CREGG Insights

Building a Career in Automation with Sam Scriven, Automation Recruitment Manager at 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. Follow CREGG Insights for more conversations shaping recruitment, leadership and the future of work. In this episode, we discuss:

Salary Expectation Versus Reality with Tomislav Dzanak, Contingent Team Lead with CREGG

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. Follow CREGG Insights for more conversations shaping recruitment, leadership and the future of work. In this episode, we discuss:

Understanding Contracting with Breda Murphy, National Contracting Manager at CREGG

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.

Smarter Recruitment Decisions with Alan Grant, National Recruitment Manager for the Finance and Commercial Sector at CREGG.

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.

HR, Compliance and Peace of Mind for Irish Employers with Conor Harty, Managing Director, Access HR

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 [https://www.accesshr.ie] 🎧 Listen to the full episode of CREGG Insights wherever you get your podcasts.