Mechanical engineering skills are among the most sought-after in the UK. They are always in demand in projects requiring design, manufacturing, and installation of engines and machines. It is no news that the UK faces a shortage of engineering talent.

While the visa sponsorship application process for foreign engineers may be complex, it is not impossible. In this blog, we will simplify the process and offer practical tips to assist you in getting that mechanical engineering job in the UK.

 

 

Visa Options for Mechanical Engineers in the UK

There are few visa options for those looking for a mechanical engineering career in the UK.

The most popular are:

 

Skilled Worker Visa

You can apply for a skilled worker visa as a qualified mechanical engineer. It is a work visa that allows people who have the needed skillsets and qualifications to work in the United Kingdom for employers who are licensed.

It also lets you enjoy a long-term stay in the UK. When you apply for the first time, it will have a validity period of a total of five years. Keep in mind that this visa will remain valid if you continue working in the same job position with your sponsoring employer. Assuming you want to switch employers or do a different job, you have to submit an application for a new skilled worker visa.

An advantage of this skilled worker visa is that you can always extend your visa before expiration. It is possible to seek an Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) card after an eligibility time frame of five years and even British citizenship after a year.

Eligibility requirements include:

• Secure an offer of employment from a UK business.
• Your employer needs to be an approved sponsor licensed by the Home Office
• Your employer has to offer you a valid “Certificate of Sponsorship”
• You need to have some fluency in English language
• You need to have a minimum of £1,270 in your bank account as proof of funds.

 

Global Talent Visa

The UK’s Global Talent visa caters for people with exceptional achievements in various fields of endeavour, including mechanical engineering. Its visa application process is less stringent compared to others.

For instance, applicants do not need to secure an employment offer or sponsorship and there is no limit to the kind of job you can do as long as it is in your field.

The holders of the Global Talent visa can easily get settled in the UK as they can qualify for the right to reside in the UK permanently after three years.

For more information about the types of visas, check out the following resources:

• https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa
• https://www.gov.uk/global-talent

 

Top Job Boards & Resources

Here are some of the most popular job boards in the UK for searching for mechanical engineering opportunities:

 

Naukri

Naukri is a popular job board. It caters to businesses and job seekers in the UK. You can find plenty of engineering job vacancies available in the British market. This includes job positions in the mechanical engineering industry.

Website: https://www.naukri.com/engineering-jobs

 

Monster UK

Monster UK has an engineering section that offers a diverse variety of job listings in numerous engineering fields. You can find a job here, regardless of your level of experience.

Website: https://www.monster.co.uk/jobs/q-engineering-jobs

 

Reed

Reed Engineering is one of the biggest job boards in the UK, with engineering positions as its area of focus across a wide range of industries and regions. As a mechanical engineer, this should be your go-to website for vacancies.

Website: https://www.reed.com/employers/engineering-manufacturing-recruitment

 

Indeed

Indeed is a full-service job hunt website that is filled with numerous mechanical engineering roles across a wide range of fields and sectors in the United Kingdom.

Website: https://uk.indeed.com/jobs?q=Engineering&l=&vjk=3152aa636ce900ed

 

LinkedIn

LinkedIn has a page for engineering vacancies in the UK that provides a lot of opportunities for engineers. It is among the most popular for networking and job search.

Website: https://www.glassdoor.co.uk/Job/engineer-jobs-SRCH_KO0,8.htm

 

Top Visa Sponsoring Employers for Mechanical Engineering roles in the UK

Here are some of the UK’s biggest companies that hire and sponsor mechanical engineers across the world:

 

BAE Systems

BAE Systems is responsible for many of the world’s most innovative airfield and security facilities and has a skilled workforce of more than 80,500 people in over 40 countries.

Website: https://www.baesystems.com/en/home

 

Mechanical Movements Ltd

Located in Gravesend, Mechanical Movements is known for its large clientele across the UK. They have been in the engineering industry for over three decades, providing a wide variety of services to businesses. This can include haulage and storage, steel construction and drainage.

Website: https://mechanicalmovements.co.uk/

 

Avidety UK

Avidety are expert in the renovation, repair and installation of overhead and underground electric distribution facilities and is managed by industry veterans. For years, they have strived to maintain a diverse and experienced workforce that caters to the needs of their customers.

Website: https://www.avidety.co.uk/careers/current-opportunities/

 

Boralex

Boralex is a leading brand in renewable energy. They are based in the United Kingdom but have a presence in Canada, France and the United States.

Website: https://www.boralex.com/careers/

 

FermionX Manufacturing

FermionX Manufacturing is located in Southern England. They have expertise in end-to-end and integrated electronics contract manufacturing.

Website: https://www.fermionx.com/careers/

 

Vulcan Refractories Ltd

Vulcan Refractories Ltd has been in existence for more than 5o years. Its core service is the production of a comprehensive range of high-performance refractory shapes and infrared heaters.

Website: https://www.vulcanrefractories.com/

 

Globestock Safety

Established in 1982, Globestock Safety produce and sells a diverse range of high-quality products for confined space access, working at height and load arrest.

Website: https://www.globestock.co.uk/

 

Vaisala

Vaisala is one of the biggest companies in the climate action space. They manufacture measurement instruments and analytics tools. They supply customers with hardware and analytics to enhance resource efficiency and improve energy transition.

Website: https://www.vaisala.com/en/careers

 

How to Find Visa-Sponsored Jobs

 

Keywords & Filters

A good way to optimise your search for visa-sponsored jobs is by using terms like “visa sponsorship” or “UK engineering jobs”. This way, you can eliminate listings that are not relevant. This will save you time and effort. Also, you can use broader terms with a variation of the job titles because it is possible for businesses to utilise different tiles for the same roles.

 

Highlight skills

To find your dream visa-sponsored job, you need to show evidence that you are fluent in English. Most of these companies have an international outlook, so they may prioritise anyone who can communicate in other languages.

 

Prepare for Job Interviews

If you have gotten an interview invite, the company is likely close to hiring you for employment.  In the interview, you have to provide information about your visa status, job experience, and skills. So, ensure that you are 100% ready for the interview.