Richard Barnett
Project Engineer, IG Masonry Support

Why did you decide to follow your chosen career path?

Simply put, engineering is interesting and enjoyable to me. I like understanding the rules of how objects and materials work and interact, then applying this knowledge to solve increasingly difficult problems. It’s challenging because there’s always new situations and problems to solve, and satisfying when you do manage to get an effective and efficient solution! Since I was young I’ve had a curiosity for how things work, move and interact in the world, I would pull things apart and attempt (usually unsuccessfully) to put them back together.

As I went through school I enjoyed learning the sciences especially physics and applying the scientific methods to real world situations. I’ve always picked up maths pretty easily and engineering is the practical combination of the two. I’ve been with IG Masonry Support for 6 months now and am really enjoying my time here. Friendly co-workers and challenging work means I’m engaged on the job and satisfied at the end of the day.

What does your day to day job involve?

As a Project Manager, I oversee the projects progression on our end usually from when it is quoted through to delivery of product on site. Managing project timelines and delivery dates means my duties include liaising with architects, clients and buyers to stay on top of what they require from us and when they need it for, while also assisting detailers to engineer and design the most effective solution. This can also include doing calculations to check tolerances and designing new sections for unique or difficult areas of the project.

Why did you choose to develop your career with the Keystone Group?

The Keystone Group offers me an interesting and exciting career within my field of study and are committed to employee growth, supporting my progress towards becoming a qualified chartered engineer.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

When clients come to us with an issue or problem, although it may seem difficult at first, there is always a solution. You work at it and figure out what needs to happen to find the answer. It can be very satisfying to see the issue resolved and get back to the client with the answer.

What would you say to someone considering joining the team at the Keystone Group?

Speaking from my experience, Keystone offer me a friendly supportive environment, they want you to be happy and satisfied working here. There is flexibility to move around within the group and develop your skills further. The support system is great and I have no hesitations about bringing any issues I encounter to the attention of management. I’d say if Keystone has a role available you’re interested in, you will probably enjoy your time here.

What do you enjoy doing outside of Keystone?

Being fairly new to the UK, I’m enjoying exploring new towns most weekends and finding new places to hike and explore nature. Coming from Australia I can’t believe how green this country is (less so this summer) and also how much culture and history everywhere has. As well as this I train most days at the gym and am always looking for live music to enjoy.

Emma Kirkland
Customer Service Manager,
Keylite Roof Windows

Why did you decide to follow your chosen career path?

When I was younger I wanted to be a footballer, but didn’t we all! After studying a Sports Diploma, followed by a Beauty Therapy NVQ, by chance, I started my career with the Keystone Group as a receptionist over 7 years ago; and as my passion for customer service progressed, I moved onto SOP where my aspirations grew to line manage a team.

Following this I was successful in landing the SOP Team Leader role where I spent 3 years developing my people and progressing my management skills. From here my career path has taken me through to my current role as Keylite Customer Service Manager.

What does your day to day job involve?

My day to day job involves focussing on development projects such as progressing our technology solutions; Keylink and NAV, handling any escalated customer service concerns, improving our current operating procedures and dealing with any internal and external queries, whilst maintaining and challenging our current service levels in-line with market expectations. Although if any department needs any help I’m happy to dig in and get the job done!

Why did you choose to develop your career with the Keystone Group?

The Keystone Group is like a family, I enjoy coming to work every single day. If you’re willing to work hard and put the effort in, they will provide you with the opportunities and the platform to develop and progress your own skills.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I enjoy communicating with a variation of different people on a daily basis, from the Managing Director of a Builders Merchant or a new home owner through to a Keylite Sales Manager. Having the flexibility of being able to ‘go the extra mile’ for the customer always keeps me on my toes and ensures I never have a dull day! I enjoy the challenge of finding the best solution to any problem.

What would you say to someone considering joining the team at the Keystone Group?

If you like a fast-paced, family orientated organisation then this is the place for you.

What do you enjoy doing outside of Keystone?

Every weekend I watch home and away Leicester City games with my Granddad, which often involves a lot of travelling. I also enjoy evenings at home with my husband watching a box-set with a take-away and visiting family and friends. I also have 2 cats that keep me busy!

Jasmine Ali
Accounts Assistant,
Smartroof

Why did you decide to follow your chosen career path?

I was always into maths and art at school, maths is not the usual subject everyone likes, but I enjoyed all the problem solving that was involved in Maths. As this was the subject I was into, I decided to pursue my passion in maths and secured an apprenticeship in finance, which is where it all started. It’s coming up to 2 years now that I have been with the Keystone Group and I’m really enjoying it.

What does your day to day job involve?

My day to day jobs involve overlooking purchase ledger and credit control, assisting the Financial Controller, controlling bank transactions, learning to create reports and getting information prepared for month end.

Why did you choose to develop your career with the Keystone Group?

I was previously working as part of the Keystone Group for IG Masonry Support, I enjoyed the role I was in but wanted to learn more and take that one step higher. I wanted to stay with the Keystone Group as there is a real passion for success within the company and that is really nice to be a part of. Taking on my new role within Smartroof gave me the opportunity to learn more about the Keystone Group as a whole and I am very thankful for the opportunity.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I really enjoy helping my colleagues and working as a team. My job gives me the opportunity to learn new skills, I am always learning something new as there is always a new challenge every day.

What would you say to someone considering joining the team at the Keystone Group?

The Keystone Group is a very welcoming group, full of people who want to bring out the best in you, and there are a lot of opportunities so I would fully recommend pursuing you career with the Keystone Group.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

Out of work I enjoy socialising and doing different activities.

Sean McNicholl
Management Accountant,
Keyfix

Why did you decide to follow your chosen career path?

Maths was my favourite subject in school, I completed a Finance degree in university and got the opportunity to join the accounts team in Keylite Roof Windows for my placement year. I got great accounts exposure during my placement year which made me want to pursue a career in accountancy.

What does your day to day job involve?

Every day will involve the use of Excel and Nav. At the start of each month I will prepare the monthly management accounts for the previous month. The rest of the month will vary. As Keyfix are a new company I spend time working on ways improve efficiency and cost savings, through negotiation of raw material prices and analysis of plant and machinery acquisitions etc.

Why did you choose to develop your career with the Keystone Group?

I completed my university work placement in Keylite. I really enjoyed my year and learned a lot. The progression opportunities within the group appealed to me.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

There are multiple things that I enjoy about my job. The team that I work with are very friendly and are all driven to move the company forward. I enjoy the different challenges that each day possesses. It is exciting working on the different projects and seeing the progress that we are making on a daily basis.

What would you say to someone considering joining the team at the Keystone Group?

I would say go for it as there are many great opportunities within the group. The staff within the group are very friendly and always willing to help.

What do you enjoy doing outside of Keystone?

I like to keep active in my spare time either by playing football or going to the gym.

Maeve McGlinchy
Technical Administrator,
Keystone Lintels

Why did you decide to follow your chosen career path? And how did you find studying your degree part time whilst working part time for The keystone group?

I always enjoyed studying business in school and had an interest in local growing companies. This led me to study a Part-Time Business Studies degree in Ulster University in Belfast, consisting of two days per week in the classroom. This allowed me to get academic and practical experience in a local company. I was aware of Keystone and approached them to apply my Human Resource knowledge gained through my course. I started working for Keystone Part-time in November 2017, two days per week which complimented my course perfectly. I benefited from experiences at university while developing professionally at the same time. Keystone were very supportive during this time and I found it very interesting when topics discussed in lectures related to aspects of Keystone’s business. In July 2021 I graduated with a 2:1 and I am currently working full-time as a Technical Administrator.

What does your day to day job involve?

In my job I have to be quite flexible. I handle many email enquiries from customers to and co-ordinate with engineers to issue quotes. I also complete purchase orders when required and make enquiries with distributors. Every day is a school day as I am always learning something new about the industry and the different products that we manufacture through communicating with different departments. In our office we receive a high volume of enquiries, I also have experience in a receptionist role in the company. Through this I engage with customers on a daily basis and I am able to ask key questions and engage with the engineers to help specify with the correct product to meet their needs. I also update customers on the progress of their enquires, orders and estimated delivery dates.

Why did you choose to develop your career with the Keystone Group?

I chose to develop my career at Keystone as the company has a good reputation locally and the success of the company is well-known. I wanted to be part of an innovative company that is continuously improving and entering new markets with new products. I wanted to learn more about the company and hoped to make a positive contribution to this.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

Within my role, I enjoy a challenge. There are specific times when new problems arise however, there is a strong supportive environment in Keystone and our team are very willing to collaborate to find solutions. One of Keystone’s key priorities is their staff, it is guaranteed that you will not go through a full day without a laugh. I have developed great working relationships throughout my years working in Keystone have made many friends and continue to meet new people.

What would you say to someone considering joining the team at the Keystone Group?

I would encourage them to take the opportunity and try something new at Keystone. When I was invited to an interview in 2017, it seemed like a huge company from the outside with lots of people and different departments. But after the years it doesn’t seem as big after all when you get to know everyone. Keystone organises a lot of events for their staff. Fitbit challenges every quarter with prices for the winners! Staff appreciation days with Pizza, Bake Sales for charities and every Christmas a staff dinner party would be organised in the Glenavon in Cookstown in recognition of the hard work throughout the year. Team bonding events are organised which gives the staff a chance to relax outside of the office and to have a bit of fun too!!

What do you enjoy doing outside of Keystone?

Outside of Keystone, I have many hobbies and interests. I like to keep my evenings occupied through sport and fitness. I play Gaelic football for my local club Galbally Pearses for the senior ladies team and I enjoy this as it keeps me fit but I get to see girls from my local community and have been successful through the years. I enjoy running and going to the gym daily, this year I have joined the Galbally Runners club and Crossfit in Cookstown. On a Saturday I would run a local park 5K which takes place in both Cookstown Mid-Ulster and Dungannon Park, getting my Personal Best 5K of 23 Minutes! Keystone are organising a Relay team to run the Belfast Marathon in May this year in aid of the Chest Heart and Stroke Charity and this gives me motivation to work towards. In the last year I have taken up a hobby of Guitar lessons which is a new challenge that I enjoy continue to and learn new things. I also enjoy travelling and visiting new cities whenever I can. My Sunday’s consist of a long walk and a lovely cup of coffee somewhere new before starting a new week in Keystone!

Deanna Savin
Accounts Assistant,
IG Elements

Why did you decide to follow your chosen career path? And how are you finding studying for your accounts exams alongside working everyday?

I have always wanted to study my AAT and IG Elements had a entry level accounting job which I applied for and got. From day one I was inspired to learn as much as I can and expand my accounting repertoire. Thankfully IG supported my studies. I make sure I give myself plenty of study time for preparation for all my exams. Working in the industry defiantly helps as I am able to apply my new knowledge to my everyday job.

What does your day to day job involve?

What doesn’t it involve! Talking to customers and solving any invoicing queries,, allocating cash received ,paying our suppliers and supporting the accounts team at IG Elements.

Why did you choose to develop your career with the Keystone Group?

Keystone are always willing to offer the support needed to further your career and that became apartment to me very quickly, the support offered by keystone is next to non and there are an endless amount of opportunities within the group.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

The people! I am always happy to come to work to see everyone! The team at IG Elements are fantastic!

What would you say to someone considering joining the team at the Keystone Group?

Do it! If you enjoy a fast, developing role you will love it at keystone. There is always something to learn and you are always supported to do so!

What do you enjoy doing outside of Keystone?

Horse riding is my passion , in my family we have 5 horses ! We Show jump , event and carriage drive. Its all very hard work but worth everything ! Very much looking forward to the summer times though !

Stephen Madden
Technical Detailer,
IG Masonry Support

Why did you decide to follow your chosen career path?

I always had an interest in design, in its simplest form, when I was younger. Playing with the usual Lego and Mecano sets (toys from a by gone era). Coming up with new things to build and following the drawing instructions.
I studied Engineering at the Northern Regional College in Magherafelt and during my first year I decided to undertake a City and Guilds Diploma in Computer Aided Design as well. At the time, it was a “string to the bow” addition to my Engineering National Diploma, but I carried on using and applying my skills with the program through my time at the NRC and into University. I secured a placement as a Technical Detailer in my third year studying Environmental Engineering and knew it was a role I wanted to pursue after I graduated and decided to join the Keystone Group a year ago.

What does your day to day job involve?

As the name would suggest, it’s involves a lot of detailing. Between AutoCAD and Solidworks I’m tasked with detailing approval drawings for client sign off, right through to production drawings for the factory.
My role doesn’t just involve drawing, as a Technical Detailer I take on a certain degree of project management along the way. I have to make sure all my projects are running on time and are up to date by liaising with site and design teams making sure a high quality product is delivered to site correctly and on time.

Why did you choose to develop your career with the Keystone Group?

Having been involved in building envelope detailing for several years I chose to develop my career at Keystone and more specifically IG Masonry Support, as it was an area I didn’t know much about and wanted a challenge.
Structure and stability in a workplace was another major factor, Keystone being such a well-established company with a solid foundation along with IG and its innovation in the field of masonry support and brick slip product, was an attractive combination to me.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I enjoy the challenge of working in a new area of construction, so I’m always learning and enthused. The people make it as well, everyone is here to help and nothing is too much trouble to anyone.
The best part of my job though is seeing a job well done. Knowing that you have helped deliver on a major or minor in comparison, project creates a great sense of achievement. The feeling when you’ve been working with a client, whether it be the largest construction firm in the country or a man in the van and getting those finished pictures through with a “thank you” on a job well done, is hard to beat.

What would you say to someone considering joining the team at the Keystone Group?

What are you waiting for? It’s the ideal place to work whether you are a graduate or an experienced worker. You will be surrounded by people who only want to see you succeed and will help you every step of the way. You will benefit from years, even decades, of experience in a company that has your best interest at its core.

What do you enjoy doing outside of Keystone?

Outside of office hours I enjoy nothing more than grabbing my surfboard and heading North or West to surf some of the best waves in Europe, maybe even the world. There’s no greater feeling or way to unwind than surfing a wave. I’d DEFINTELY recommend it! I also like getting out on my mountain bike when the water’s flat and putting myself through the misery of pedalling up a hill. At the end the a gruelling ascent there’s always the rush of going back down again!

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Abhijeet Ramen Zalke
KTP Associate- Civil Engineer,
IG Masonry Support

Why did you decide to follow your chosen career path?

After completing a Technical Diploma and BEng in Civil Engineering, I have had a growing inclination towards the design and behaviour of structural elements. This later also helped me complete my MSc in Civil Engineering at the University of Surrey. During my time at Surrey, I had the opportunity of studying modules related to the design of Concrete-steel buildings, Structural Mechanics. Upon completion of my degree, I noticed my growing interest for using complex mathematical and physics models to assess behaviour of components, learning industry standard software’s like SAP2000, Solidworks for designing structural elements of buildings, and hence I was looking for my first role in the Construction Industry where I would get the opportunity to pursue my interests and enhance my skills as an engineer. I started working with Keystone in 2019 and it has been quite some journey with some challenges and learning outcomes.

What does your day to day job involve?

My day-to-day job involves producing conceptual ideas for the company’s R&D department in CAD tools like Solidworks 3D. My major responsibilities involve drafting production drawings for structural elements, undertaking complex calculation and studies to ensure the design life of structural components and finally conduct proof-tests on prototypes for product range. Time in office is usually spent alongside architects and senior engineers and sometimes on factory where, I get to learn something new every day.

Why did you choose to develop your career with the Keystone Group?

After my graduation, I was looking for role where my skills and knowledge would be challenged. I found Keystone to be a perfect fit as I get to face new challenges everyday whilst working with Research and Development department. The most beneficial factor about working with Keystone is the constant development opportunities like the different training programmes, engineering workshops which are a vital factor for any engineer.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

Working with people throughout the different parts of organisation is something I’ve enjoyed the most. Furthermore, no two days are the same, for instance I could be confirming production drawings at the start of the week and next thing I could be doing is conducting physical testing on components in the factor.

What would you say to someone considering joining the team at the Keystone Group?

If you are looking for a career where you are willing learn about innovation, product and business development and are ready to work hard to achieve your career goals, Keystone Group just might be the place for you.

What do you enjoy doing outside of Keystone?

I have played Basketball for almost 10 years and I still enjoy spending time on the basketball court, in addition I also enjoy lifting weights and riding motorcycles.

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Josh Toplis
Fabrication and Welding Apprentice,
IG Masonry Support

What does your apprenticeship involve and what are the benefits of doing an apprenticeship?

I am a Trainee Fabricator and Welder, I started out by helping out around the production areas and I did a lot of shadowing to learn about the production process. I am now able to get more involved and take on tasks of my own due to my skills developing. Doing an apprenticeship gives you great work experience and the opportunity to earn while you learn as well as gaining a qualification at the end of it.

How has your apprenticeship at the Keystone Group helped you?

I have gained great experience in welding and I now know how to use all the different tools and machines in the production area. I have gained knowledge as I’ve gone on and received training in different areas as I build towards my qualification. I have passed a manual handling course and have my abrasive wheel course coming up.

What would you say to someone thinking about doing an apprenticeship?

If there is an apprenticeship available to you, you should definitely go for it as it opens up career paths specific to you.

Poppy Moses
Business & Admin Apprentice,
Keystone Lintels

What does your apprenticeship involve and what are the benefits of doing an apprenticeship?

My apprenticeship involves me logging and inputting data into the system, working as part of a team to meet deadlines, printing off drawings and general administrative duties. There are several benefits to doing an apprenticeship such as gaining a qualification whilst working within a company, developing new skills and gaining experience of working within a team.

How has your apprenticeship at the Keystone Group helped you?

My apprenticeship at Keystone has helped me to gain new skills that I can transfer into my job role such as time management, using database software to produce quotations for customers and understanding the importance of maintaining and building strong customer relationships. I have gained experience of working within an office environment and learned about the importance of working efficiently within a team to meet deadlines. I‘ve adapted to my surroundings to respond in a professional manner at all times.

What would you say to someone thinking about doing an apprenticeship?

I would tell them the benefits of doing an apprenticeship and how it is a great opportunity to gain work experience. My apprenticeship has helped me to develop lots of new skills since leaving school.

Caroline Meredith
General Manager,
IG Lintels

How long have you been part of the team at IG Lintels?

In total 35 years service (I did break service for 5 years to start a family) I left in 1989, then returned to work at IG lintels in 1994.

When did you join IG Lintels and what was your job role?

I joined IG lintels in 1979, my job role was Office Junior in the sales office (now known as Sales Order Processing). Over the years I have also worked in technical admin and credit control. I have also worked with garage doors, access covers and fixings which IG lintels also supplied over the years.

How has your career progressed over the years?

My first role in IG lintels was an Office Junior. I was then promoted to the Sales Office Team Leader which was a new role. I was then later promoted to Customer Service Manager, Commercial Office Manager and then IG Lintels General Manager.

Why did you choose to develop your career with IG Lintels?

I chose to develop my career with IG lintels because I enjoyed the work and found the construction industry very interesting. I found it rewarding working in a customer focused business so when the opportunity to progress became available I put together a long term personal development plan that focused on management roles.

How has IG Lintels changed over the years?

Technology has changed over the years, when I started in 1979 we were just introducing computers, up until then everything was hand written and of course emails and mobile phones didn’t exist. Back then if a GMS wanted to call into the office, they would have to find the nearest telephone box.

It’s hard to imagine now but everyone was allowed to smoke at their desks , my manager use to smoke a pipe in the office, he once set his bin on fire. Women were not allowed to wear trousers and all the Managers and Directors were men. Customer service has improved dramatically over the years, lintel orders are now delivered within days rather than weeks and the lintel range has expanded over the years, now offering a wide range of products to the building industry.

What do you enjoy about working at IG Lintels?

IG Lintels has a collaborative environment where everyone is supportive and friendly. This creates a genuine co-operation, with everyone working towards the same goals which revolves around helping our customers. I enjoy the diversity of my role and being able to support and develop others so they can also progress their careers within the Keystone Group.

Scott Denham
Sales Director,
IG Masonry Support

When did you join the Keystone Group and what was your job role?

I joined the Keystone Group in January 2011 as a GSM covering London.

How has your career progressed over the years?

I’ve been given many opportunities to progress my career within the Keystone Group. During my time as a GSM I was promoted to what was then called “the builder team” in a Key Account role developing new sales in all group companies for key accounts such as Barratt Homes, Crest Nicholson & Taylor Wimpey. My main focus though was on growing business with main contractors & brickwork contractors and building better relationships and opportunities with new or underperforming large accounts. I then had a very brief time as a DSM for Lintels before being given the opportunity to really test myself as National Sales Manager and now as of the start of 2019, Sales Director for IG Masonry Support.

Why did you choose to develop your career with the Keystone Group?

The research I had done on the company had shown me how quickly Keystone had already grown and the passion was evident in the interviews I had with Mark Reid & Derrick McFarland so this really made the decision very easy at the time, that this would be a good company to grow my career with who were going places.

How has the Keystone Group changed over the years?

Wow massively, when I first joined the company it was to sell Lintels & Keylite Roof Windows. Now each has its own dedicated sales team. There is now nine companies within the group all growing sales and bringing new innovating products to the market. I guess the ethos and passion is still the same, which is great and something we should never loose but the scale now of the group is much, much bigger.

What do you enjoy about working at the Keystone Group?

I love the people I work with who share the same passion and drive as me and I love the products I can talk to builders, architects and engineers about. Having good products to show people and come up with solutions for them makes the job really interesting & enjoyable.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

I like to keep fit, so play Tennis and Badminton as much as possible. I’ve just started to learn to play the guitar and of course when I’m not working spend quality time with my wife and two energetic children.

Michelle Langford
Financial Services Manager,
IG Lintels

How long have you being part of the team at IG Lintels?

17 years

When did you join IG Lintels and what was your job role?

I started in July 2002 straight from college and I worked in Sales Order Processing (SOP) putting customer orders on the system and calculating merchant claim backs.
How has your career progressed over the years? I worked my way up from being part of the SOP team to being the rebate controller, albeit of a much smaller customer base at the time. When IG Lintels joined the Keystone Group, it gave me the opportunity to become the controller for the lintel group and start my own team of 2 people.

I trained in accounting to ensure my skills were up to the challenge of handling the ever growing sales figures and also studied leadership & management that allowed me to develop as the team and responsibilities grew. Fast forward 13 years and I run the Financial Services Department with a team of 8 who are a core function of the lintel group.

Why did you choose to develop your career with IG Lintels?

Opportunities have been available to better my skills at every stage of my career. They are a supportive company who acknowledge hard work and will invest in their employees to help them reach full potential. It has always been an exciting and fast paced environment to work in so 17 years might seem like a long time but in reality it has gone extremely fast! I am grateful to have been able to pay it forward and have written and delivered a Management Development Programme to a team of rising stars within the company, many of them starting out in the same way I did.

How has IG Lintels changed over the years?

IG has gone from strength to strength while I have been here whether that has been innovation in the products or the quality of our service.

What do you enjoy about working at IG Lintels?

Every day is like working with family who are all passionate about the success of the company. Because we focus on employee skills and not just their job titles we recognise strengths in the individuals and allow them to grow and develop where they are best suited in the company. Employees are not just a workforce at IG but rather a team of people whose opinion matters and whose engagement is paramount.

Charlotte Armstrong
Area Sales Manager,
Keystone Lintels

Why did you decide to follow your chosen career path?

I really fell into construction rather than choosing it specifically. Following applying for a graduate role for a well known roofing manufacturer when I graduated, I have settled in the construction industry and sales and relationship building is a natural role for me. I studied Ancient History at Durham University and have always had an interest in ancient cultures & literature (not exactly a direct correlation into sales or construction I know!). My career at Keystone is relatively short so far, having worked in the Northern Sales Team for just over a year & half now.

What does your day to day job involve?

Working in the Northern Sales team and managing the North East region is nothing if not varied on a day to day basis. I’m responsible for the overall account management and sales for all IG and Keystone accounts as well as managing and targeting new business and developers in the area. This could see me on a building site discussing technicalities with builders, attending a trade event for a merchant or have me presenting CPD’s and putting forward the benefits to using our Hi-therm+ lintels vs standard lintels. This is all done in conjunction with our internal sales team and working alongside them to ensure we secure as much business as possible on the patch.

Why did you choose to develop your career with the Keystone Group?

The Keystone Group offered a platform for a Sales Manager to come in and truly manage their area on a day to day basis – to actually make decisions and be responsible for how successful my area is.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

The people. Although there can be bad days (everyone has them!) I know I have a great bunch of customers and a truly fantastic internal support team who process orders and create schedules etc. meaning we are a truly formidable force to our competition.

What would you say to someone considering joining the team at the Keystone Group?

I’d say go for it – I haven’t looked back! As long as you are willing to work hard you will be rewarded and recognized for the success you have.

What do you enjoy doing outside of Keystone?

Having just bought a house and getting myself on the property ladder a lot of my current spare time is taken up with odd jobs/painting (exciting!). Although I also enjoy travelling and most of my spare time is occupied by my two pet dogs – Monty & Milo.

Conor McNamee
Technical Detailer,
IG Masonry Support

Why did you decide to follow your chosen career path?

After studying Maths, ICT, Technology and Construction for A-Levels I always had an interest in how things worked and how they were put together. These subjects led me onto studying Architectural Technology and Management at Ulster University. I completed my placement year within a local architectural practice getting a better feel for the design and structures of a building. Upon completion of my degree I found I had a greater flair for detailing the ins and outs of how a product works and fits into a building structure, rather than the actual design of that building. I have been with the Keystone Group now for a full year…where did that year go!!

What does your day to day job involve?

My day to day job involves modelling our product range in both 2D Autocad and 3D Solidworks. As a detailer we provide approval drawings for our various systems to our customers daily and also production drawings for our manufacturing team in the factory. Liaising with clients and chasing deliveries comes part and parcel with ensuring we have our product on site when the client needs it.

Why did you choose to develop your career with the Keystone Group?

Throughout my 4 years at Ulster University, Keystone provided many talks to our class group about the career paths they had to offer. I always thought they were on par with all the Belfast / Dublin based construction companies in terms of opportunities provided to their employees. When I noticed there was a potential opening in my last few weeks of University, I knew I would be foolish not to apply. Thankfully my interview went well and here I am a year down the line.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

There are many things I enjoy about my job. The best aspect for me would be the office environment inside IG Masonry Support. Everyone gets on really well with each other and a laugh is never far away. Nobody is left to struggle, help is always on hand.

What would you say to someone considering joining the team at the Keystone Group?

If you feel the opportunity is for you then go for it. If you’re willing to learn and work hard to develop your career then you won’t regret your decision.

What do you enjoy doing outside of Keystone?

Outside of work I am heavily involved in my local GAA club. If I’m not down at the pitch training myself I will be down to coach the U14 Boys team. You can always be sure to be dragged on to various committees/ fundraising initiatives also which is all part and parcel of keeping the club running. I enjoy watching or playing most sports. I’ve tried Golf recently… tried being the keyword!