As a major infrastructure company, NIE Networks keeps the lights on for over 900,000 customers across Northern Ireland. These are some of the key skills our people demonstrate:
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Meet our people
Our people are at the heart of everything we do at NIE Networks. From managing overhead line contracts to working on site across Northern Ireland, it's our team that keeps the lights on and the country connected. Get to know the faces behind the work and find out what brought them to NIE Networks.
Team members
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“I'd encourage everyone to be openminded but choose a pathway that is tailored to your strengths. We'll all be working for a long time so it's also important to enjoy what you're doing!”
Cassie McArthur, Quantity Surveyor Higher Level Apprentice
Case Study
Cassie's Career Journey
Cassie's early work experience and willingness to explore alternatives helped her discover where her mathematical strengths could shine and led her to a rewarding career in Quantity Surveying.
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GCSEs
Cassie completed 10 GCSEs and excelled in subjects like Maths, Double Award Science, English, PE, Irish and RE.
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A-Levels
Cassie studied Maths, PE and BTEC Construction. During Sixth Form, she remained heavily involved in extra-curricular activities, playing Camogie for club, county, school and university, coaching younger players, and continuing her music.
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Next steps after school
Cassie had planned to study Architecture at university, but work experience at an architect firm changed her mind. Her careers teacher introduced her to Workplus and apprenticeships, leading her to study Quantity Surveying & Commercial Management.
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Wider student life
Cassie balances her studies with Camogie at club, county and university level, coaching younger players in the community, regular gym sessions, and playing traditional Irish music with tin whistle, drums and flute.
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Finding work
Cassie applied to several opportunities through Workplus and was interviewed for a few positions. She found the interview experience valuable and was offered a role with NIE Networks in the Programme and Performance team, which she accepted.
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Working at NIE Networks
Cassie is an apprentice with NIE Networks in the Programme and Performance team. She enjoys the varied nature of her role, from on-site work with excavation projects to office work on overhead line contracts and materials management.
Advice from Cassie
How do you know where to begin?
Advice for your education path
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Choose subjects that play to your strengths - if you're sporty and good with numbers, pick subjects that favour those abilities, as this will help you achieve highly.
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Try hands-on work experience early - it can clarify whether a career path is right for you and help you explore other avenues if it's not the right fit.
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Be open-minded about different pathways - university isn't the only route to success. Consider apprenticeships if they suit your learning style, as you can gain a degree without debt while earning.
Advice for your next steps after school
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Be open-minded about apprenticeships as well as university - they're a great way to earn while you learn, graduate debt-free, and gain real work experience from day one.
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Seek out work experience before committing to a career path - I thought I wanted architecture until a placement showed me otherwise, saving me years on the wrong path.
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Consider what type of learner you are - if you thrive in practical environments rather than libraries, an apprenticeship might suit you better than full-time study.
Suitability
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Attention to detail
Catching errors in submissions, accounts and documentation. This is vital as it forms the basis of roles like Quantity Surveying, especially when resolving disputes.
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Problem solving
Working with internal teams and external contractors to address variations in works, finding solutions that need to be solved and agreed between all parties.
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Negotiation
Reviewing work completed by contractors and addressing issues from different perspectives, implementing framework policies even when pressure might suggest taking the easier option.