Hiring and Sponsoring Building and civil engineering technicians (SOC Code 3114)

Building and Civil Engineering Technicians, classified under SOC Code 3114, are vital professionals in the construction and engineering sectors who play an essential role in ensuring that projects are executed efficiently and according to specifications. Their responsibilities include:

• Setting up apparatus and equipment for field and laboratory tests of soil and construction materials.
• Performing calculations to analyze and interpret data effectively.
• Setting out construction sites, supervising excavations, and marking out the positioning for upcoming building work.
• Inspecting construction materials and overseeing contractors' work to ensure compliance with industry standards.
• Arranging remedial work when necessary to address any issues identified during inspections.
• Creating and designing plans using computer-aided design (CAD) software.
• Estimating project costs to ensure financial feasibility.
• Estimating timescales for project delivery to align with client expectations and project deadlines.

With ongoing infrastructure development in the UK, the demand for skilled building and civil engineering technicians continues to rise, prompting many organizations in the construction industry to look for talent from overseas. This guide will assist HR professionals in understanding the process of hiring and sponsoring building and civil engineering technicians under the UK’s immigration system.

What is SOC Code 3411 for Building and civil engineering technicians?

SOC Code 3114 refers to building and civil engineering technicians who play a vital role in the planning, design, and execution of construction projects. Their responsibilities can include:

• Setting up apparatus and equipment: Preparing tools and testing equipment for field and laboratory analysis.
• Conducting field and laboratory tests: Performing tests on soil and construction materials to ensure suitability.
• Performing calculations and collecting data: Analyzing test results and interpreting data to inform construction decisions.
• Setting out construction sites: Marking out positions for building work and supervising excavation processes.
• Inspecting construction materials: Ensuring materials meet specifications and standards by conducting quality checks.
• Supervising contractors: Overseeing the work of contractors to guarantee compliance with project specifications.
• Arranging remedial work: Identifying issues and coordinating necessary repairs or adjustments to maintain project integrity.
• Creating and designing plans: Utilizing computer-aided design (CAD) software to develop detailed project layouts and specifications.
• Estimating project costs: Calculating financial requirements and resource allocations for upcoming construction projects.
• Estimating timescales for project delivery: Assessing project timelines to ensure timely completion of construction activities.

Building and civil engineering technicians are essential in ensuring that construction projects are executed efficiently, safely, and in accordance with established standards and regulations.

Eligibility to Hire Building and civil engineering technicians (SOC Code 3411)

1. Job Requirements

Building and civil engineering technicians must possess a diverse set of technical skills and qualifications. Candidates should meet the following criteria:

• Educational Background: A degree or diploma in civil engineering technology or a related field is preferred.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in computer-aided design (CAD) software for creating and designing plans.
• Field Experience: Previous experience in conducting field and laboratory tests of soil and construction materials.
• Analytical Abilities: Strong skills in performing calculations, collecting, recording, and interpreting data relevant to construction projects.
• Supervisory Skills: Experience in supervising excavations, marking construction sites, and overseeing contractor work to ensure compliance with specifications.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Familiarity with safety regulations and quality standards in construction to facilitate remediation as necessary.
• Cost Estimation: Ability to estimate project costs and develop accurate timescales for project delivery.

Ensure that applicants' qualifications and work experience align with SOC Code 3114 and meet the expectations for the role.

1. Salary Thresholds
2. Use the Minimum Salary Calculator to ensure your salary offer meets immigration requirements.

Sponsoring Building and civil engineering technicians: A Step-by-Step Guide for HR Professionals

Once you’ve confirmed that the role and candidate meet the eligibility requirements, follow this step-by-step guide to sponsoring Building and civil engineering technicians under SOC Code 3114.

Step 1: Obtain a Sponsor Licence

Before hiring non-UK Building and civil engineering technicians, your company or institution must obtain a sponsor licence. This licence enables you to legally sponsor overseas Building and civil engineering technicians under the Skilled Worker Visa program.

• Sponsor Licence Application: Submit documentation proving that your business is legitimate and has a genuine vacancy. Visit the sponsor licence application guide for more information. 
• Sponsor Licence Fees: Small businesses typically pay £574, while larger institutions pay £1,579. For more information, visit the sponsor licence fees guide. 
• Processing Time: Applications typically take up to 8 weeks, but using the Sponsor Licence Priority Service can reduce the processing time to 10 working days.

Once your sponsor licence is approved, you will receive a sponsor licence number, which allows you to assign Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS).

Step 2: Assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

Once you have your sponsor licence, the next step is to assign a CoS to the Building and civil engineering technicians. This document provides key details about the job and the individual being sponsored.

• Defined vs Undefined CoS: Use a Defined CoS for Building and civil engineering technicians applying from outside the UK, and an Undefined CoS for those already in the UK. Learn more in the Defined & Undefined Certificates of Sponsorship guide. 
• Required Documents: Provide details such as the Building and civil engineering technicians’s portfolio, passport and job offer. Refer to Documents Required for Certificate of Sponsorship for a full list of necessary documents.

Step 3: Apply for the Skilled Worker Visa

Once the CoS is issued, the Building and civil engineering technicians can apply for the Skilled Worker Visa.

• Visa Fees: Fees vary depending on the role and visa length—use the visa fees calculator to estimate the costs. 
• Immigration Skills Charge: Employers are required to pay this charge as part of sponsoring non-UK workers. This is separate from visa fees.

Conducting a Right to Work Check for Building and civil engineering technicians

Before the Building and civil engineering technicians begins working, you must conduct a right to work check to ensure they are legally allowed to work in the UK.

• Manual Right to Work Check: Verify original documents such as the Building and civil engineering technicians’s passport and visa. 
• Online Right to Work Check: If the Building and civil engineering technicians holds an eVisa, you can use the UK government’s online system to verify their right-to-work status.

For more details on how to perform these checks, see the right to work check guide.

Post-Hiring Responsibilities and Compliance

1. Record-Keeping and Reporting  
2. • Record-Keeping: Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of the Building and civil engineering technicians’s employment details, salary and contact information. 
   • Reporting Changes: Report any significant changes to the Building and civil engineering technicians’s role—such as promotions or salary increases—via the Sponsor Management System (SMS).
3. Sponsor Licence Duties and Compliance
4. Failure to comply with your sponsor licence duties can result in penalties or sponsor licence revocation, impacting your ability to sponsor future Building and civil engineering technicianss.

How Borderless Can Help with Sponsoring Building and civil engineering technicians

Sponsoring Building and civil engineering technicians under SOC Code 3114 can be a complex process, but Borderless can simplify it for you. We offer comprehensive support to help you manage the entire sponsorship process.

End-to-End Sponsorship Support

At Borderless, we assist with:

• Sponsor Licence Application: Guiding you through the application process and ensuring all required documents are submitted correctly. 
• Certificate of Sponsorship Assignment: Streamlining the CoS process to make hiring easier. 
• Compliance Management: Helping you stay compliant with immigration laws to avoid penalties.

If you need assistance with hiring or sponsoring Building and civil engineering technicians, get in touch for personalised support.

Conclusion

Hiring and sponsoring Building and civil engineering technicians under SOC Code 3114 can be a rewarding way to enrich the cultural landscape of your organisation. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can successfully navigate the sponsorship process while ensuring compliance with UK immigration laws.

For further guidance, Borderless is ready to assist you with all your sponsorship needs. Contact us for expert advice.