Ewan Murray, a former pupil of St Ronan’s College in Lurgan, has graduated from Ulster University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering after completing a four-year degree apprenticeship with manufacturing company Terex.

The programme was delivered through a partnership between Manufacturing and Engineering Growth and Advancement (MEGA), Ulster University, and the Department for the Economy. It allowed Mr Murray to combine academic study with hands-on work experience, earning a wage and avoiding student loan debt.

Mr Murray said a careers adviser at St Ronan’s encouraged him to apply after he expressed doubts about following a traditional university route. He described the apprenticeship as a way to start work immediately while pursuing a degree.

In the first year, he spent four days each week at university and one day with Terex. For the remaining three years, the pattern reversed, with most of his time dedicated to gaining practical experience at the company.

Outside work and study, Mr Murray competed in judo at international level, representing Ulster University at the European University Combat Championships in Poland last year.

He said the apprenticeship helped build his confidence and resilience, and noted that balancing deadlines, work, sport, and a social life was challenging. The experience taught him to advocate for himself and share his successes, he added.

Matthew White, Manufacturing Engineering Manager at Terex, said Mr Murray developed significantly in technical knowledge and confidence over the four years. He stated that degree apprenticeships provide a valuable route into engineering by combining academic learning with real-world experience.

Terex operates in several locations across Northern Ireland, including Lurgan, Dungannon, Cookstown, Omagh, Ballymoney, and Campsie, and continues to invest in early-career programmes. Mr Murray, now employed as a manufacturing engineer at Terex, said he intends to continue learning and contributing to the team.