Ward Personnel Candidate Newsletter - Issue 19

Posted Today

 

 

Digging Deeper to Find You Work

 

Welcome to Issue Number 19 of our Ward Personnel Candidate Newsletter.
We hope that you find the content useful and interesting. This newsletter is our way of keeping you informed, connected, and supported with company updates, health and safety tips, and stories from across our teams.

Message from David Ward, Managing Director and Founder

As we reach the midpoint of 2026, I want to take a moment to thank you for your continued hard work and commitment across sites and projects throughout Ireland and Europe. The construction sector remains extremely busy, with strong demand for skilled workers across housing, infrastructure, mechanical and electrical, and professional roles. Your contribution is central to keeping these projects moving.

The past few months have been an important period for Ward Personnel. We have expanded our teams, strengthened our presence in key markets, and officially opened our new Irish Head Office, which supports our operations nationwide and across Denmark, Germany and Poland. These developments help us connect you with more opportunities and ensure we continue to provide responsive support wherever you are working.

Looking ahead to the second half of the year, our focus remains on securing steady, reliable placements, building a strong pipeline of roles, and supporting you with the professionalism and consistency you expect from us. Whether you are on site, between projects or exploring new opportunities, we are here to help you take the next step.

Thank you again for your ongoing partnership.

David Ward
Managing Director and Founder, Ward Personnel

The construction and mechanical and electrical sectors continue to stay active through the summer, with strong demand across residential, civil, commercial and industrial projects. Whether you are exploring a new opportunity or simply keeping an eye on the market, it remains a great time to consider your next move. Our focus is always the same: clear communication, honest guidance and matching skilled people with the right roles.

Here is a selection of roles we are currently recruiting for nationwide and across Europe:

Construction Labour & Trades – Nationwide
We have ongoing requirements for skilled labour, trades and site support roles across Ireland. This includes general operatives, carpenters, groundworkers and other key site personnel.
Link: https://wardpersonnel.com/contact/

Project Manager – Berlin, Germany
We are seeking an experienced Project Manager to join a major data centre construction project in Berlin. This role requires a strong track record in delivering large‑scale construction or mission‑critical infrastructure developments, along with the ability to lead complex work on a high‑profile site.
Link: https://wardpersonnel.com/our-jobs/ltdeu2/

Setting Out Engineer – Cork
A Tier 1 main contractor is seeking a Setting Out Engineer with 2–4 years’ experience to join a major road project in Cork. The scheme includes the construction of approximately 12km of motorway, junctions, bridges, underpasses and significant earthworks. The successful candidate will work as part of a high‑performing site engineering team supporting the delivery of structures, earthworks and roadworks across key sections of this flagship national project.
Link: https://wardpersonnel.com/our-jobs/setting-out-engineer/

Project Manager – Cork (Munster Projects)
An excellent opportunity has arisen for an experienced Project Manager to lead the delivery of high‑quality ICF construction projects across Munster. Based in Cork, the role involves overseeing multiple projects from pre‑construction through to handover, ensuring work is delivered to programme, budget and quality standards. The position offers strong autonomy, technical involvement and long‑term career progression within a growing construction environment.
Link: https://wardpersonnel.com/our-jobs/project-manager-4/#jobsearch–8

Articulated Dumper Driver – Ringaskiddy, Co. Cork
Ward Personnel are hiring an Articulated Dumper Driver for long‑term work in Ringaskiddy. Relevant dumper driving experience and up‑to‑date safety documents are required, along with PPE.
Link: https://wardpersonnel.com/our-jobs/clt1573/

Whether you are actively seeking a new role or simply exploring what’s out there, our team is here to support you with clear advice, sector insight and access to Ireland’s most exciting projects. If any of these roles catch your interest, we are always happy to chat.

Keep an eye on our website and social channels for upcoming opportunities.

Ward Personnel Safety Recognition Award

When one of our operatives is recognised for outstanding safety performance, it reflects the high standards we aim for and the commitment shown by our people on site every day.

We are pleased to share that Shane Murphy, a Ward Personnel operative, has been awarded a Safety Recognition Award by PJ Hegarty & Sons for his excellent work in slinging and signalling operations on the Boston Scientific project in Cork. The award was presented by Conor Roche, PJH Project Engineer.

Safety is built through consistent habits, attention to detail and a commitment to doing things the right way, even when no one is watching. Shane’s approach on site demonstrates exactly that.

Well done, Shane. A well‑deserved recognition.

Ward Personnel Visits Cork Simon Community

Last month, Tom Dennehy and Kevin O’Leary visited Cork Simon Community to meet with potential candidates and discuss entry‑level opportunities in the construction sector. The session focused on what the industry looks like right now, the types of roles available, and why construction can offer stable, long‑term and well‑paid work for people who are ready to take that next step or re‑enter the workforce.

There is real support available for anyone interested in starting a career in construction. From on‑site roles to skilled trades, the sector continues to offer strong pathways for progression, training and secure employment.

At Ward Personnel, we believe recruitment is about more than filling positions. It means reaching into communities, meeting people where they are, and opening doors to opportunities that may not yet be visible. Engagements like this help us connect individuals with meaningful work while supporting the wider community.

A genuine thank you to Anthony Hurley and Gerard Browne at Cork Simon Community for the warm welcome and for the vital work they do across Cork. We look forward to working together again soon.

Preparing for the Summer Months

With Ireland experiencing an intense heatwave, it’s important for everyone working on site to take extra care of their health and wellbeing. High temperatures can affect concentration, energy levels and overall safety, especially during long shifts outdoors. A few simple habits can make a big difference.

Stay hydrated
Heat increases the risk of dehydration. Regular water breaks and easy access to cool drinking water are essential throughout the day.

Protect yourself from the sun
UV levels are extremely high during a heatwave. Sunscreen, hats and lightweight long‑sleeve clothing help reduce the risk of sunburn and long‑term skin damage.

Use shaded areas for breaks
Short rest periods out of direct sunlight help prevent heat exhaustion and support better focus, especially during peak afternoon temperatures.

Watch for signs of heat stress
Dizziness, headaches, heavy sweating, confusion or fatigue can be early indicators of heat‑related illness. If you feel unwell, stop work immediately and seek shade, water and support.

Keep energy levels steady
Light meals and regular snacks can help maintain stamina. Avoid heavy foods during the hottest parts of the day.

Look out for each other
A quick check‑in with colleagues can help spot early signs of heat stress before they become serious. Wellbeing is always a team effort.

These small steps help create safer, healthier working conditions as temperatures rise.Thank you to everyone on site for continuing to prioritise safety and looking after one another during this challenging weather.

Safe System of Work Plan (SSWP) – Permit to Work
The primary objective of the Safe System of Work Plan (SSWP) is to identify significant hazards associated with work activities and ensure appropriate control measures are in place before work begins on site. The Permit to Work (PTW) system forms part of the overall Safe System of Work and does not operate independently.

A Permit to Work is a formal written procedure required for high-risk construction and maintenance activities. It ensures that work is properly planned, hazards are identified, and necessary controls and equipment isolations are implemented. The PTW system protects personnel by clearly defining the work to be carried out, the required precautions, authorised personnel, work location, and timeframes, ensuring high-risk tasks are completed safely.

A Permit to Work (PTW) is required for the following high-risk activities:

  • Hot Work – Activities that generate heat, sparks, or flames, such as welding, grinding, and torch cutting.
  • Confined Space Entry – Work in enclosed or restricted spaces, such as tanks, silos, sewers, manholes, and utility vaults, where hazards may include toxic gases, oxygen deficiency, or entrapment.
  • Excavation Works – Digging or trenching activities that require the identification and  isolation of underground services, including gas and electrical utilities.
  • Electrical Work – Work on low-voltage, high-voltage, or other high-energy electrical systems, including maintenance, repairs, testing, and live electrical work.
  • Working at Height – Activities involving a risk of falling, including roof work, scaffolding, and the use of Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs).
The PTW process ensures appropriate controls, authorisations, and safety measures are in place before these high-risk activities commence on any site.

Our Partnership with Taxback.com
We have expanded our candidate referral scheme. When we process your wages every week through payroll, we take the maximum care to ensure everything is correct and that your tax credits that we receive electronically from Revenue are always applied correctly. In some cases, there may be additional tax allowances due to you that can only be claimed by completing a year end tax return – which we cannot do on your behalf as it must be processed by the individual worker.

We have entered into a partnership with Taxback.com to help you to do this and to check if you are owed any refunds from Revenue at the end of the tax year.

For full details click here.

Candidate Referral Scheme

Your Network = Your Rewards!
We’re excited to introduce a new referral scheme for the Management & Technical division.
You can now refer a friend and earn a reward if they’re successfully placed with one of our clients.
Permanent Placements
Receive a €500 One4all voucher when your referral is placed in a permanent role and remains for 3 months.

Contract Placements
Receive a €250 One4all voucher when your referral is placed on a contract and remains for 12 weeks.

Tax liabilities apply if the referee is not a Ward Personnel employee.
To refer a friend, email their details to refer@wardpersonnel.com and our Management & Technical team will follow up.

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