Tuesday, 4 February (Bangor and Newtownards Campuses) and Thursday, 6 February (Downpatrick and Lisburn Campuses). Visit www.serc.ac.uk for more details.