adminHere, read about engineering jobs available in the UK offering visa sponsorship. Learn about the visa process, top employers, qualifications, plus lots more.
The United Kingdom has been a home of innovation and engineering excellence throughout history. Whether you are a civil, mechanical, electrical, or software engineer, it has an open door for professionals from all around the globe.
With the increasing demand for engineers in various fields, there is also an increase in companies providing sponsorship opportunities for the best talent.
Engineering Job Market Overview in the UK
The UK engineering industry is very dynamic, as its scope ranges from aerospace to automotive industries, energy, construction, and technology. Recent reports have shown that the engineering industry contributes over £1.2 trillion annually to the UK economy and thus makes the sector one of the most important ones within the country.
With the UK government’s focus on developing infrastructure, green energy, and technological innovation, the demand for engineers has never been this high. This is particularly so in London, Manchester, Birmingham, and Scotland. For such skill gaps, companies are more than eager to invite international talent through visa sponsorship.
Types of Engineering Jobs Offering Visa Sponsorship
Engineering posts that provide sponsorship in the UK are varied; however, some of these include but are not confined to:
Civil Engineers: Work on infrastructure projects relating to bridges, roads, and buildings.
Mechanical Engineers: Engaged in the design, manufacturing, and maintenance of machinery.
Electrical Engineers: Dealing with electrical systems from small-scale electronics upwards to large power systems.
Software Engineers: Develop and conduct the maintenance of software systems.
Chemical Engineers: They deal with the elaboration of chemicals, fuels, medicines, etc.
Aerospace Engineers: They work in researching and designing airplanes, helicopters, and also space shuttles.
Sponsorship Employment Visa Application Process :
To be able to work as an engineer in the UK through sponsorship, you need a job offer from a United Kingdom employer that has a license to sponsor workers who are based outside the UK. One of the most applicable visa routes would include a Skilled Worker Visa.
How to obtain a Skilled Worker Visa:
An applicant is offered a job by a UK firm that is a valid sponsor license holder. Your Certificate of Sponsorship, in essence a reference number, will be provided to you by your employer for your visa application. You will have to make the application online with your CoS and proof of your English proficiency plus other required documents.
Biometric Information: You may need to provide biometric information, such as fingerprinting and a photograph, at a visa application centre.
Decision: Wait for the decision-usually this takes about 3 weeks in general.
Qualifications and Experience Required
Engineering job market in the UK is highly aggressive, thus decent qualifications and experience are quite crucial. Majority of the employers will look for you to have:
Degree in Relevant Engineering: The normal expectation is a bachelor’s or master’s degree in your engineering discipline.
Professional Experience: A number of years of experience in their field can be 2-5 years, although in some posts, graduates with less experience may be considered.
Professional Certification: Holding a certification from a recognized professional body, like the Institution of Civil Engineers and the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, is advantageous.
The proficiency in the English language should be demonstrated, usually by taking tests like IELTS.
Below are the tips to secure an engineering job in the UK with VISA sponsorship.
Research Potential Employers: First, find companies that are likely to sponsor visas for foreign nationals. If this is the case, such candidates can look for sponsorship from companies themselves.
Personalize Your Resume and Cover Letter: Describe the qualifying experience, how you qualify for the post, and why you are the best fit. Highlight any international experience that one possesses, along with adaptability to alternative working environments.
Network: Conferences related to the field, LinkedIn Network, other engineering forums. Networking works for people in getting jobs and gives insider information about companies that can offer sponsorship.
Be Persistent: The process of searching for jobs might be grueling and drawn out, especially when the application is international. Keep applying, improving your application materials, and expanding your network.
Top Companies Offering Visa Sponsorship for Engineers
There are several UK companies in different engineering fields that are known to sponsor visas for their employees. Some of the top companies include:
Rolls-Royce: Known for its engineering excellence in aerospace and energy sectors.
Arup: Global engineering consultancy with a significant role in civil and structural engineering.
Siemens UK: Market leader in electrical engineering and automation technology.
AECOM: A global infrastructure company offering opportunities in civil, mechanical, and environmental engineering.
BAE Systems: Multinational defence, security, and aerospace company.
Challenges and Considerations
While the UK offers exciting opportunities for engineers, there are challenges to consider:
Cost of Living: For instance, cities like London have very high living standards that require a good salary to cover living costs.
Visa Conditions: Know your conditions of stay, time permitted, and whether or not such visa conditions can be changed with regard to employer changes within such conditions.
Cultural Adaptation: Relocating to a new country means adapting to a new culture, new working style, and probably a new language.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for engineers in the UK?
The average salary of engineers in the UK, based on discipline, ranges from £30,000 to £60,000 annually. The salary can go up to £70,000 per annum for senior positions.
Does the UK need any more engineers?
There is a demand for engineers in the UK, primarily in the fields of civil and mechanical engineering and software engineering.
Can I change employers on a Skilled Worker Visa?
Yes, you can change employers, but you will need to apply for a new visa with your new employer as your sponsor.
How long does it take to get a Skilled Worker Visa?
The usual processing time for a Skilled Worker Visa is about 3 weeks after an online application.
Do I need to take an English language test?
Yes, if you are from a non-majority English-speaking country then you will be required to take an approved English language test such as IELTS.
This course literally covers all that an engineer should know about working in the UK under visa sponsorship, from insightful standpoints to effective tips helping one get his dream job.
admin