There is a severe shortage of workers in the United Kingdom’s construction industry. As major housing, infrastructure, and commercial projects get underway, both skilled and unskilled workers are in demand. As a result, many foreigners have found construction jobs with visa sponsorship in the UK, earning between £15,000 and £25,000 per year, depending on their experience and role.
UK Construction Needs Foreign Workers
- A reduction in the availability of local workers has resulted in labour shortages due to Brexit.
- Government investments in infrastructure and housing.
- Unskilled workers as well as tradespeople are in high demand.
- Sponsors of foreign workers under the UK Skilled Worker program.
Foreign workers’ most common construction jobs
1. General labor employees
- Job duties: Assisting skilled trades, site preparation, carrying materials.
- Typical Salary: £15,000 – £20,000 annually.
2. Bricklayers
- Job duties: Building and repairing walls and other structures.
- Typical Salary: £20,000 – £30,000 annually.
3. Plasterers
- Job duties: Applying plaster to walls, ceilings, and structures.
- Typical Salary: £18,000 – £25,000 annually.
4. Woodworkers and joiners
- Job duties: Woodwork for buildings, frameworks, and interiors.
- Typical Salary: £20,000 – £30,000 annually.
5. Welders
- Job duties: Joining and repairing metal structures.
- Typical Salary: £18,000 – £28,000 annually.
6. Heavily equipped operators
- Job duties: Operating cranes, bulldozers, and other machinery.
- Typical Salary: £22,000 – £35,000 annually.
Visa sponsorship for construction workers
For foreigners interested in working in the construction sector in the UK, the following channels are available:
- Skilled worker visas
- Home Office-licensed employers can sponsor foreign workers.
- Among the occupations with a shortage are bricklayers, welders, and care workers (construction labour roles are becoming increasingly prevalent).
- Temporary Work Visa (Seasonal Worker)
- Some short-term construction projects may qualify as well, but most of them are in agriculture.
- Employer sponsorship
- As a result of critical shortages in the UK construction industry, many companies are now sponsoring foreign workers.
Getting Sponsored Construction Work in the UK: A Guide
- Online job listings and licensed sponsors are available from the UK government.
- Make a CV that is specific to construction.
- Emphasize practical experience even without formal qualifications.
- Contact companies that have approved sponsorships directly.
- Obtain the Skilled Worker visa by meeting the English language requirements.
Benefits of working in construction in the UK for foreigners
- Entry-level opportunities for workers without a degree.
- Earnings start at £15,000 per year with a potential of reaching £30,000 or more.
- Permitting legal residence and employment through sponsorship.
- Long-term settlement may be possible with skilled worker visas.
- Opportunities for on-the-job training and skill development.
Observations
Construction jobs with visa sponsorship are a great option for foreign workers looking for a stable job in the United Kingdom. One of the UK’s most important industries offers immigrants salaries starting at $15,000 per year and growth opportunities. Due to the labor shortage and employer interest in hiring workers, this is an excellent time to investigate these opportunities.