Briana being presented with the O’Callaghan Entrepreneurship Cup by the Director of Creagh Concrete Products Ltd, Mr Willy Doherty, during the College’s Commencement Ceremony.
Briana's placement involved working within the department managing the Quality and Environmental Systems, which required her to develop an understanding of the importance of gaining and maintaining third-party accreditations and introduce new procedures and processes for the overall improvement of the operations within the Creagh product portfolio. The required knowledge base is immense as Creagh hold the following accreditations:
- ISO 9001: Quality
- ISO 14001: Environmental
- OHSAS 18001: Health & Safety
- BES 6001: Responsible Sourcing of Building Materials
- CHAS: Health & Safety
- Achilles: Building Confidence
- QSRMC: Quality Scheme for Ready Mix Concrete
- UKAS approved laboratories certification
Over the period of placement Briana gained knowledge of the copious legislation that is applicable to concrete products, from health and safety and environmental perspective, pertaining to the manufacturing, delivery and installation of products on-site. Briana was aware of the various tasks performed by the company and was confident enough to approach personnel on-site contributing to the checking procedures confirming compliance with regulations particular to a variety of supply contracts.
Maria Canning, Manager of Quality and Environmental Systems commented,
"Well, from day one, Briana showed great enthusiasm about the world of precast concrete–was able to see and understand the various procedures that are carried out here on a daily basis. Briana asked ALL the right questions, and believe me, there were plenty of questions! Briana seemed to retain the information and use it in the right context and was able to impress not just her co-workers. Her work was also very much noticed by our directors and senior managers.
Throughout the period of placement Briana gained a vast knowledge of the manufacturing of precast concrete products in all forms and how vitally important it is to have a management system to design, manufacture and install a high-quality product safely. The systems put in place must also be sustainable and set out to exceed expectations of the client.
At the end of her first period of placement Briana was contacted by one of the Directors who offered the opportunity of taking up part-time summer work with the company. This part-time employment continued whilst completing her final year studies at St Mary’s University College. With a well-balanced work schedule agreed, Briana was able to gather more experience along with the opportunity to secure a range of IOS quality awards. A further period of placement was agreed in Briana’s final year of study and due to her familiarity with Creagh the opportunity of becoming involved in tasks with added responsibility was welcomed. The specialism areas of environmental quality control and health and safety had now become a career option for Briana.
After graduating with a 2.1 degree classification in 2013, Briana was successful in achieving full-time employment with Creagh and she continues, sponsored by Creagh, to gain further qualifications in the area of environmental safety within the Quality and Environmental Systems Section of the company.
Briana commented:
"Having managed to fit in at Creagh Products Ltd was a task in itself, and I am ever grateful for the support I was given at so many levels. I just had to take all in my stride and found myself growing in confidence as the weeks of placement progressed. Managing to co-operate with factory personnel at all levels, and for all parties to accept me, was a great challenge. I felt a great sense of achievement when things worked out and the last tick went into the final box of what seemed to be a never-ending flow of supporting forms and documentation. That final sign-off indicated a job had been completed to the expected standard leaving me with a great sense of satisfaction."
In June 2015 Briana was appointed as Health & Safety Officer at MDF Engineering (Pty) Ltd., Antrim. MDF Engineering is part of the Retlan Manufacturing group, which includes SDC Trailers and has a turnover of over £100 million.
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