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International recruitment

Finding a solid crew isn’t easy and local labour can only take you so far. That’s where AWX steps in.

Luke and the team connect businesses across civil, construction, landscaping and mining with skilled, adaptable international workers who hit the ground running and keep projects moving. 

 

Our local teams know your site and business inside out. We make sure new starters integrate quickly, pull their weight and get the job done whether you’re in the city or out bush. 

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International recruitment that works

Orange double right arrows.

International recruitment

Finding a solid crew isn’t easy and local labour can only take you so far. That’s where AWX steps in.

Luke and the team connect businesses across civil, construction, landscaping and mining with skilled, adaptable international workers who hit the ground running and keep projects moving. 

 

Our local teams know your site and business inside out. We make sure new starters integrate quickly, pull their weight and get the job done whether you’re in the city or out bush. 

International recruitment that works

A bunch of visa options

Australia has a number of different visa options to suit a variety of scenarios.

A bunch of visa options

Australia has a number of different visa options to suit a variety of scenarios.



Some roles need proper skills and sometimes local talent just isn’t around. Through our government approved On Hire Labour Agreement (OHLA), AWX can sponsor skilled overseas workers under the Temporary Skills Shortage (subclass 482) visa and place them with your crew. 

 

We’ll link you with skilled trades and labour workers from across the globe, carpenters, electricians, boilermakers, fitters, heavy diesel mechanics and more, ready to get stuck in. We’ll handle each step - interviews and skills checks, visas and compliance - so your crew can hit the ground running. 

 

Why the OHLA works 

  • Hard to find skills for critical trade shortages 
  • Keep projects moving, reduce downtime 
  • Reliable workforce committed for their visa term 
  • Win more work with the right crew on hand 
  • AWX takes care of compliance, migration, payroll and worker welfare 

Permanent internationals 

Need extra hands for the busy season? We tap into multiple channels to find holiday makers and backpackers who are keen for short term work. They’re ready to roll, reliable and a quick way to scale up your workforce when the heat is on. 

Casual internationals

Sometimes, finding the right crew, particularly in regional and remote areas is tough. 

 

That’s where the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility scheme (PALM scheme) steps in. Aussie businesses in food, agri, hospitality and more can bring in workers from nine Pacific Islands and Timor-Leste. The scheme covers seasonal peaks as well as longer term projects up to four years, keeping your site moving when local labour is thin. It also builds an engaged and dependable workforce whilst creating opportunities for employees. 

 

Benefits for businesses

  • Dependable crew who turn up ready to work 
  • Grateful workers who want to do a good job 
  • Strong retention and low turnover, people stick around when you need them 
  • Low absenteeism 
  • Efficient processes with recruitment and onboarding 
  • Dedicated account manager around the clock 

PALM scheme

Man in construction workwear, arms crossed, smiling. Hard hat, excavator in background.

Luke McFadzean

General Manager - National Accounts and Growth

Need a solid crew?

Hit Luke and his team up and get the job done. 

Tell us your vacancies

International recruitment FAQs

  • What is international recruitment?

    International recruitment is bringing skilled or unskilled workers from overseas to fill roles you can’t cover locally. Perfect when there’s a talent gap on site, it gives you a reliable, capable crew and keeps projects moving. 

  • What types of roles can I fill through international recruitment?

    AWX connects you with international workers across a range of roles. That includes skilled trades like carpenters, boilermakers, fitters, electricians, construction project managers, estimators, civil engineers and more. Pretty much, the crew you need to get the job done.  

  • Do you handle the visa and migration process for international candidates?

    AWX’s migration and international sourcing teams know the rules inside out and keep up with all the changes. We handle the lot, visa applications, compliance and making sure workers transition smoothly into living and working in Australia. 

  • How do I get started with international recruitment through AWX?

    To get started with international recruitment channels, get in touch and we’ll work with you to understand your site, your crew needs and the roles you need filled. From there, we take care of the rest so your new crew can hit the ground running. 

  • How long does international recruitment take?

    For international recruitment, timelines depend on the role, visa type and where the worker is coming from. Some options can move quickly, others could take longer due to visa processing. Once AWX understand your situation, they’ll give you a clear, realistic timeframe upfront. No guesswork. 

  • Will international workers be ready for Australian sites?

    Yes. AWX don’t send anyone who isn’t site ready. Workers go through skills checks, English language testing where required, medicals and compliance before they arrive. AWX also make sure they understand Australian site expectations, safety standards and work culture. 

  • What happens if a worker isn’t the right fit?

    If someone’s not right for your crew, AWX act fast. AWX stay close to site, sort issues early and work with you to fix it. The goal is simple. Keep your job moving with the right people on it. 

  • How much management time does this take on our end?

    Very little. AWX handle recruitment, visas, compliance and mobilisation. You focus on running the job. AWX stay close and back you when issues pop up.

  • What’s the difference between permanent internationals, casual internationals and the PALM scheme?

    Each option suits a different need. Permanent internationals work best for skilled, long term roles. Casual internationals suit short term labour projects. The PALM scheme is ideal for reliable, longer term crews. AWX will help you choose the right fit for your site.