The Role of Philippine Recruitment Agencies in Global Construction Hiring
Finding skilled construction workers in New Zealand isn’t getting any easier. With ongoing construction labor shortages, project delays are becoming the norm rather than the exception, putting pressure on budgets and deadlines. There simply aren’t enough qualified workers to meet demand.
But what if the solution lies beyond local hiring?
The Philippines has become a top source of skilled construction workers, offering a reliable workforce ready to fill critical gaps. Partnering with a recruitment agency for New Zealand might be the key to keeping your projects on track—efficiently and seamlessly.
Read on to learn how this hiring approach can work for you.
Major Hiring Challenges in the New Zealand Construction Industry
From a shrinking talent pool to complicated hiring processes, construction employers like you face several challenges that slow down progress. Here’s a closer look at the main obstacles.
Skilled labour shortages
The demand for skilled construction workers—such as welders, carpenters, and engineers—keeps growing, but the supply isn’t keeping up.
As of December 2022, nearly 20% of construction workers in New Zealand were aged 55 and above, and this number has more than doubled over the past decade. Within the next 10 years, a significant portion of the workforce will reach retirement age, further widening the skills gap.
While apprenticeships and training programs—such as the government’s Apprenticeship Boost Programme—have helped attract younger workers, the influx isn’t enough to replace the number of experienced tradespeople leaving the industry.
As of June 2023, over 26,855 apprentices in architecture and building-related fields have been supported, with the majority specializing in carpentry, plumbing, and painting. However, the pace of training still lags behind industry demand.
This ongoing shortage leads to project delays, increased labour costs, and added pressure on existing teams.
High turnover and workforce instability
Construction work is physically demanding, making it harder to keep employees long-term. According to Stats NZ’s quarterly Linked Employer-Employee Dataset (LEED), the average worker turnover rate in the construction sector was 13.3% for women and 13.0% for men between 2018 and 2023.
Workers often leave for better opportunities in other industries or move overseas where wages are higher. As a result, you may struggle with frequent staff changes and constant training and onboarding.
Recruitment and onboarding delays
The hiring process can take too long, even when you find the right candidates. From screening applicants to processing visas and work permits, delays can push back project timelines.
While upcoming reforms aim to simplify these procedures—such as removing certain employer requirements in early 2025 and introducing a redesigned Job Check process—you still face administrative hurdles. You must also meet a percentage of local hires before bringing in international talent.
These delays not only slow down recruitment but also create financial strain and operational setbacks.
Compliance and labour law complexities
Hiring international workers means navigating complex labour laws and employment regulations. For instance, you must ensure all workers have written employment agreements outlining wages, working hours, and leave entitlements.
You must also comply with minimum employment rights, such as fair wages, safe working conditions, and protection against exploitation.
Failing to follow these regulations can cause legal penalties, delays, or reputational damage. More specifically, immigration breaches—such as hiring workers without proper authorisation—can cause fines ranging from NZD 1,000 for individuals to NZD 3,000 for companies. There are harsher penalties for serious offences.
How Philippine Recruitment Agencies Provide Solutions
Partnering with an agency can make recruiting in the construction industry easier and more efficient. They specialise in connecting you with highly qualified workers while handling the complex recruitment process. They can assist more specifically through:
• Access to a large talent pool
The Philippines is known for its thousands of skilled workers trained in trades like welding, carpentry, and engineering. Construction recruitment agencies carefully screen candidates so they meet international standards.
For example, many agencies conduct technical assessments where workers show their skills in real-world scenarios before being deployed. They may require welders to complete a specific joint configuration under a time limit or test engineers on their problem-solving abilities through simulated project challenges.
• Faster and more efficient hiring process
Finding Filipino construction workers isn’t as simple as posting a job ad online. Many skilled workers don’t have regular internet access, so a more hands-on, offline approach is necessary. Fortunately, recruitment agencies in the Philippines can do the groundwork for you.
They source and assess candidates to ensure they meet your needs. They also handle essential paperwork, including visa applications, work permits, and travel arrangements. This way, your workers arrive on-site fully prepared to contribute and prevent project delays due to long hiring timelines.
• Pre-deployment training and workforce readiness
Workers undergo training before deployment for a smooth integration into New Zealand’s construction industry. They upskill in specialised trades, safety protocols, and cultural orientation to help them adjust to workplace expectations.
For instance, an agency may provide additional training on New Zealand’s building codes so they adhere to rules and work efficiently on-site.
• Compliance and ethical recruitment practices Philippine recruitment agencies follow strict labour laws in the name of ethical hiring. For one, they operate under strict regulations set by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) to protect you and your workers.
They also ensure foreign employer accreditation and comply with Philippine labour laws and host country regulations. They follow transparent recruitment practices to avoid issues like contract disputes or hidden fees.
Staffhouse International Resources even adopts a no-placement fee policy—we don’t charge workers for helping them find jobs abroad. This rule promotes fair treatment from the start.
Build Your Workforce with Skilled Filipino Construction Talent
Labour hire in construction doesn’t have to be a challenge. With a trusted Philippine recruitment agency by your side, you can access a skilled, reliable workforce while ensuring a smooth and compliant hiring process.
Staffhouse is a leading recruitment partner, specialising in sourcing, screening, and deploying top-tier Filipino construction professionals. With a commitment to ethical hiring and industry expertise, we help New Zealand employers like you build strong teams—quickly, efficiently, and cost-effectively.
