Exploring Employment Opportunities: Moving from Adelaide to the UK for Work

As you plan your move, the first thing you need to accomplish is a checklist for moving from Adelaide to the UK. With a huge change coming up, having a comprehensive checklist will ensure you’re always organised and stay on top of the different tasks that need to be completed leading up to your move. One of those vital tasks is understanding the visa requirements. The UK offers several visa options for Australians that vary based on one’s qualifications, job offer, and duration of stay.

Read on below as we delve deeper into the application process for each type of visa:

Skilled Worker Visa

The most common visa for Australians moving to the UK for employment is the Skilled Worker Visa. The Skilled Worker Visa UK for Australians is designed for individuals who have a job offer from a UK-based employer that holds a valid sponsorship licence. The employer must provide a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to further prove that you received a job offer.

For a job to be approved, it must meet the required skill level (Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) level 3 or equivalent), pay the minimum salary or the 'going rate' for the specific role, and show proof that you have enough savings to support yourself as you wait for your first paycheck. This visa allows you to live and work in the UK for up to five years, after which you may be eligible to apply for settlement.

Global Talent Visa

Unlike the Skilled Worker Visa, this visa does not require a job offer. Instead, applicants must be endorsed by a recognized UK organisation. This visa is ideal for individuals who work in science, arts, digital technology, or academia. However, getting approval can be hard to come by as you’ll need to show exemplary talent to earn an invite.

Once that invite arrives, this visa follows a two-stage process. First, you apply for an endorsement. If successful, you then proceed with the regular visa application requirements.

Youth Mobility Scheme Visa

This visa is reserved for Australians aged 18 to 30. It provides individuals around this age the opportunity to live and work in the UK for up to two years, but the duration can also be extended for another year. Aside from meeting the age requirements, you’ll need to provide a bank statement showing you have at least £2,530 in savings.

The application process is straightforward, but approval does take longer compared to the aforementioned work visa types. Furthermore, you’re also not allowed to bring in family members on your application.

Intra-Company Transfer Visa

For Australians working for multinational companies with branches in both Australia and the UK, the Intra-Company Transfer Visa allows employees to transfer to the UK branch of their company as long as they’ve rendered a year’s worth of experience for that company and meet certain salary requirements.

Similar to the Skilled Worker Visa, you’ll need a Certificate of Sponsorship from your employer, proof of salary, and of course, payment of the visa fee and the IHS. This visa typically lasts for a maximum of five years or up to nine years depending on your position with the company.

Whether you’re a skilled worker, a talented professional, or a recent graduate, the good news is that if you’re convinced of the idea of moving from Adelaide to the UK for Work, there’s likely a visa that suits your needs. It's essential to research thoroughly and ensure that you meet the necessary criteria before starting the application process. By securing the right visa, you’ll be well on your way to exploring new career opportunities in the UK.

Finding a job in the UK requires a strategic approach. The job market is more diverse, with opportunities across various sectors. To increase your chances of landing the job you want, it's essential to know where to find jobs and how to tailor your resume. Here’s a detailed guide to help you succeed in the UK job market:

Tailor your resume for the UK market.

The format and content of your CV can slightly differ from what you might be used to in other countries. Here are some key points to keep in mind when crafting your CV for the UK market:

Format and structure

While most companies in Adelaide don’t really have a preference for a resume or CV, in the UK a CV is more preferred since it’s more detailed. However, this doesn’t mean you should congest your CV with blocks of text. Aim for a one to two-page CV that is personalised to match the job you’re applying for and has the following details:

• Personal details

At the top of your CV, include your name, phone number, email address, and home address (optional but recommended for local applicants). It’s no longer necessary to include a photo or personal information such as your date of birth or marital status.

• Explain why you’re the best fit for the role.

Write a concise summary (3-4 lines) that highlights your key skills, experience, and career goals. This part is important and must be tailored to the specific job you are applying for as this gives employers a better idea of what makes you a strong fit for the position.

• Employment history

List your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent position. For each job, include the company name, location, job title, and how long you were employed by that company. Provide bullet points outlining your responsibilities, achievements, and impact in each role.

After your employment history, include a section for education, starting with your highest qualification. Include the name of the institution, dates attended, and any relevant achievements or awards while enrolled.

• Skills

Many UK employers look for a skills section highlighting your technical abilities. In this section, make sure to only include skills that will be relevant to the role.

Build connections

Networking is a powerful tool for finding job opportunities in the UK, especially for individuals who previously resided in a different country. This allows you to meet other people and possibly earn a job from referrals.

• Attend networking events

The first option to build connections in your industry is to attend industry-specific networking events, career fairs, and conferences. These are excellent places to meet potential employers, make contacts, and learn about unadvertised job opportunities and the work culture of the UK.

• LinkedIn

Who says building connections can’t be done online? As the world shifts to a more digitised era, now is the perfect time to either make a LinkedIn profile or make sure it’s up to date and mirrors your CV. While you’ll find some recruiters reach out to you personally about a role, don’t be afraid to reach out to them as well even if there’s no position currently available. By letting them know that you’re available, it can open the door for future opportunities.

Where to Find Jobs in the UK

The UK offers many platforms to search for jobs across different industries both online and offline. Here are some of the top online job portals you can use to find a job that suits your talents:

• Indeed.co.uk
• Totaljobs
• LinkedIn
• Glassdoor

Outside of scouring job boards, many UK employers also post jobs directly on their websites to avoid incurring any additional fees from job posting platforms. If you have a particular company in mind, it's worth checking their career section regularly or visiting their office personally to inquire about any available positions.

Like with any other country, there are certain sectors that consistently experience higher demand than others. In the UK, factors such as technological advancements, population growth, and the changing economic landscape all factor into the different employment opportunities in the UK for Australians. For individuals considering moving to the UK or changing careers within the country, understanding the areas of high demand can increase your chances of landing in an ideal situation.

Here’s an overview of some of the more in-demand jobs you can find in the UK:

Healthcare

The healthcare sector has long been one of the most critical and in-demand industries in the UK. With the COVID pandemic adding an additional strain on healthcare systems, jobs such as nurses, general practitioners, medical specialists, and care workers have become even more sought after.

Engineering and construction

Another field where you can find professional development in the UK for Australians is engineering. The UK has a longstanding need for engineers, particularly in construction. In fact, one study found that the UK is expecting a shortage of 1 million engineers by 2030. The estimate was made from the surplus of projects in the country from the government’s commitment to infrastructure development and sustainability projects. In the same study, researchers found that the lack of engineers stemmed from the lack of interest in the field from the new generation. At least 30% of Gen Z said they’re reluctant to consider a career in engineering due to the maths and science involved in the job.

That said, if you’re looking for career growth opportunities in the UK after moving, working as a civil engineer can open doors to a wide range of career paths, including project management, construction management, and consultancy.

Education

The education sector in the UK has faced significant staffing challenges over the years despite all the initiatives in place to recruit and retain teachers. Since the pandemic, teachers in the UK have faced a more significant workload compared to graduates in other jobs during a typical working week, causing many educators to vacate their jobs. However, there has been steady movement in the right direction with the government imposing more programs and increasing the pay for teachers.

Moving from Adelaide to the UK job market can provide you with ample opportunities depending on your field. If you’re currently studying or working in healthcare, IT, engineering, or education, securing a role in the competitive UK job market should be a breeze.

At Aussiemove, we offer different ways to make moving from Adelaide to the UK for Work seamless. From the moment you decide to relocate, our team will take the necessary time to assess your needs so that we can tailor a personalised moving plan that ensures every detail of your move will be done with utmost care and efficiency.

We understand that this period can be overwhelming, especially if you’re planning a move to the UK with your family. There are additional documents you need to secure, emotional factors, and financial constraints you need to keep in mind. As Adelaide’s trusted movers for over 30 years, we’ve developed different UK relocation services for Australians that are designed to alleviate the stress and complexity of your move.

Shipping and customs handling

One of the biggest concerns when moving internationally is managing logistics and getting clearance from customs, especially if you have fragile and valuable items. To make this process easier on your part, we can handle all aspects related to packing, transporting, securing paperwork, and shipping your belongings to the UK. As a member of the International Association of Movers (IAM), it’s allowed us to gain a wide network of movers in different countries to give you peace of mind knowing your belongings are in safe hands, and the UK is no exemption.

Comprehensive Support

As the relocation date gets closer, it’s normal to feel frazzled. After all, one error can lead to a domino effect of problems that can jeopardise your entire relocation. At Aussiemove, you can expect full support from us throughout this process, keeping you updated on the latest progress of your move to ensure your belongings are delivered safely and on time to your new home.

With our extensive experience and dedicated approach, you’re guaranteed a hassle-free relocation from Adelaide to the UK, allowing you to start the next chapter of your life on the right foot.