Go Beyond Learning: Conor Hanlon Houlihan's Journey from TU Dublin to Jones Engineering
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On Thursday, 20 March, TU Dublin celebrated the 2025 Jones Engineering Awards with an event at the Grangegorman Campus. The ceremony was attended by Jones Engineering CEO Stephen McCabe, TU Dublin President Dr Deirdre Lillis, along with staff from TU Dublin, Jones Engineering and students.
The Jones Engineering Awards recognised seven outstanding students from various faculties and disciplines at TU Dublin:
- Jack McKenna, BEng Electrical Services Engineering
- Adam Mooney, BEng Mechanical Engineering
- Adam Davey, BEng Mechanical Engineering
- Aoife Smith, BSc Quantity Surveying and Construction Economics
- Rosa Downey, BMus Music
- Caitlin Connolly, BA Drama (Performance)
- Cian Whelan, BA Drama (Performance)
TU Dublin takes immense pride in partnering with Jones Engineering on these awards, which support talent from a diverse range of disciplines, fostering innovation and inspiring students. Jill O‘Lone from the TU Dublin Foundation highlighted the significance of these awards, stating,
The Jones Engineering Awards provide incredible support for our students, empowering them to focus on their studies without the worry of financial pressures, allowing them to fully engage in university life, and providing them with invaluable industry connections
Stephen McCabe, CEO of Jones Engineering, emphasised the importance of this collaboration, saying,
Our collaboration with TU Dublin is integral to our mission. We want to incentivise students to strive for academic success and provide tangible support to assist them. Increasing access to STEM education is a key priority for us, and we are proud to contribute to the development of future industry leaders
A special highlight of the event was the return of Conor Hanlon Houlihan, a former award recipient and current Graduate Electronic Engineer at Jones Engineering. Conor shared his personal journey and how the awards programme has significantly contributed to his professional growth and advancement in the field of engineering.
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Reflecting on his education at TU Dublin, Conor said,
I’ve always been interested in the electrical element of how buildings and electrical systems work, and the course at TU Dublin offered a wide range of interesting modules that really captured my attention. Additionally, the School of Electrical Engineering has an amazing track record in the field of electrical engineering, especially from the legacy of the late Kevin Street campus in Dublin city centre, which is known for producing skilled professionals in the industry
Conor started with a Level 7 degree in Electrical Services Engineering, which provided a strong foundation. He then progressed to a Level 8 honours degree, exploring energy management, a crucial aspect in providing energy-efficient solutions for buildings and electrical systems worldwide. This pathway helped him win the Jones Engineering Student Award in 2024 and achieve a First Class Honours. He credits TU Dublin’s support, especially the career guidance from knowledgeable staff, for his success and progression. Conor added:
The hands-on lab work was essential in bridging the gap between theory and real-world applications. It helped me develop problem-solving skills and a deeper understanding of how electrical systems function in real-world environments, which has been invaluable in my career
Conor also expressed gratitude for the internship opportunity with Jones Engineering, which was made possible through TU Dublin's strong links with the company. This experience provided him with invaluable real-world exposure. Conor concluded,
The knowledge I gained in energy management helped me build the foundations to understand the ever-evolving field of smart buildings. Additionally, the course provided me with a solid understanding of electrical services, from basic electrical engineering principles to the complex design of electrical systems. I also developed key project management skills, which are essential for overseeing engineering projects from start to finish. Furthermore, teamwork and communication skills were emphasised throughout the course, which are crucial for effective collaboration in this industry
TU Dublin offers various Level pathways in Engineering and the Built Environment, providing students with a robust foundation in their chosen fields. Prospective students are encouraged to attend the university's open days to explore these opportunities and learn more about the diverse programs available.
TU Dublin is incredibly grateful to Jones Engineering for their dedication to the success and development of our students. The Jones Engineering Awards continue to inspire and support the next generation of industry leaders.