Explore the top 10 UK work visa jobs and learn how to secure a visa for your dream career.
From IT to healthcare, discover promising opportunities in diverse sectors.
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UK Work Visas: The Top 10 High-Demand Jobs and How to Get There
Brexit has created a demand for skilled labor in the United Kingdom (UK), benefiting countries like Nigeria.
This shift in the UK’s workforce requirements could be a fast track to obtaining a UK work visa for many aspiring professionals.
Erudera, a global university and academic program search platform, has released a report highlighting the top jobs and academic degrees that are poised to fill the market gaps in the UK.
These roles are primarily selected based on their skill requirements, which align with the respective degrees, and the qualifications typically held by professionals in these fields.
Brexit profoundly impacted the UK’s job market.
This process resulted in a plethora of vacancies at various levels, spurring the country to be flexible with its immigration routes to sustain economic growth.
Various immigration routes have been introduced, including the Graduate Route, High Potential Individual Visa, Global Talent Visa, and Scale-Up Visa.
These have proven effective, with official data revealing a staggering 574.8% increase in Nigerians receiving UK work visas from 2019 to 2022.
Important Links:
- Uk Visa Application Fees in Nigeria 2023
- UK Work Visa Application For Nigeria 2023 [Updated]
- Study and Work in UK in 2023
- UK Opens Doors for Nigerian Teachers:
Explore the top 10 high-demand jobs in the UK and their hourly wages.
1. Health Sector Jobs – £16.94/hour
The healthcare sector in the UK is in dire need of professionals.
Successive UK governments have prioritized filling these gaps, resulting in the UK becoming a significant importer of healthcare professionals.
“In 2020, the Conservative government pledged to increase nurse numbers by 50,000 over the next five years, and offered additional cost of living support of £5,000,” Erudera stated.
Further, the UK announced the Health and Care Visa policy in the same year, aiming to streamline and expedite the migration process for healthcare professionals.
This policy has particularly benefited Nigeria, which experienced a 251% increase in skilled work visas under the health and care category from March 2022 to March 2023.
To provide a quick comparison, the following table outlines the projected growth and retirement rates in this sector:
| Sector | Projected Job Growth by 2027 | Projected Retirement by 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| Health Sector | 6.2% | 48.5% |
2. Biological Scientists and Biochemists – £12.55/hour
Biologists and biochemists study the characteristics of living organisms.
Aspiring scientists in the UK have a great opportunity with projected 4.2% job growth by 2027, creating 4,500 new jobs.
3. Engineering – £13.54 to £16.12/hour
Engineering fields, including civil, mechanical, electrical, and electronics, are in high demand in the UK.
A report by Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Learning highlighted that 89% of STEM businesses face recruitment difficulties, contributing to an estimated £1.5 billion annual cost in recruitment for UK businesses.
4. IT Business Analysts, Architects, and Systems Designers – £15.43/hour
Roles in this sector typically require a degree in computer science, IT, business administration, or a related field.
According to Erudera, major employers in this field are computer programming, legal and accounting, and head offices. London is particularly fertile ground for opportunities within this industry.
5. Architects – £13.50/hour
Regions like London and South East England provide the most opportunities for aspiring architects.
The sector is expected to grow by 4.3% by 2027, leading to roughly 2,900 new job prospects.
6. Programmers and Software Development Professionals – £13.95/hour
The ever-evolving digital world necessitates programmers and software development professionals.
They are pivotal in shaping the tech landscape of the UK, particularly in major tech hubs like London.
7. Web Design and Development Professionals – £10.99/hour
In the digital age, web designers and developers are indispensable.
They are instrumental in shaping the online presence of businesses and creating user-friendly interfaces.
8. Veterinarians – £13.83/hour
Veterinarians, with their specialized skills, are in high demand.
The UK provides a thriving environment for professionals in this field.
9. Cybersecurity Specialists – £13.17/hour
In an era defined by data and online transactions, cybersecurity specialists play a crucial role in ensuring data privacy and protection against cyber threats.
10. Laboratory Technicians – £7.75/hour
Laboratory technicians, often the unsung heroes in the world of science and medicine, are crucial in scientific research and medical diagnoses.
The aforementioned jobs are just a snapshot of the opportunities available in the UK.
Brexit created opportunities for foreign nationals to contribute to the UK’s economic growth, including skilled workers from countries like Nigeria.