THE head of O’Donovan Waste has enjoyed a long-awaited graduation day after achieving a Master’s degree in Demolition Management from the University of Wolverhampton.
Jacqueline O’Donovan, Managing Director at the London Irish firm, studied for two years at the University’s Faculty of Science & Engineering, whilst working full time in the waste and construction sector, to achieve the qualification – which made her the first female CEO in the world to earn the Master’s degree.
However, her planned 2020 graduation day was postponed due to Covid-19.
It finally took place last week, however, with Ms O’Donovan stating: “Today has been surreal and I am delighted that the graduation was finally able to take place.
“I am in awe of the fact that I am the first female head of a business to achieve this.
“It has been a major milestone in my career to date and I won’t deny that it was hard work whilst continuing to work full time and run the business.”
She added: “Demolition is at the heart of every job we do and I am delighted to represent the sector that generates more than £8 billion worth of revenue every year in the UK.
“Demolition is at the start and end of every construction project and as a waste management company and demolition contractor, we play a vital role in the process and are incredibly proud of the fact we divert 100% of construction waste from landfill.
“I am delighted to see it recognised as a professional qualification at Wolverhampton University.”
Jacqueline O'Donovan enjoyed her graduation day, finallyO’Donovan Waste specialises in construction and demolition waste, providing total waste management solutions including demolition, site-clearance, waste-processing and recycled aggregates.
The business is widely regarded as an industry leader and a pioneer in innovation and has a strong reputation for prioritising health and safety, staff wellbeing, training and environmental excellence.
They were recent winners at the UK British Demolition Awards, having been named Waste Provider of the Year,
Accredited by the Institute of Demolition Engineers (IDE), the Demolition Management course has been designed in conjunction with industry specialists.
The Master of Science degree comprises a range of modules including management, methodologies, research and sustainability, to asbestos removal and building information modelling (BIM).
Dr Paul Hampton, Interim Head of the School of Architecture and Built Environment (academic), University of Wolverhampton, said: “Jacqueline should be extremely proud of her achievement in passing this pioneering Master’s degree.”
