Kolade Abiodun grew up in Ballyfermot, Dublin and always had a passion for maths. \u201cIn school I was definitely a problem solver and critical thinker- I enjoyed finding solutions\u201d he notes. This interest was noticed by a teacher who encouraged him to consider studying engineering.<\/p>\n
He started a general-entry engineering course at TU Dublin in 2020 amidst the Covid-19 pandemic and was soon drawn to the mechanical field. After graduating as a mechanical engineer in 2024, Mercury\u2019s graduate programme was \u201ca natural next step.\u201d During his time at TU Dublin, Kolade had met former students of his course who went on to complete the graduate programme and recommended it. \u201cI also spoke with some of the Mercury team at a recruitment day the college held.\u201d<\/p>\n
Kolade started the programme in September 2024 and found himself \u201clearning more than ever.\u201d The experience was, he says, \u201cvery well structured.\u201d \u201cI enjoyed the training weeks every six months where all the graduates from across Europe came together. We learned about Mercury and trends in the construction industry, but also a lot of helpful professional skills.\u201d Graduates attend workshops on key skills like leadership and communication from Mercury experts and external professional-development trainers. \u201cOur coordinator Becky Caulfield and the team at the Irish Management Institute were really supportive and helpful throughout too.\u201d<\/p>\n
Kolade started as a Quality Engineer on a large-scale Life Sciences project outside Dublin. \u201cIt was a really hands on experience and the team supported me from day one.\u201d \u201cI learned the value of quality really fast, particularly in Life Sciences facilities which will produce critical medicines.\u201d His role involved testing packs and reviewing any quality snags that appeared.<\/p>\n
After a year on this project, Kolade began working with a new team, developing Standard Operating Procedures to be implemented on all of Mercury\u2019s Life Sciences projects. \u201cWe took our learnings from the previous project and other work Mercury had done into account. These SOPs will help our Life Sciences projects be built to world-class standards for clients\u201d he notes.<\/p>\n
In recent months, Kolade has worked on projects being built across Europe. He has reviewed packs for a soon to be completed Life Sciences facility in Denmark. \u201cWe ensure that all materials used are correct and necessary certifications are in place. We developed a folder of proof to show the client that all quality standards have been met.\u201d He\u2019s \u201clooking forward to the challenge\u201d of working with a new team as Mercury is set to commence another Life Sciences project in Belgium.<\/p>\n
I enjoy my work because of the great team around me<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
What skills has he developed most since joining the company? \u201cI\u2019ve definitely improved my attention to detail, which is crucial in quality.\u201d He continues, \u201cI\u2019ve learned a lot from the people around me.\u201d Kolade feels empowered to continue growing his own career, \u201cI want to manage my own team one day\u201d he says. \u201cI enjoy my work because of the great team around me and the supportive, open culture.\u201d His graduate programme experience has taught him \u201cthe value of professional and personal growth and I try to get 1% better every day.\u201d<\/p>\n