Your opportunity and relocation support, all in one place
Gateway Recruitment helps construction and engineering professionals find the right opportunity and prepare for the move with one connected, personal process.
Real opportunities
Direct connections to employers actively hiring across Gateway Recruitment's specialist construction and engineering sectors.
Trusted introductions
When specialist advice is needed, we can introduce you to independent licensed migration or immigration advisers.
Gateway Relocation Pack
Practical information covering the essentials of moving, getting set up and settling into life in Australia or New Zealand.
One connected process
From the first conversation to the first day in your new role, Gateway keeps the process clear, personal and moving forward.
Connecting experienced professionals with the projects shaping Australia and New Zealand.
Your experience is needed on major projects
Your experience is in demand
Design, project and construction management roles across mechanical, civil, electrical, infrastructure and data centre projects are consistently hard to fill.
Same role, bigger projects
Australian construction runs on the same core skills you already have, just bigger projects, hotter days, and often stronger packages.
Most people never make the call
The hard part is starting. Gateway Recruitment helps identify suitable employers and opportunities, shares general relocation information and can introduce you to independent specialists for visa or skills-assessment advice.
Ready for a new opportunity?
You don't need to have the whole move figured out. Tell us a little about your experience and what you're looking for, and our team will start a straightforward, confidential conversation.
- 1Your current role, experience and location
- 2Where you'd like to work and your ideal timing
- 3Your visa status: “not sure yet” is completely fine
Chat with Skipper first
Ask about moving, Gateway's industries or whether your experience may be relevant. The registration form may be your next step.
The opportunity and the move, brought together
We have brought the practical information candidates need into one clear relocation pack, so you can focus on the opportunity rather than searching across dozens of websites.
Everything needed to prepare with confidence
The Gateway Relocation Pack brings together the practical essentials of moving to Australia or New Zealand. It gives you a clear starting point without overwhelming you with information before you are ready.
Gateway Recruitment provides general relocation information only. Where personal migration advice is required, we can introduce you to an independent licensed adviser.
Visa pathwaysCompare the main routes for Australia and New Zealand.
The main pathways, in plain terms
Skilled Independent
Points-tested, no employer or state sponsor needed. Many engineering and construction management occupations sit on the general skilled list.
Skilled Nominated
Similar to 189, but a state or territory nominates you, usually in exchange for committing to live there.
Skills in Demand (Employer Sponsored)
An Australian construction or engineering firm sponsors you directly, often with a path to permanent residency later.
Skilled Regional
Provisional visa tied to a regional area, regional infrastructure and resources projects often move fastest on this one.
Getting your qualifications recognised
A UK, Irish, European or American qualification doesn't automatically transfer in either country. In Australia, engineering roles are typically assessed by Engineers Australia, while project management, construction management and contracts roles usually go through VETASSESS. In New Zealand, qualifications are generally verified through NZQA's international qualification assessment, alongside the job-specific requirements of the Accredited Employer Work Visa.
These are established processes, but the correct pathway depends on your circumstances. Gateway Recruitment can discuss relevant job opportunities and introduce you to independent qualified specialists for personal advice.
Money and bankingAccounts, tax numbers, retirement contributions and transferring savings.
Setting up before you've even landed
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Open an account before you land
In Australia, the big four, Commonwealth Bank, ANZ, Westpac and NAB, let you open a transitional account before arrival. In New Zealand, ANZ, ASB, BNZ, Westpac and Kiwibank offer similar. Both activate once you land and verify ID.
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Get your tax number
In Australia it's a Tax File Number (TFN); in New Zealand, an IRD number. Both are essential for being paid correctly and avoiding emergency tax rates, apply once you're in the country on a valid visa.
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Understand retirement contributions
Australia's superannuation is compulsory, employers contribute automatically on top of your wage. New Zealand's KiwiSaver works differently: you're auto-enrolled as a new employee but can opt out within a set window.
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Plan the transfer
Moving UK savings across is straightforward in either country, but timing around exchange rates and transfer fees is worth thinking through before you go.
Typical first 90 days
Transitional bank account → land and verify ID → apply for your tax number (TFN or IRD) → first payslip with super or KiwiSaver contributions appearing → decide on any UK pension transfer.
Schools and familySchool years, zoning, childcare and planning a move with children.
Key difference from home
Both the Australian and New Zealand school years run roughly late January to mid-December, not the autumn-to-summer year used across the UK, Ireland, most of Europe and America. If you move mid-year, most schools can still place your kids, but it's worth planning around term breaks where possible.
Getting the kids settled
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Public, integrated, or independent
Public/state schools are free and zoned by address in both countries. Faith-based "systemic" (Australia) or "state-integrated" (NZ) schools sit in between on cost; independent schools carry full fees but wider variety.
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Zoning matters more than you'd think
Where you rent or buy often determines which public school you're entitled to in both countries, worth researching before you commit to a suburb.
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Early years support
Both countries offer government support once you're eligible, Australia's Child Care Subsidy and New Zealand's 20 Hours ECE, though what you can access depends on your visa type.
HealthcarePublic cover, private insurance and what to arrange before arrival.
Before you travel
Check whether your visa requires private health cover and keep suitable travel insurance in place until local arrangements are active.
After arrival
Confirm your eligibility for public healthcare, choose a local doctor and keep copies of prescriptions and medical records.
Family planning
Research nearby doctors, hospitals and specialists when comparing suburbs, particularly when relocating with children.
Renting and housingPreparing applications, choosing suburbs and understanding upfront costs.
Prepare early
Bring employment references, proof of income, identification and previous rental history so you can move quickly when the right property appears.
Compare the commute
Judge suburbs against the actual project location, transport options and likely working hours, not only distance from the CBD.
Budget realistically
Allow for bond, rent in advance, temporary accommodation, furniture and utility setup during your first few weeks.
Tax, super and KiwiSaverThe essentials candidates need to understand before reviewing a package.
Read the whole package
Confirm whether salary figures include or exclude Australian superannuation, vehicle allowances, bonuses and other benefits.
Get the right number
Apply for the relevant tax identifier after arrival so payroll can tax you correctly from the beginning.
Use professional advice
Cross-border tax and pension decisions depend on individual circumstances. Gateway can point candidates toward qualified advisers rather than guessing.
Driving and transportLicences, commuting and the practicalities of getting to projects.
Check licence rules
Conversion requirements differ by destination and licence origin, so confirm the local rules before relying on an overseas licence long term.
Project access matters
Construction and data centre sites are not always well served by public transport. Ask whether a vehicle, allowance, parking or toll support forms part of the package.
Plan the first month
Temporary accommodation near work can reduce pressure while you learn the city and decide where to settle permanently.