Recently, I completed my six-week work placement at Tracey Concrete, and it has been an incredibly positive, inspiring, and rewarding experience that I will carry with me into the future. As part of my Liberal Arts degree at St Mary’s University College Belfast, this placement gave me the opportunity to step into a professional environment, apply my skills in a real-world setting, and continue developing both personally and professionally.
From the moment I started, I was welcomed into a supportive, friendly, and fast-paced workplace where I quickly felt part of the team. Although Tracey Concrete is a large and highly successful company, what stood out most to me was its strong ethos and values. As a family-run business, there is a real sense of community, respect, and pride in the work that everyone does. This environment encouraged me to keep learning every day, reinforcing the idea of lifelong learning beyond the classroom.
Inspiring & Rewarding
I worked mainly within reception, which gave me a central role in the day-to-day running of the office. This allowed me to interact with a wide range of people and be involved in many different aspects of the business. I became confident using company systems, pricing lists, and internal information to answer customer queries, and I really enjoyed becoming more independent in this role. Each day built on the last, and I could clearly see my progress, which made me take real pride in my work.
A key part of my experience was developing strong people skills. I communicated daily with customers, lorry drivers, delivery drivers, factory staff, apprentices, and office colleagues, and this helped me become more confident, adaptable, and professional in how I interact with others. Building relationships with regular drivers and staff members made the experience even more enjoyable and helped me feel like a valued member of the team.
Working in such a busy environment also encouraged me to think outside the box and approach situations with a positive and flexible mindset. Whether handling customer queries, assisting with dispatch, or working with accounts, I learned how to respond efficiently and find practical solutions. This helped strengthen my confidence in decision-making and showed me the importance of being proactive and adaptable in the workplace.
Fulfilling & Motivating
One of the most meaningful aspects of my placement was being a woman in the construction industry. From day one, I felt completely valued, respected, and included. I was trusted with responsibility and encouraged to contribute, which allowed me to grow in confidence and take pride in everything I was doing. It was empowering to be part of such a welcoming and supportive environment.
Another highlight of my experience was seeing how closely connected Tracey Concrete is to its local community. The company takes great pride in supporting local charities and giving back in meaningful ways, which really reflects its strong values. It is also actively involved with local sporting clubs and is the longest-standing sponsor of Fermanagh GAA, highlighting a deep commitment to community spirit and local pride. This level of involvement was incredibly inspiring to see and added even more value to my overall experience.
This experience has truly highlighted the importance of Work Related Learning within the Liberal Arts degree. It bridges the gap between academic study and the professional world, allowing students to apply their knowledge in meaningful ways. It has made my degree feel even more valuable and has given me a clearer understanding of the opportunities available to me in the future.
Overall, my time at Tracey Concrete was extremely enjoyable, fulfilling, and motivating. I have grown in confidence, developed valuable skills, and gained real insight into the working world. Most importantly, it has encouraged me to continue learning, developing my people skills, and thinking creatively as I move forward in my degree and future career.
