Build a Career that Lasts at PJ Hegarty | Spotlight: Peter Nestor

Peter was first introduced to quantity surveying by a secondary school guidance counsellor, sparking his interest in the construction industry and setting him on the path to PJ Hegarty.

Since joining the team, Peter has gained a deeper understanding of the industry and the role that strong communication and collaboration play in every stage of a project. Working closely with colleagues, clients, and subcontractors has shown him how essential clear communication and teamwork are to ensuring projects run smoothly and challenges are addressed early.

He acknowledges that construction can be demanding at times, with every project offering something new to learn. However, Peter sees the constant learning as one of the sector’s greatest strengths. It has helped him grow professionally and build confidence as he continues to develop his skills.

For Peter, the culture at PJ Hegarty stands out. He describes it as friendly and supportive, both internally and in the way we work with clients and subcontractors.

Build a Career that Lasts | Graduate Spotlight: Sinead Labuguen

At PJ Hegarty, a career in construction is more than just a job, it’s an opportunity to learn, grow, and make a lasting impact.

Sinead, an Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Advisor, joined PJ Hegarty after beginning her career in environmental health. Her background was in the food sector and environmental monitoring, but she was drawn to construction because of how much there was to learn. ‘Joining PJ Hegarty has been the best decision, the teamwork, variety, and constant learning make every day rewarding.’

Out of college, she was eager to begin her journey in the health and safety sector. PJ Hegarty offered a supportive and dynamic environment that she was looking for, allowing her to apply her academic knowledge while gaining hands-on experience through mentorship, site work, and involvement in real safety initiatives. She has felt encouraged to grow, progress, and build her skills in a meaningful way.

One of her first observations was understanding how essential communication and collaboration is in health and safety. She quickly saw that working as an EHS Advisor goes far beyond theory. Working closely with on-site teams, understanding their challenges, and building trust deepened her knowledge.

Working in a male-dominated field was initially daunting, but she credits the experience with helping her become more confident and resilient. ‘The support here made all the difference.’

Her advice to new graduates is simple: don’t be afraid to ask questions. ‘At PJ Hegarty, curiosity is encouraged; it’s how you learn and grow.’

Inspiring Future Women in Construction

PJ Hegarty was recently welcomed to speak with Jones Engineering and The Construction Industry Federation with the TY Careers Class at St Angela’s College, Patrick’s Hill, Cork, about careers in the construction industry.

It was a great opportunity to speak at an all-girls school and encourage involvement in STEM subjects.

Graduate Engineer Alyson McKeogh and Student Quantity Surveyor Shannon Deane shared their experiences working within main contracting. At the same time, Genevieve Rose, Chairperson of our ERG, Empowering Women in Construction, highlighted the wide range of career paths available to women across the industry.