CREGG Insights

Construction is one of Ireland's fastest-growing industries, offering opportunities for everyone from apprentices and general operatives to experienced engineers and project managers.

In this episode of CREGG Insights, we're joined by Sean McNerney, National Construction Account Manager at CREGG, to discuss the current construction recruitment market, career opportunities, and what both employers and candidates need to know.

• Why construction continues to be one of Ireland's strongest growth sectors.
• The wide variety of roles available, from General Operatives and Skilled Trades to Site Managers and Project Managers.
• How apprenticeships can provide an excellent pathway into the industry.
• The skills and qualities employers value most.
• Current salary trends and the demand for skilled construction professionals.
• Why construction offers long-term career security.
• How technology is changing the industry and why AI is unlikely to replace skilled construction workers.
• Advice for employers on retaining great people.
• Practical tips for candidates looking to build a successful career in construction.

Whether you're considering a career in construction, recruiting for your next project, or simply interested in where the industry is heading, this episode provides valuable insights from someone working in the sector every day.

Sean McNerney is CREGG's National Construction Account Manager, partnering with construction companies across Ireland to recruit talent at every level, from site-based roles and skilled trades through to engineering and management positions.

📧 [email protected]
📞 086 827 4076
☎️ 091 700 814

Website: https://www.cregg.ie
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cregg-group/

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In this episode, we discuss:About Sean McNerneyContact SeanConnect with CREGG

In this episode of CREGG Insights, we sit down with Sam Scriven, Automation Recruitment Manager at CREGG, to explore what it really takes to build a successful career in automation.

From robotics and PLC programming to Industry 4.0 and AI integration, automation is reshaping manufacturing, engineering and global industry. But beyond the buzzwords, what does an automation engineer actually do? What skills are in demand? And how can graduates position themselves for long-term success in this rapidly evolving field?

• What automation really means in today’s industrial world
• The difference between industrial automation and software automation
• Why PLC programmers with 4–5 years’ experience are in high demand
• The growing influence of AI in manufacturing environments
• The importance of soft skills and communication on the factory floor
• Why Irish engineers are globally sought after
• How system integrators can accelerate early-career development
• The long-term global opportunities within automation

Sam also shares practical advice for graduates and early-career engineers, including why gaining hands-on project exposure through system integrators can be career-defining.

Whether you're a student considering engineering, a professional thinking about specialising, or a business exploring automation investment, this episode offers a grounded, real-world look at where the industry is heading.

Automation is not just about machines replacing people — it’s about speed, precision, data, and building smarter systems for the future.

For automation opportunities or hiring support, connect with Sam via CREGG.ie or LinkedIn.

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In this episode of CREGG Insights, we sit down with Tomislav Dzanak, Contingent Team Lead at CREGG, to explore one of the most common and often misunderstood career topics: salary expectation versus market reality.

With shifting market conditions, rising living costs and increased candidate mobility, aligning salary expectations with true market value has never been more important. Tom shares frontline insight from working with both employers and candidates across Ireland, highlighting where expectations often diverge from reality and how to close that gap.

Tom highlights the importance of communication, culture and career progression planning explaining why money alone rarely solves retention challenges long term.

For professionals, this episode offers a grounded perspective on how to position yourself realistically, negotiate strategically and build long-term career value.

For employers, it provides clear insight into how culture, transparency and development pathways influence retention far more than reactive pay increases.

If you are reviewing your salary expectations, considering a career move, or benchmarking your hiring strategy, this episode delivers practical, real-world guidance from the recruitment front line.

Connect with Tomislav Dzanak via LinkedIn or through CREGG.ie.

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In this episode of CREGG Insights, we sit down with Breda Murphy, National Contracting Manager at CREGG, to demystify contracting and explore why it continues to grow across Ireland’s evolving employment market.

With over 12 years’ experience in specialist contracting recruitment, Breda shares practical insights into how the model works for both employers and professionals — and why it has become a strategic workforce solution across sectors including engineering, finance, IT, automotive and project management.

• What contracting actually means in today’s market

• How CREGG manages the full end-to-end contracting process

• Why businesses use contractors to scale projects quickly and efficiently

• The speed advantage of contracting versus permanent hiring

• Contract lengths and how market conditions influence demand

• Why 70% of CREGG contractors transition into permanent roles

• The onboarding process — both back-end payroll and on-site integration

• How contracting offers flexibility, career progression and access to top organisations

• Practical advice for companies new to contracting

• Guidance for professionals considering contracting for the first time

Breda also addresses common misconceptions — including cost concerns and economic uncertainty — and explains why contracting is often a lower-risk, higher-flexibility hiring model.

For more insights on leadership, recruitment and the future of work, follow CREGG on LinkedIn or visit cregg.ie.

In this episode of CREGG Insights, we are joined by Alan Grant, National Recruitment Manager for the Finance and Commercial sector at CREGG.

With 17 years in recruitment and a professional background in finance, Alan shares practical, experience-led insight into what truly drives smarter hiring decisions in today’s evolving market.

• The difference between agency recruitment and in-house hiring
• Why specialist knowledge improves candidate quality and long-term fit
• The growing importance of cultural alignment alongside technical skill
• How hiring managers can avoid eliminating strong candidates too early
• What candidates consistently get wrong on their CVs
• Why tailoring applications is critical in a competitive market
• The role of pace and communication in securing top talent
• Why interviews are always a two-way process
• When candidates should address concerns internally before moving roles

Alan also shares clear, practical advice for both employers and job seekers on how to approach recruitment with clarity, professionalism and long-term thinking.

This episode is a grounded, honest look at recruitment from both sides of the table and a must-listen for anyone making hiring decisions or considering their next career move.

For more insights on leadership, recruitment and the future of work, follow CREGG on LinkedIn or visit cregg.ie.

In this episode of CREGG Insights, we speak with Conor Harty, Managing Director of Access HR, about the evolving role of HR in Irish businesses and why proactive people management is now a strategic necessity rather than a reactive fix.

Conor shares his career journey from production management and executive search into HR leadership, and explains how Access HR was created to support small and medium sized businesses with expert, flexible HR solutions.

• What HR really means in practical terms, from hiring to exit
• When growing businesses should invest in HR expertise
• Reactive versus proactive HR and why planning matters
• How the HR function has evolved in Ireland over recent decades
• The influence of European employment law on Irish workplaces
• The role AI is likely to play in HR over the next five years
• The Access HR model and how outsourced HR works for SMEs
• HR support as a compliance and peace of mind tool
• Employment law, fairness, and protecting both employer and employee
• Workplace investigations and why process and objectivity are critical
• Pay, benefits, inflation pressures, and workforce planning
• Managing organisational change and integration effectively
• Why having a trusted HR partner reduces risk and stress for employers

This episode is particularly relevant for business owners, senior leaders, and managers who want clarity, confidence, and peace of mind when navigating people related challenges.

Conor Harty is Managing Director of Access HR, a full service HR consultancy supporting SMEs across Ireland with HR support, employment law guidance, workplace investigations, and organisational change expertise.

Website: https://www.accesshr.ie

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In this episode of the CREGG Insights Podcast, host Oisín Browne speaks with Laura McGrath, Leadership and Interview Coach, about how professionals can successfully transition into new roles while maintaining balance, confidence, and focus.

Laura shares practical advice on how to navigate the critical first few months in a new position, build meaningful relationships, and manage the internal pressures that come with change. Drawing from her experience coaching leaders through periods of transition, she explores the mindset shifts, emotional regulation techniques, and self-awareness practices that drive long-term success.

• The five essential steps for a successful role transition, including redefining expectations and adapting to new cultural norms.

• How to prepare mentally and professionally before starting a new job.

• Techniques for managing stress and maintaining emotional balance through mindful breathing.

• Understanding and overcoming imposter syndrome by reshaping your internal dialogue.

• Why confidence can be built like a muscle through consistent mindset work.

• The importance of self-care, recovery, and joy in achieving true work-life balance.

Success in a new role begins with self-awareness, communication, and a willingness to grow. Building trust, setting boundaries, and finding space for recovery are essential for sustainable performance and fulfilment.

Follow CREGG on LinkedIn for more conversations on leadership, recruitment, and the evolving world of work.

Michael Watkins - The First 90 Days

Mind Gym - Gary Mack

Laura McGrath

Executive and Interview Coach

www.interviewtechniques.ie

Looking for a career change or hiring top talent? Visit www.cregg.ie

In this episode of CREGG Insights, host Oisín Browne speaks with Christopher Paye, Country Director for the Stepstone Group, who oversees IrishJobs.ie operations in Ireland. Together, they explore how recruitment has evolved from the early “post and pray” days to today’s world of AI, automation, and skills-based hiring.

Christopher shares his remarkable 17-year journey with IrishJobs, reflecting on leadership lessons, industry transformation, and the importance of keeping people at the heart of recruitment.

• The evolution of recruitment: From traditional job boards to AI-powered matching and smarter hiring decisions.

• AI adoption: Why 8 in 10 Irish employers are using AI — and how it’s freeing recruiters to focus on people.

• Skills over credentials: The growing shift from degrees to demonstrable capabilities in hiring.

• Job seeker advice: Why honesty and adaptability matter more than ever in today’s job market.

• Recruiter focus: How automation can reduce time-to-hire while improving candidate experience.

In this episode of CREGG Insights, Oisín Browne speaks with Niamh Hannan, chartered psychologist, executive coach, and expert in Emotional Connection Strategy (EMC). With over 25 years of experience supporting leaders and teams across Europe, Niamh shares how the quality of our workplace relationships, especially with our managers, can directly impact job satisfaction, productivity, and wellbeing.

Together, they explore:

• The true meaning of emotional intelligence at work

• How unresolved conflict and emotional disconnection affect performance

• The EMC framework for repairing trust and building strong teams

• Why hybrid and remote workplaces must invest in intentional connection

• The hidden cost of poor leadership relationships—and how to fix them

• How recruiters and employers can assess emotional intelligence during hiring

This is a powerful conversation about what makes work feel human and what happens when it doesn’t. Whether you're in leadership, recruitment, or just trying to build a better culture, this episode will give you practical insights to create stronger, safer, and more connected workplaces.

In this episode of CREGG Insights, we sit down with Tadhg O’Donovan, Senior Business Transformation Practitioner at 3SIXTY, to explore the real meaning of sustainability in business. Tadhg breaks down complex ideas like carbon footprints, ESG reporting, and the circular economy into practical steps organisations can take today. He shares Irish success stories, highlights how government and enterprise supports are helping SMEs catch up, and explains why sustainability is no longer optional for companies, recruiters, and candidates alike. Packed with insights, this conversation is a guide for businesses and individuals looking to build a more sustainable future