Our current Placement Student, Breanna McLaughlin, recently came second in the Ulster University Business School Placement Awards.
The Placement Awards is an event that celebrates the accomplishments of the University’s placement students and the contributions they make during their time with an organisation. Breanna featured in a ‘day in the life’ video, produced with the Utility Regulator’s Communications Team, highlighting the learnings and impact she made during her year. From over 150 entries, Breanna’s submission was awarded second place.
Breanna, who has been working within our Networks and Energy Futures Team, was delighted with this recognition:
“I was delighted to come second in the Ulster University Business School Placement Awards. The theme of the Awards was ‘celebrating success’ and that definitely sums up how I feel about my placement year at the Utility Regulator.
“The video submission captured ‘a day in the life’ of my placement and it was great to talk about what I have learnt and also the positive impact I’ve had on the Utility Regulator. It’s amazing to receive this recognition.
“This year has been so beneficial for me. Regulation was completely new to me, and at the start it felt like learning a whole new language, but by asking questions and being supported by my team, I’ve really developed my knowledge, broadened my interpersonal skills and confidence.
“The placement has also given me a real insight into how regulation works in practice. There is a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the Utility Regulator and I’ve learnt so much, from decision‑making and analysing information, to seeing how the different teams collaborate and work together to protect Northern Ireland consumers.
“I really feel this placement has put me at an advantage going into my final year of university. It’s given me not just the theory, but the confidence to apply it in real work situations. I’m excited to see what the future holds.
“To anyone who is considering a placement at the Utility Regulator, I would fully recommend it! There is such a friendly and supportive environment and the knowledge you learn is invaluable.”
Jody O’Boyle, Electricity Regulation Manager at the Utility Regulator, has been Breanna’s manager during the placement year. He said:
“I’d like to congratulate Breanna on this recognition from the Ulster University Business School Placement Awards. Breanna has made a real impact during her year, with her enthusiasm and openness to learning.
“The Utility Regulator has been offering placement student positions for over 10 years now. The placement provides students with the opportunity to apply their relevant degree knowledge to a role within electricity, gas and water regulation.”
The recruitment for the Student Placement 2027-2028 is planned for later this year. If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity, please contact us on info@uregni.gov.uk.
You can watch Breanna’s award winning video here.
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