Get Me Out of Here! Exploring International Opportunities in Construction

Lately, we’ve been hearing familiar shouts from talented professionals in the UK construction industry:

“Get me out of here! I’m considering international opportunities – what’s available, and what are my options?”

Is this warranted sentiment? For the most part, I’d argue yes. False promises about government investment in construction, gloomy budget outlooks, major projects at risk, Tier 1 firms going into administration, higher taxes... the list is extensive.

So, could an international move be the answer?

Perhaps, but it's not a decision to be taken lightly. It requires careful consideration, thoughtful discussions around the dinner table, and a move for the right reasons – not just out of frustration with the weather or financial situation.

My Personal Experience

In 2012, my family emigrated to New Zealand. My parents took three children – two in secondary school, one in university – certainly not the ideal time for a move, but it worked out, and they haven’t looked back!

My dad, a civil engineer, found work easily, while my mum, a palliative care nurse, had no trouble securing a job despite arriving without one. My brothers settled quickly thanks to rugby, though my sister took a bit longer to adjust. Overall, the move was a huge success.

Yes, they miss their grandchildren, but in today’s connected world, it's a smaller price to pay. Their quality of life, work-life balance, and financial situation have significantly improved.

International Relocation: The Pros, Cons, and Considerations

Drawing on NEO International Partners ’s experience supporting professionals with international moves, here’s some impartial advice on what to expect – the good, the bad, and the ugly.

The UK has a strong pool of construction talent, which is particularly appealing to international clients in regions developing their built environments. Across NEO’s global client base, we see the most interest in hiring UK professionals from Canada, Australia, and the USA. Growing populations in these countries are driving infrastructure needs, particularly in energy, power, mass transit, healthcare, and mission-critical sectors.

For the most part, international relocations can be highly successful, especially if your motivators are lifestyle, family, career growth, or iconic projects. But if your only motivation is more money or lower taxes, think twice. While exceptions exist for certain expat roles in low-tax countries, these opportunities are increasingly rare and typically involve rotations in isolated or less favourable locations. Outside the Middle East and some areas of the Far East, these expat-style packages have become uncommon.

Elsewhere, clients are investing in long-term talent. They want professionals willing to relocate fully – not just fly in and out. Clients can invest anywhere from ￡30,000 to ￡50,000 to relocate candidates and their families, a worthwhile expense if they can retain them.

While salaries abroad may be higher, living costs in cities like Sydney or Toronto can offset these gains. Rental prices and everyday expenses are often higher than in the UK, so it’s essential to compare living costs before making a decision. Websites like Numbeo can help with cost comparisons.

Key Considerations Before You Relocate

Relocating is a big decision with many factors to weigh. Here are a few common issues that arise at the last minute and can cause plans to fall through:

• Discuss the opportunity early: Make sure to socialise the idea with your family, partner, and close friends before you reach the final stages of interviews. Ensure key stakeholders in your life are comfortable with the move to avoid any last-minute surprises or resistance.
• Familiarise yourself with the location: Have you visited the destination? Would you accept a job and move there without having seen it? While this may work for single individuals, we still recommend a reconnaissance trip, ideally paid for by your future employer. If not, it’s worth visiting at your own expense to get a feel for the place. The last thing you want is to leave a stable job only to discover the new location isn’t what you expected.
• Your partner’s employment: If your partner works, will they need to find a job before you can move? This often gets overlooked, and it may not be easy for them to secure employment in a new country. Can you afford to manage on one salary in the meantime? Some professions also require requalification, which can be a lengthy process. For instance, UK nurses and teachers may need to requalify in certain states in Canada.
• Schooling: Curriculums vary internationally, and your children won’t be doing GCSEs or A-Levels unless they attend an international school with an IB programme. Many countries have excellent alternatives, but if staying in the UK system is important to you, international schools can be expensive.
• Unmarried partners: If you and your partner are not married or don’t live together, they may not qualify for visa sponsorship through your employment. Many countries require proof of financial connection and cohabitation, and some may even require you to be married.

Tips for a Successful Move…

• Move for lifestyle, career, and challenge: Relocate for the right reasons – to improve your life, experience a better climate, take on new challenges, work on exciting projects, or accelerate your career.
• Think long-term, not short-term gains: Relocating purely for financial reasons tends to have short-term benefits. Consider whether the move aligns with your long-term career goals and overall happiness.
• Prepare for a different way of working: Don’t expect everything to be done the way it’s done in the UK. Contracting cultures can differ significantly overseas, both contractually and behaviourally. Be prepared to adapt.
• Give it time: The first six months in a new location can be challenging. From making new friends to adjusting to different schools or driving on the opposite side of the road, it’s a whirlwind of new experiences. Don’t make any rash decisions – allow yourself time to settle.

For international opportunities right now, we are looking to speak with:

• Project Directors
• Construction Directors
• Construction Managers
• Senior Project Managers
• Project Managers
• Site Managers
• Commercial Directors
• Commercial Managers
• Planners & Estimators ...with Civils or Buildings construction experience working for Tier 1 or Tier 2 contractors.

If you are curious, I’m always happy to chat; both myself or Leah Roberts will always be impartial and transparent about the whole process.

Here's a shot of me with my brothers, sister, and my son Oliver at Alex Warrington 's wedding in NZ back in 2019 – they are still going strong! A successful relo!!

#internationalrecruitment #civilengineering #cleanenergy #constructionjobs #STRIDE #positivelyimpactingpeople