Graduates from across Ireland and our international operations came together for professional development.

Developing future engineering leaders was the focus of Jones Engineering’s Early Careers Summit, which brought together graduates from across Ireland and our international operations for an afternoon dedicated to learning, career development and professional growth.

Hosted at the Herbert Park Hotel in Dublin and live streamed to graduates working across our overseas projects, the summit reflected Jones Engineering’s continued commitment to investing in its people and providing graduates with the skills, knowledge and support to build successful long-term careers.

Centred around the theme “Understanding Change. Building High Performance. Shaping Your Future,” the event explored how graduates can navigate an evolving world of work while developing the confidence, resilience and mindset needed to thrive in today’s engineering industry.

Learning from Leaders

Opening the summit, Stephen McCabe, CEO of Jones Engineering, welcomed attendees and spoke about the important role graduates play in the future success of the business, reinforcing the company’s long-standing commitment to developing talent from within.

The keynote address, “The Future of Work,” was delivered by journalist and entrepreneur Mark Little, who shared his insights into the changing workplace and encouraged graduates to embrace adaptability, innovation and continuous learning as they progress through their careers.

A key highlight of the afternoon was the panel discussion, “Building High Performance Careers,” which brought together leaders from engineering, business and elite sport to share their experiences of achieving success in high-performing environments.

The panel featured:

· Colm Murphy, Praesta Mentor Programme

· Ken Mooney, Director, Jones Engineering

· Andrew Conway, former Irish international rugby player and Founder of 5XFlow

· Emma Patterson, Graduate Mechanical Engineer, Jones Engineering

· Damien Cahalan, E&I Apprentice Jones Engineering and Cork Hurler

· Béibhinn Parsons, Irish International Rugby Player and Olympian

Together, they explored the importance of resilience, leadership, teamwork, continuous improvement and embracing challenges as opportunities for growth. Their diverse experiences offered graduates practical advice and valuable perspectives that extend far beyond technical expertise.

Supporting Professional Development

Alongside the speaker programme, graduates had the opportunity to visit the Graduate Expo, where they explored the many professional development opportunities available throughout their careers at Jones Engineering.

Representatives from Engineers Ireland were on hand to discuss professional membership pathways, Continuing Professional Development (CPD), the Certificate in Professional Engineering, and networking opportunities. Resources from the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland (SCSI) were also available, providing guidance for graduates pursuing careers in quantity surveying.

The summit concluded with a presentation from Carmel Walsh, Chief People Officer, who outlined the future direction of the Jones Engineering Graduate Programme and shared how the company is creating a more structured, consistent and engaging experience for graduates across the business.

Investing in the Next Generation

The Early Careers Summit represents far more than a one-day event. It forms part of Jones Engineering’s wider commitment to developing future talent through structured learning, mentoring and continuous professional development.

By bringing together industry experts, experienced leaders and graduates from across the business, the summit created an opportunity to share knowledge, build connections and inspire the next generation of engineering professionals.

As Jones Engineering continues to grow across Ireland and international markets, investing in people remains central to the company’s success. Through initiatives such as the Early Careers Summit and an evolving graduate programme, Jones Engineering is helping graduates develop the skills, confidence and leadership qualities needed to build rewarding careers while shaping the future of the engineering industry.

“At Jones Engineering, we believe our graduates are the future of our business. By bringing together experienced leaders, industry experts and our graduates, we’re building a culture where people feel connected, supported and empowered to reach their full potential.” – Carmel Walsh, Chief of People at Jones Engineering.