The UK is seeking skilled professionals globally, offering numerous work opportunities and visa sponsorship options. This effort targets sectors like technology, healthcare, and skilled trades. Job opportunities and visa pathways in the UK are aimed at professionals in different fields.
The CARD Scholarship Forum reports that the UK labour market faces skill shortages, especially in STEM fields, healthcare, and construction. Therefore, employers are eager to sponsor international workers to fill critical roles.
Read Also: Fully Funded GIST Scholarship in Korea 2024-2025
High-Demand Sectors in the UK (September 2024)
Several sectors in the UK are experiencing urgent skill shortages:
– STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics): The UK invests heavily in research and innovation but lacks professionals in fields such as engineering, data science, and IT. Moreover, these roles often offer high salaries.
– Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: Demand for AI and data analytics experts has surged as the UK advances in these areas. Also, this offers competitive salaries and growth opportunities.
– Healthcare: The ageing population has increased the demand for healthcare workers, including doctors, nurses, and medical technicians.
– Construction and Skilled Trades: Indeed, the UK needs more construction workers, electricians, and plumbers, prompting the government to open pathways for foreign skilled tradespeople.
Read Also: Executive Assistant Job Description
Top Professions in Demand for 2025
Undoubtedly, the UK currently has a high demand for the following professions:
– Software Engineers
Salary: £40,000 to £100,000
Qualification: Bachelor’s in Computer Science
Top Employers: Google, Amazon, Microsoft
– Data Scientists
Salary: £45,000 to £85,000
Qualification: MS in Data Science or Statistics
Top Employers: DeepMind, BBC, Lloyds Banking Group
– Nurses
Salary: £27,000 to £50,000
Qualification: Nursing Degree and Registration
Top Employers: NHS, Bupa, Care UK
– Civil Engineers
Salary: £30,000 to £70,000
Qualification: Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering
Top Employers: Balfour Beatty, Atkins, Arup
– Electricians
Salary: £25,000 to £45,000
Qualification: Certified Apprenticeship
Top Employers: Schneider Electric, SSE, Balfour Beatty
– AI Specialists
Salary: £50,000 to £90,000
Qualification: MS or PhD in AI
Top Employers: Google DeepMind, Facebook, NVIDIA
– STEM Teachers
Salary: £25,000 to £60,000
Qualification: Bachelor’s in Education or relevant degree
Top Employers: Teach First, Harris Federation, United Learning
– Healthcare Assistants
Salary: £18,000 to £30,000
Qualification: Healthcare certification
Top Employers: NHS, Bupa, Care UK
– Plumbers
Salary: £22,000 to £40,000
Qualification: Certified Apprenticeship
Top Employers: British Gas, Pimlico Plumbers, Dyno
– Pharmacists
Salary: £35,000 to £55,000
Qualification: Pharmacy Degree and Registration
Top Employers: Boots, Lloyds Pharmacy, Superdrug
Read Also: Top Business Analyst Skills for 2024
Finding Authorised Employers
To work in the UK, you must find employers authorised to sponsor work visas. Therefore, verify this by visiting the UK Government’s Register of Licensed Sponsors and checking that the employer’s licence is valid.
Steps to Apply for a UK Work Visa
The DAAD Scholarships Forum outlines the following steps for applying for a UK work visa:
1. Find a Job: Use job portals like GOV.UK, LinkedIn, and Indeed.co.uk.
2. Receive a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): Your employer will provide this reference number.
3. Choose the Correct Visa: The Skilled Worker Visa is the most common.
4. Submit Your Application: However, apply online via the UK Visa and Immigration portal.
5. Pay Visa Fees: Fees range from £610 to £1,400, with an additional Immigration Health Surcharge of £624 per year.
6. Submit Biometrics: Provide fingerprints and photographs at a visa application centre.
7. Receive Your Decision: For this reason, processing takes up to eight weeks.
8. Apply for Family Visas: After obtaining your visa, you can also apply for family visas to bring your family to the UK.
Finally, by following these steps, skilled professionals can pursue career opportunities in the UK and navigate the visa process successfully. Moreover, job opportunities and visa pathways in the UK are for anyone interested.
