smartblogger094Relocating to the UK to work in the construction industry through the government-backed sponsorship program can be an exciting and lucrative step for overseas workers. This program offers a unique opportunity to not only earn a salary while gaining valuable skills and experience working abroad, but also receive a relocation package worth thousands of dollars.
An Excellent Opportunity to Work in the UK Construction Industry
In this in-depth guide, we’ll cover all the essential details of the program to help you determine if it’s the right option for you.
How the Construction Sector Visa Sponsorship Program Works
The UK faces significant skills shortages in various construction trades like bricklaying, plumbing, and carpentry. To address this issue, the government launched the Construction Sector Visa Sponsorship Program that allows approved construction companies to directly recruit and sponsor skilled overseas workers.
Under this program, eligible construction businesses can apply for a license to sponsor overseas jobseekers for specific vacant positions. Once granted a license, sponsoring companies can advertise job vacancies internationally and recruit suitable candidates from abroad. Qualifying candidates can then apply to enter the UK through this route.
If applicants meet all eligibility criteria like having suitable qualifications, work experience, and language ability, they’ll receive a 2-year work visa to start a new job with their sponsor in the UK. Throughout this period, they must remain employed with the sponsoring company only.
Lucrative Relocation Incentives and Salaries
A major draw of this program is that sponsoring construction companies are mandated to provide generous relocation support packages. Successful applicants can expect to get paid around £20,000 (about $25,000 USD) as a relocation lump sum to help cover initial settlement costs in the UK.
On top of this, they are also offered paid accommodation, usually in company-provided staff housing, for the first few months after arriving in the country. Many sponsors even help with travel expenses to relocate overseas workers and their families to the UK.
Once employed, visa holders can expect to earn competitive salaries equivalent to their UK counterparts in similar roles. Common annual salaries for skilled construction roles range from £25,000 to £35,000, rising with experience. Along with the standard UK benefits like paid holidays and sick leave, this provides immigrants with a higher standard of living than back home.
Eligibility Requirements for Jobseekers
To be eligible for this program as an overseas jobseeker, applicants must meet the following minimum criteria:
- Hold qualifications and proven work experience relevant to the nominated construction occupation
- Have English language ability at B1 level or above on the Common European Framework
- Be aged 18-45 years (except certain trades)
- Pass a basic criminal record and health checks
- Have a valid passport or travel document for at least 3 months from the date of application
The qualification and experience requirements vary based on the specific construction occupation but usually ask for a trade certificate or diploma, along with 2-5 years of post-qualification experience in that field. Language tests and certificates need to demonstrate proficiency in all four components of English.
Sponsor’s Responsibilities
As participants under this skilled visa scheme, sponsoring companies must comply with certain obligations to retain their license:
- Advertise all skilled vacancies through approved recruitment methods to give UK and EU residents priority
- Ensure candidates have suitable skills before recruitment and provide training to fill any gaps
- Pay visa workers at least the minimum wage rates and according to the same terms as UK employees
- Not claim any fees from sponsored employees for recruitment or visa costs
- Inform the Home Office if a sponsored employee resigns or is dismissed before 2 years
Being approved under this program comes with ongoing monitoring by government bodies to maintain high ethical recruitment standards consistent with UK legislation. Sponsors risk losing their license if found in breach of regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it difficult to qualify for this construction visa program?
While meeting the minimum eligibility standards ensures you can apply, the competition for roles can be high as many overseas jobseekers are attracted by the opportunity. Having relevant qualifications from a well-recognized institution, plentiful work references, strong English skills, and a good resume optimizes your chances. Some key trades in demand currently are bricklayers, welders, and scaffolders.
What areas of the UK have the most construction job openings?
Major cities and regions undergoing extensive residential and commercial development offer the highest demand. London, Manchester, Edinburgh remain top locations with various infrastructure projects underway. Also fast-growing are areas around the M4/M5 motorway corridors in southern England and the Aberdeen energy sector hub in Scotland.
How soon can I expect to start working in the UK if accepted?
It takes 6-8 months on average from initial job application to relocating and commencing employment in the UK once sponsored. Key stages involve hiring decisions, visa processing overseas which ranges 2-3 months currently, health/background checks, and relocation logistics like finding housing near your worksite. However, sponsors aim for sponsored employees to start as soon as they arrive.
How common are pay rises and promotions over the 2-year visa period?
While pay increases depend on individual UK employer policies, most construction companies offer performance-based salary increments annually. Some sponsors are open to transferring employees to different roles internally with higher pay if they gain extra skills or qualifications during the two years. However, changing employers to another non-sponsor is not permitted until obtaining Settlement Status after 5 years in the UK.
What happens after completing the 2-year visa term?
If sponsored employees remain continuously employed with the same construction company and meet certain earnings/residency requirements over the 2 years, they become eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (Settlement) in the UK. This allows living and working freely without sponsorship restrictions in any job role. After a further 12 months with Settlement Status, immigrants can apply for UK Citizenship as well.
Making an Informed Decision to Apply
While relocating abroad involves personal sacrifices, the Construction Skills Visa Sponsorship Program offers overseas jobseekers access to secure, well-paying jobs in the UK along with generous support to ease transition. With in-depth research into regional construction demands, required skills, and trusted sponsor employers upfront, qualified candidates stand much stronger chances of securing this opportunity and long-term success. Taking time to assess one’s motivations, logistics, and commitment ensures making an informed choice to apply through this route.
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