International Women’s Day is an opportunity to recognise the contributions and achievements of women around the world.
At PJ Hegarty, recognising the women whose expertise and impact strengthen our culture and the industry.
It’s also a moment to reflect on the progress being made across the construction industry for gender equality, while recognising the importance of continuing to create opportunity and representation at every level.
For National Apprentice Week, we’re highlighting the value of hands-on learning and how that experience supports development from day one, as well as the role mentors play in developing apprentices and the value mentoring brings. We hear from a Lewis , Managing Quantity Surveyor, Apprentice Quantity Surveyor Joseph and Logistics Coordinator Caydey on their experiences.
Lewis, Managing Quantity Surveyor tells us ‘Mentoring has strengthened my management skills by improving how I communicate technical information, helping me delegate routine commercial tasks more effectively, and encouraging me to reflect on how I perform a number of tasks. It’s also reinforced the importance of developing capable junior staff to support the wider commercial function.’
Joseph, Apprentice Quantity Surveyor, shares:
‘The hands-on experience has helped me build confidence and understand the impact a Quantity Surveyor has from start to finish. I’m excited to keep progressing and contribute even more to the projects shaping our built environment, whilst learning from experienced members of the PJ Hegarty team.’
Caydey, Logistics Coordinator, adds:
‘The support I have received at PJ Hegarty has been consistent and encouraging, helping me to develop both personally and professionally. I have been guided by experienced colleagues who are always willing to offer advice, answer questions, and share their knowledge.’
At PJ Hegarty, we believe that looking after mental wellbeing is just as important as looking after physical health. We all come to work with our own experiences and challenges.
That’s why we have trained Mental Health First Aiders to make sure support is available and at the heart of our culture. Their role is to provide a confidential, approachable point of contact for anyone who may be struggling, feeling overwhelmed, or simply in need of a conversation.
They are trained to listen, offer guidance, and help you find the right support whenever you need it.
Hear from our Mental Health First Aiders about what the role means to them and why mental health support in the workplace matters.
As we conclude our centenary year, we are taking a moment to reflect on the journey PJ Hegarty has taken over the past one hundred years and the people who have shaped our story.
Founded in 1925, PJ Hegarty has evolved through changing times while remaining committed to the relationships and shared values that define our work. Throughout this milestone year, we were delighted to celebrate with our clients, partners, friends, and the entire PJ Hegarty team. Their trust and collaboration have played an important role in our journey.
You can read about our history here: Explore our history
As we look forward to the next chapter, our focus will remain on strengthening these connections and delivering excellent outcomes together. We have been building partnerships since 1925, and we aim to continue this tradition into the future.
To gain further insight into PJ Hegarty, take a look at how we became the Tier One contractor we are today.
Maryam has felt supported in her time with PJ Hegarty, both personally and professionally. Through the projects she’s worked on, how she’s developed her skills and built confidence.
She loves the tangible nature of construction, seeing her hard work take shape, and the sense of accomplishment she has when showing her family and children the projects she’s been part of.
At PJ Hegarty, people are at the heart of everything we do, and Maryam’s journey reflects that.
Ronan began his journey with PJ Hegarty during his college placement, discovering a workplace where everyone, from graduate to director, is approachable and genuinely supportive.
After graduation, he spent a year living in Australia, embracing the challenge of moving abroad and gaining experiences that broadened his outlook. When he decided it was time to come home, the decision to return felt easy, with family close by, and his career had a clear path ahead with the opportunity to return to PJ Hegarty.
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.
John Gavigan reflects on a career that has taken him from graduate engineer to director, a journey he never expected when he first joined PJ Hegarty nearly thirty years ago. Over that time, he has contributed to shaping Ireland’s skyline.
Throughout his career, he has been committed to guiding the next generation. He has helped younger engineers find their footing, offering insight drawn from decades of experience.
John’s story highlights what can happen when ambition and development are supported. It emphasises the culture at PJ Hegarty, a place where people are encouraged to grow, pursue opportunities, and build meaningful careers.
On Friday, October 17th, we were joined by Loretta Dignam, Founder & CEO of The Menopause Hub and a Forbes 50 Over 50 Global leader, for an insightful webinar.
Loretta broke down why menopause matters, what it really is, and how its symptoms can impact both personal and professional life. She shared practical management and treatment options, highlighting the crucial role workplaces play in supporting individuals going through menopause.
At PJ Hegarty, we value all our employees and place our core values, Safety, Sustainability, Inclusivity, Relationships, and Forward Thinking, at the heart of everything we do. This webinar reflects these values, reinforcing the importance of menopause awareness for health, safety, and performance. It also provided clear, practical steps to help us create a more inclusive and supportive workplace for everyone.
Thank you to Loretta for leading such a meaningful conversation, and to our Employee Resource Group, Empowering Women in Construction, for supporting and leading this initiative.
