smartblogger094The UK is in dire need of skilled engineers from around the world to fill critical roles. There are several engineering jobs available that will sponsor your work visa, even if you do not have a degree.
In this guide, we will explore the different engineering roles open to applicants without degrees, their eligibility requirements, and how you can get started on applying today.
Eligible Job Roles
The UK has identified a shortage of skilled workers in various engineering technician roles. Some of the job titles that may sponsor visas without an engineering degree include:
Maintenance Engineer/Technician
Maintenance technicians work to maintain, repair, and improve existing infrastructure, systems, and equipment. Requirements typically include a vocational qualification in maintenance, 2+ years of work experience, and technical competency.
Manufacturing Engineer/Technician
Manufacturing technicians support production processes by operating or maintaining machinery, equipment, tools, and do quality checks. A vocational qualification in manufacturing or production and 2+ years experience is usually sufficient.
Electrical/Electronic Technician
As an electrical or electronic technician, you would work on the installation, maintenance, testing, and repair of electrical equipment and systems. An electrical/electronics course certificate and a minimum of 2 years industry experience is common.
Mechanical Technician
Mechanical technicians work with engineers to maintain and repair mechanical systems like engines, vehicles, machinery, and more. Requirements include a vocational qualification focusing on mechanical/production skills and 2+ years work experience.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for a visa sponsorship under these engineering technician roles, you will typically need to:
- Have a vocational qualification, apprenticeship, or certification in the relevant field
- Have a minimum of 2 years post-qualification work experience in the field
- Meet salary requirements (usually £20,480 minimum for experienced roles)
- Have a valid job offer from an approved UK employer sponsor
- Meet English language requirements (usually B1 level)
- Pay immigration application fees
The employer would then need to obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship and sponsor your long-term work visa application.
Applying for Jobs
The best places to search for engineering technician jobs open to overseas applicants include:
- Top UK job sites like Indeed, Totaljobs, Reed
- Individual company career pages of large employers
- UK engineering association job boards
- Specialized immigration job boards
When applying, be sure to highlight your qualifications, skills, experience and emphasize your eligibility to meet visa requirements. Reach out directly to recruiting teams as well.
Moving Forward
With experience and the right qualifications, an engineering technician role could provide an opportunity to live and work long-term in the UK, even without an engineering degree. Start your search today to get the visa sponsorship process started. Let me know if you have any other questions!
FAQs
What are the top in-demand engineering technician roles?
The most common roles include maintenance engineering, manufacturing engineering, mechanical engineering and electrical/electronic engineering technicians. Employers are looking for people with experience to fill shortages in these areas.
How long does the visa process take?
The standard processing time for a skilled work visa application once sponsored is around 3 months. However, it can take longer during peak periods. It’s best to apply as early as possible once you have a job offer.
Can I bring my family with me?
If your visa is approved, you can later apply to bring your spouse/partner and any dependent children to live with you in the UK. They will also need to meet requirements like adequate maintenance funds.
How do I find recruiters specialized in visa sponsorship?
Search online for “immigration recruiters UK” or “overseas recruitment UK.” You can also search directly on job sites filtering for sponsorship. Agencies specialized in hiring from abroad can assist.
What places in the UK have most engineering job opportunities?
Major cities and industrial hubs tend to have the highest number of engineering roles. Top areas include London, Birmingham, Manchester, Bristol, Leeds, Glasgow and parts of the South East near major manufacturing plants.
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