At Tusker Construction Group, we believe in supporting and celebrating the people behind the progress. Our apprentice series shines a light on those forging their careers with us, combining education and hands-on experience to build a better future—starting with their own.

This week, we’re proud to introduce Nicola Hughes, who is currently completing Phase 1 of her Civil Engineering Apprenticeship.

From Agri to Engineering: Nicola’s Journey

Nicola, 24, hails from Scotshouse, Co. Monaghan. After finishing her Leaving Cert in 2019 at Largy College, Clones, she studied agriculture in Ballyhaise Agricultural College and earned her Green Cert in 2021.

What was intended to be a year away from study soon changed her career direction:

“I decided to work in construction to earn a bit of money—and I really enjoyed the work,” Nicola explains. After trying various roles over the years, construction kept calling her back. In May 2023, she joined Tusker full-time and hasn’t looked back since.

From Ground Work to Career Growth

Before starting her apprenticeship, Nicola worked as a groundworker—pouring concrete, operating site plant, assisting with paperwork, tying steel, and forming and installing shuttering.

“It gave me a real foundation in the work, and a strong understanding of what happens on-site day to day.”

She is currently based in Ballyragget, Kilkenny, working on the Apex Phase 2 NIRO 3 upgrade in Tirlan, gaining hands-on experience on a live project since she began the apprenticeship in September 2023.

Taking the Leap into Apprenticeship

Despite being out of formal education for a few years, Nicola found the apprenticeship programme herself online.

“I emailed the college, had a phone call with the course coordinator, and met with Tusker’s contracts manager. The process was straightforward and very supportive.”

She’s now in Semester 2 of Year 1 of the three-year programme, which blends on-site work with academic learning.

What Life Looks Like Now

Nicola works on site four days a week from 7am to 5pm, attends online lectures one day a week, and college labs every third Friday.

“I try to study three evenings a week. If I can’t, I catch up at weekends—it’s all about balance and time management.”

She credits her mentor and colleagues at Tusker for helping her stay on track:

“My mentor is extremely understanding and helpful. I get great support from the whole team.”

The Benefits of Apprenticeship

“Earning while you learn is huge—no college debt. And you get to learn from experienced people who really take the time to teach you.”

Nicola says the variation on site and the real-life learning opportunities make this programme stand out.

“Every day is different. You’re not just watching—you’re involved. It’s challenging, but so rewarding.”

Making Her Mark in Construction

As a woman in a male-dominated industry, Nicola is proud of how far she’s come.

“It can be tough—your abilities are doubted, and some people don’t expect you to be on site. But Tusker supported me from day one. They made me feel part of the team, built my confidence, and encouraged me to go for this apprenticeship.”

Nicola’s journey is proof that there’s a place for women in construction—and it’s not on the sidelines. The industry is changing, and companies like Tusker are leading the way by creating inclusive, supportive environments where women can thrive. If you’ve ever considered a hands-on, challenging and rewarding career, now is the time to explore apprenticeships in construction. There’s space for your skills, your ambition, and your perspective. Just like Nicola, you might find that the job site is exactly where you’re meant to be.  

From agriculture to civil engineering, Nicola’s journey is a powerful reminder that the right path isn’t always the first one you take.