Author: michellecoates

Alyson first joined PJ Hegarty as a college student on placement, discovering an environment where development is encouraged, and support is part of everyday life. After graduating, she returned without hesitation, ready to take on the challenges of engineering.

Today, she brings fresh thinking, problem-solving energy, and the confidence that comes from feeling she belongs. For her, working as a young woman in construction is empowering, a clear reminder that what counts is the quality of your work and the opportunities you take.

Head of HR Jan Glynn reflects on the importance of creating a workplace where people can bring their most authentic selves to work, feel supported, and continue to grow. For her, an environment built on trust and respect is central to building a thriving workforce.

Jan speaks openly about PJ Hegarty’s ongoing DEI journey, noting that it involves continuous learning, listening, and a willingness to challenge old assumptions. Her own development has shaped how she leads this work, reinforcing the belief that inclusion is never a finished task but a commitment every day.

She emphasises that PJ Hegarty goal is simple: to build a workplace where everyone feels valued and able to contribute fully.

For Samuel Asad, an Assistant Quantity Surveyor, the interest in construction started early. At fifteen, a work experience placement with an interior fit-out company introduced him to quantity surveying and sparked an interest in construction. ‘From that young age, the idea of helping to shape city skylines really inspired me,’ he recalls.

As he entered his professional career, Samuel quickly realised that many outdated perceptions of construction didn’t reflect the modern industry he was working in. He discovered a sector with professionalism, innovation, and opportunities to develop his skills. The fast-paced nature of his role means no two weeks are ever the same, and that’s something he thrives on.

Mentorship has played a significant part in his growth. Being supported, trusted, and given space to learn has helped him build confidence and take a proactive approach to his work. ‘Having people who guide you but also push you to take responsibility makes all the difference,’ he says.

For new graduates, Samuel’s advice is straightforward: get out on site, understand the build, and learn by doing. It’s the quickest and most effective way to grow in a commercial role.

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.

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.’