60th ERNE HEAD OF THE RIVER, This weekend 4th March 2017

Enniskillen Royal Grammar School

8 hours ago

Jack Kennedy
Class of 2020

Subjects studied at A’ Level: Maths, Geography, Technology & Design, and BTEC Engineering (South West College)

Post School Pathway: MEng Civil Engineering, Newcastle University, including an industrial placement year with GRAHAM Construction

Current Role: Graduate Civil Engineer, GRAHAM Construction

After leaving ERGS in 2020, I moved to Newcastle to study Civil Engineering at Newcastle University. During my degree, I completed a placement year with GRAHAM Construction, where I had the opportunity to work on the Leith Outer Berth project in Scotland. The £50 million project forms part of Scotland’s largest renewable energy hub, supporting the development of offshore wind energy. It was my first experience of working on a project of that scale and gave me a real appreciation for the role civil engineers play in delivering major infrastructure projects.

Following my placement year, I returned to Newcastle to complete my degree before going on to study for a Master’s in Civil Engineering. The combination of university life and practical experience helped confirm that engineering was the career path I wanted to follow.

University wasn’t all lectures and assignments, though. I was a member of Newcastle University Boat Club and had the privilege of competing at the Henley Royal Regatta, which was undoubtedly one of the highlights of my time there. After rowing, I took up rugby again during the 2023/24 season, having also played throughout my time at school. Balancing sport alongside school and university taught me a lot about managing my time and making the most of the opportunities available. More recently, I have developed a passion for endurance sport and, in 2025, completed Ironman Copenhagen, as well as taking part in several other Ironman events.

After graduating, I returned to GRAHAM Construction as a Graduate Civil Engineer and am currently based in Dundee, working on another offshore wind project. It’s been great to return to a company that played such an important role in my development during my placement year and to continue building my career in an industry that is contributing to the future of renewable energy.

Looking back, my time at both Portora Royal School and ERGS helped shape the person I am today. The support and encouragement I received from teachers gave me the confidence to pursue opportunities both inside and outside the classroom. Whether it was through academics, sport or extracurricular activities, school taught me the importance of working hard, getting involved and being willing to step outside my comfort zone.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned since leaving school, it’s that you don’t have to have everything figured out straight away. Being open to new experiences has led me to opportunities I never would have imagined when I was sitting in the classrooms at Portora and ERGS. From moving away from home and competing at Henley to completing an Ironman and working on major engineering projects, it’s been an exciting journey so far, and I’m looking forward to seeing where it takes me next. ... See MoreSee Less