Eoin Sands – CAFRE Alumni
Eoin Sands graduated with a Level 3 in Advanced Technical Extended Diploma in Land-based Engineering in 2020. A past pupil of St Joseph’s in Newry, Eoin applied to Greenmount Campus, Antrim to specialise his education in engineering after he completed his GCSEs.
On thinking back about his Land-based Engineering course, Eoin said
“The course covered a wide variety of practical skills, but also gave a good range of theoretical skills. In my work as a Service Engineer I am applying my knowledge and skills every day. Through the course we also were trained to interpret schematics for both hydraulic and electrical systems.
My job
I now employed by Pat O’Donnell and Company, a business whose headquarters are in Dublin. In my job I service, maintain, and carry out warranty work on a wide range of machinery. Our business works with many machine types, the main brand is Volvo Construction. I regularly work on diggers, dumpers, shovels and tar spreaders. We also work on machines that use Volvo Penta engines, including standalone engines, crushers, generators and marine. With my background I often find myself working on Volvo shovels and diggers used in the agriculture sector.
Given the nature and variety of work there is always something to service. Our days are normally well planned, and I have access to a company van to travel to jobs directly from home. Although our headquarters are in Dublin, I am based in Portadown and typically travel all over Northern Ireland and the bordering counties. I enjoy my work and travel. I get to meet a lot of new people and no two days are ever the same.
Studying at Greenmount Campus
Studying at CAFRE was balanced with fun. Our teaching staff were enthusiastic and passionate about the course. They organised lots of industrial visits which helped us understand the theory from class and see how new machinery functions.
Moving away from home at sixteen to study at Greenmount Campus provided me with the opportunity to develop independence. Living on campus allows you to experience student life, join clubs and societies, and you get to meet people and develop new friendships. I would highly recommend it.
Upon completing the Advanced Technical Extended Diploma in Land-based Engineering I progressed on to study for a Foundation Degree in Agriculture and Technology at CAFRE. This enabled me to expand my knowledge of the agriculture sector and develop a better understanding of the technological challenges it faces.
From taking up employment with Pat O’Donnell I have completed Volvo specific training and numerous general training courses. The business encourages staff training and development. I look forward to getting involved in further development opportunities as my career develops within the company.
My advice to someone interested in working within the industry is to work hard at your studies, take further education opportunities if they arise. When you do secure employment show energy and an interest in your work and personal development and job satisfaction will come your way”.
For information on Land-based Engineering courses follow this link.