You are a bricklayer, carpenter or roofer and you are ready for something different. Calling companies yourself is an option, of course, but many tradespeople choose a recruitment agency. Why? Because someone else does the searching, arranging and paperwork for you, while you can simply get to work.
But how exactly does that work? And what is arranged for you? In this blog, we take you through it step-by-step, so you know exactly what to expect.
What does a recruitment agency in construction actually do?
A recruitment agency in construction brings tradespeople and construction companies together. You are employed by the agency and work on the client's projects.
The advantage for you is that you do not have to scour the entire market yourself. A good agency knows the companies in the region and often already knows about a job before a vacancy is posted online. At Bullseye, we place over 800 tradespeople a year, from bricklayers to steel fixers.
Working in construction through a recruitment agency: the 5 steps
1. You register
You sign up via the registration form or you respond directly to a vacancy. You indicate what your profession is, how much experience you have and where you want to work.
Don't have a CV? No problem. In construction, what you can do is what matters most.
2. You have an intake interview
Afterwards we will call you, or you can drop by the office. We want to know what kind of work you are looking for, how far you want to travel, what certificates you have and what you want to earn.
The things that are not on paper are also discussed. Do you prefer working indoors or outdoors? Do you like working in a team or do you prefer working independently? It is precisely those answers that determine whether a job really suits you.
3. We find the match
With that picture in mind, we start searching. Not just for any job, but for a company where both the work and the atmosphere suit you. That saves everyone hassle, because a good match simply lasts much longer.
4. You start the job
Before you start, everything is arranged. You know where you need to be, what time you start, who your foreman is and what you earn. So no surprises on Monday morning.
5. We stay in touch
Even once you are up and running, you keep one dedicated contact person. Is something not going well on site? Or do you actually want to progress further? Then you call that person, and not a general number where you get someone different every time.
What does a recruitment agency arrange for you?
This varies by agency, and it is precisely the point on which you should compare carefully. With an agency specialised in construction, this should at least include:
Accommodation. If you work far from home, accommodation will be arranged for you.
Transport. Reaching the construction site should never be a reason to pass up a job.
Payroll administration. Getting paid on time, without you having to chase it up.
Certificates. Think of CSCS or VCA. On many construction sites, you won't even get through the gate without a valid certificate.
Curious about how we handle this? Then take a look at our working method.
Tip: during your intake, ask straight away who your dedicated contact person will be and on what number you can reach them. That might seem like a detail, but it is precisely what you will benefit from most later on.
What do you earn as an agency worker in construction?
This is the question we get asked most often. The answer is more reassuring than many people think.
As an agency worker, you are entitled to equal treatment in terms of pay. In short, this means: you get the same pay and the same allowances as someone directly employed by the construction company doing the same work. Travel hours, unsocial hours allowance and increments are also included.
What you ultimately take home depends on your field of expertise, your experience and your certificates. Therefore, always ask for a concrete hourly rate before you start.
In addition, you build up rights via the phase system from the collective agreement. The longer you work through the same agency, the more security you get. Ask your contact person which phase you are in and what that means for your contract.
Can you get a permanent contract through a recruitment agency?
Certainly, and it happens more often than you think. For many construction companies, agency work is the ultimate way to get to know someone first. If you do a good job and the feeling is mutual, that offer usually comes naturally.
Do you want to head in that direction? Say so straight away during your intake. Then we will specifically look for companies that actually have room to take people on contract.
Agency worker or would you prefer to work as a self-employed contractor?
If you are already registered as self-employed, you do not necessarily have to be employed. As a self-employed contractor in construction you can also secure assignments through an agency. Which form suits you best depends on your situation, your fixed costs and how much you want to arrange yourself.
What do you look for when choosing a recruitment agency?
Not every agency is the same. Pay particular attention to these four points:
Do they know construction? An agency that places warehouse staff today and roofers tomorrow does not know your trade.
Do you get a dedicated contact person? Or do you speak to someone different every time who doesn't know your story yet?
Are you paid on time? Read the Google reviews. There you can see within two minutes how an agency treats people.
Is the agency certified? The SNA quality mark, for example, says something about whether the payroll administration and tax payments are in order.
Summary
Working in construction through a recruitment agency starts with a good registration and an honest intake interview. After that, the agency looks for a suitable job, arranges the practical matters and remains involved for as long as you are at work.
The difference lies in the agency you choose. One that knows your trade, gives you one dedicated point of contact and pays on time makes your working day a lot more peaceful.
Ready for your next job?
We have been in construction since 2005, based in Beek near Nijmegen, and work throughout the Netherlands.
View all vacancies or register directly. You will hear from us within one working day about what is possible. Do you have a question first? Then take a look at the frequently asked questions.
Frequently asked questions
How quickly can a recruitment agency supply construction personnel?
What is hiring client liability?
What changes with the Wtta?
Can I employ an agency worker directly at a later stage?
