MRP are thrilled for our Project Manager, Ryan Mc Call winning HLA of the Year at the Northern Ireland Apprenticeship Awards organised by the Department for Economy NI. Ryan has successfully completed his master’s degree in Construction and Project Management at Queen’s University Belfast.
The Department for Economy Awards take place annually to recognise and celebrate the excellence in apprenticeship programs and celebrate the success of the participants, their employees, mentors and training providers. The awards ceremony took place in Belfast City Hall on Wednesday 26th March 2025.
Remarking on his fantastic achievement, Ryan said,
“I am absolutely thrilled to win Higher Level Apprentice of the Year! I have put in a tremendous deal of work over the past two years and it’s great to be recognised. I made the decision to return to education to further enhance my skills and knowledge for that next step in my career. Higher Level Apprenticeships offer an incredible avenue to gain knowledge, develop skills, and get ready to take that next step in the industry you work in. I would highly recommend this path to anyone looking to enhance their expertise and progress in their field.”
Ryan began his master’s degree in Construction and Project Management at Queen’s University Belfast which was initially a three-year course part time. After completing the first two years part time, Ryan decided to switch to full-time study for the remaining months of his dissertation, alongside working full-time. Successfully finishing a challenging academic program in a shorter time frame speaks volumes about his commitment and ability to manage his time effectively.
Tara Brooks, Senior Lecturer at Queen’s University Belfast, commented:
“Ryan has been an exemplary student, juggling work, family and university commitments, always giving his best. He has also been generous with his time, willing to share his industry knowledge with fellow students during group work projects, many of whom don’t come from the UK. Ryan has been able to put the findings from his distinction-level dissertation looking at the complex issues of cladding remediation into practice in MRP. He is a deserving winner of this award, I’m so pleased that all of this hard work and dedication has been recognised in this way.”
Contracts Manager, Brendan Conway, at MRP said,
“Ryan’s positivity, pragmatism, commitment and his ‘can do’ attitude have been attributes that he has demonstrated within his time in MRP, and it is clear he has applied these all to his recent studies. Whilst juggling his busy work and family life, he has created the right balance, which has enabled him to excel and further his education in Construction Management at Queen’s University Belfast. This award is recognition of his efforts and the sacrifices that he has made in the last few years, and we at MRP are delighted to have been able to support Ryan’s ambition. MRP acknowledge the important role that the High-Level Apprenticeships can play for both the individual and our company, and we are committed to supporting our staff to reaching their potential.”
MRP are passionate about all apprenticeship routes within the company. The advanced HLA programs provide team members with the opportunity to broaden their expertise while continuing to work and learn on the job. MRP are committed to helping and encouraging our team members grow in their careers whilst continuing to develop a highly skilled workforce, contributing to the long-term success and sustainability of the business.
MRP values skill development, personal growth, and the importance of having a strong support system in place for learning and striving toward success.
MRP are continuing to work with the local universities to find career paths for their graduates.
