Plan the curve, not the headcount
Project hiring fails when it is treated as one number. Model the headcount curve by trade and month, then work backwards through visa, travel and induction lead times.
- Split the requirement by trade, grade and start month.
- Confirm quota and camp or accommodation capacity for each batch.
- Allow lead time for trade testing and source-country clearances.
- Build a buffer for medical failures and no-shows at travel stage.
Running the ramp-up
- Mobilise in batches tied to the construction or operations programme.
- Induct every batch on HSE, working hours and welfare arrangements.
- Pay through WPS on time — wage delays drive attrition faster than anything else.
- Track productivity per trade against plan and adjust the next batch.
Demobilisation and redeployment
The end of a project is a workforce event, not an administrative one. Plan redeployment to the next scope, or a compliant exit with correct end-of-service settlement, cancellation and repatriation, before the taper begins.
Frequently asked questions
- For overseas trades, start at least three months before the first batch is needed on site, and earlier if quota, accommodation or licensing still needs to be arranged.
