“Industry experts in New Zealand are predicting that they will need more than 23,000 construction workers by mid to late 2013,” he said. New Zealand will look to fill many of these vacancies through migration from overseas, he said. “For skilled construction workers looking to further their career and have an improved lifestyle, now is the time to emigrate, there won’t be a better opportunity.”
Thousands of homes and buildings were damaged in the earthquakes of 2010 and 2011 and some 10,000 homes are expected to be built in the next four years, while work on the commercial sector rebuild could take up to 15 years.
Arthur said that this has led to a huge surge in demand for construction workers from overseas. New Zealand Immigration recently published a list of the top professions in demand; many were construction sector roles, from general builders and site managers, to geotechnical engineers, plasterers and painters.
The Emigration Group is holding two half-day seminars in Manchester on 14 October, covering applying for residence visas, advice on finding a job and tips for a successful resettlement. Details from www.emigrationgroup.co.uk
Got a story? Email news@theconstructionindex.co.uk
