To address the lack of HGV/truck drivers in the food and fuel industries, the UK (including Northern Ireland) launched a program in the fall of 2021 that granted 5,000 temporary, short-term visas. Additionally, this plan established a temporary HGV concession that permits HGV truck drivers who are not nationals to apply for and work at the border. The UK government anticipated that there would be a shortfall of 100,000 drivers, according to the New York Times.
The HGV truck driver job has been taken off the list of skilled work visa jobs by the UK or Northern Ireland government since last year. Nonetheless, some companies are prepared to sponsor international truck drivers or at the very least help them obtain visas. In addition to numerous other advantages, truck drivers receive a respectable wage of €11 to €18 per hour. Continue reading to learn more:
Details of HGV Truck Driver Jobs in Northern Ireland Visa Sponsorship
- Job Industry: Transport
- Job title: Heavy Good Vehicles Truck Driver/ Truck Driver
- Job country: Ireland
- Job Type: Full Time
- Experience Required: High
- Knowledge Required: Not High
- Age Limit: 18-onwards
- Free Food: Mostly No
- Free Accommodation: No
- Free Medical Insurance: Mostly Yes
- Free Transport: No
- Visa Sponsorship: Yes/ No
- Salary: between €11-18
Requirements
In Northern Ireland, there are particular qualifications needed to operate a heavy goods vehicle (HGV) truck:
- Age Requirement: To apply for HGV truck driver positions, candidates must be at least 18 years old.
- Full Car License: Prior to being granted an HGV license, you must possess a complete and current auto driver’s license.
- Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC): You must finish the Driver CPC qualification, which entails passing five driving tests, in order to drive professionally.
- Knowledge of Local Rules: Employers look for candidates who have expertise operating huge trucks and who are aware of the laws and ordinances governing the area.
- Education Requirements Although many employers do not have rigorous criteria, some could demand that candidates have at least GCSEs or their equivalent.
- Fluent English: Being able to communicate in English is crucial, and candidates may be asked to demonstrate their language proficiency. An IELTS score can be necessary if you’re seeking for a skilled worker visa (assuming your employer isn’t sponsoring you).
- Experience Requirements: Employers may have rather different requirements for experience. While some could want up to five years of driving experience, others might only require seven months.
- Visa criteria: In order to be granted a work visa for Northern Ireland, foreign applicants must fulfill all visa criteria. This usually entails meeting certain skill and pay standards as well as receiving a job offer from a licensed sponsor.
Read Also: Ireland Work Visa Process: Apply Now
Benefits
Legal Work Status in the UK: You can live and work in Northern Ireland legally with visa sponsorship, guaranteeing adherence to immigration regulations and landing a job.
- Legal Work Status in the UK: HGV truck drivers usually receive competitive hourly pay, with hourly rates ranging from £11 to £15. This makes it possible to have a steady and lucrative career.
- Attractive Salary Package: There is a severe truck driver shortage in the UK, especially Northern Ireland, which contributes to strong demand for drivers. This indicates that there are many job openings, providing job stability for those who fill them.
- Job Security and High Demand: A lot of companies provide full-time contracts with overtime options, enabling employees to boost their income.
Access to Additional Employee Benefits: Employers often provide additional perks such as:
- Free bus travel for employees and their families
- Free uniforms and other work-related supplies
- Apprenticeship courses for skill development
- Free parking and laundry services
- Subsidized transport options, such as bike-to-work schemes
- Paid Annual Holidays and Breaks: HGV truck drivers are entitled to paid annual holidays and breaks under UK labor law, which promotes a healthier work-life balance.
- Opportunities for Career Growth: Foreign workers who are sponsored by their visas can work for well-known organizations that may provide long-term career advancement, yearly bonuses, and salary evaluations.
- Visa Support Companies who sponsor your visa frequently offer help with the application procedure, making the move to the UK easier. Furthermore, depending on the kind of visa granted, sponsorship may provide a route to permanent settlement or longer-term residency in the UK.
How can I become a free HGV Driver in Northern Ireland and UK?
You can take one of the following paths to receive training as an HGV driver: Skilled boot camps, apprenticeships, vocational courses, and driving school courses are the first four options. Skilled Boot Camp, a free training that lasts for up to 16 weeks, is the simplest option. Nonetheless, the UK and Northern Ireland provide all of these courses. Therefore, you must be in the UK (by any means of visa and residence).
Benefits
HGV truck driver jobs in Northern Ireland offer several benefits that make them attractive to job seekers:
- Lack of Advanced Qualification Requirements: A larger pool of people can apply for HGV truck driving positions because there are few educational requirements for entrance. A current driver’s license and a CPC certification are the main prerequisites.
- Attractive Salary Packages: Depending on their employer and level of experience, HGV truck drivers in Northern Ireland can anticipate competitive hourly salaries between £11 and £15 per hour.
- Full-Time Contract with Overtime: A lot of companies give drivers full-time contracts with the option of overtime, which enables them to make more money.
- High Driver Demand: Due to a lack of truck drivers in the UK and Northern Ireland, there are many job openings for anyone wishing to pursue a career in this industry.
- Additional Employee Benefits: Some employers provide a range of benefits, which may include:
- Free bus travel for employees and their families
- Free uniforms
- Apprenticeship courses
- Christmas courses and other seasonal benefits
- Free parking and laundry services
- Transportation Assistance: Some workplaces provide programs, including cycle-to-work initiatives or subsidized bike options, to assist with commuting.
- Paid Annual Holidays and Breaks: Truck drivers are entitled to paid yearly holidays and breaks under UK labor law, which promotes work-life balance.
- Annual Salary Reviews and Bonuses: A lot of companies offer company bonus plans and perform annual salary reviews, which give employees chances to advance financially and gain recognition.
How to Apply
Conclusion
Given the strong demand for drivers in the transportation industry, HGV truck driver jobs in Northern Ireland have excellent prospects. It’s the perfect position for people wishing to establish a steady career because of the competitive pay, prospects for career progress, and visa sponsorship. Apply for a job as an HGV truck driver and take advantage of the rewards and training opportunities offered if you meet the requirements and want to work in the UK.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Are visa sponsorships available for HGV truck drivers?
Indeed, a few Northern Ireland-based businesses are open to sponsoring foreign drivers for work permits.
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What is the salary range for HGV truck drivers in Northern Ireland?
The hourly wage for HGV truck drivers ranges from €11 to €18 per hour, depending on experience and the employer.
