Hiring and Sponsoring Electrical and electronics technicians (SOC Code 3112)

Electrical and Electronics Technicians, classified under SOC Code 3112, are skilled professionals who play a crucial role in the maintenance and development of electrical and electronic systems. Their responsibilities include:

• Planning and preparing work and test schedules based on project specifications and technical drawings.
• Setting up equipment to undertake tests, taking readings, performing calculations, and recording and interpreting data.
• Developing installation methods and checking completed installations to ensure safety.
• Controlling or conducting the initial operation of new electrical or electronic equipment or systems.
• Diagnosing and detecting faults, implementing procedures to ensure the efficient operation of systems and equipment.
• Visiting and advising clients on the use and servicing of electrical and electronic systems and equipment.
• Interpreting and reviewing technical drawings to support installation and maintenance efforts.

With the technological advancement and increasing reliance on electrical and electronic systems in various industries, the demand for qualified technicians is on the rise. Many organizations, especially in sectors like manufacturing, telecommunications, and renewable energy, seek talented technicians to maintain and innovate their systems. This guide will assist HR professionals in navigating the hiring and sponsorship process for electrical and electronics technicians under the UK's immigration system.

What is SOC Code 3411 for Electrical and electronics technicians?

SOC Code 3112 refers to Electrical and Electronics Technicians who are responsible for ensuring the proper installation and maintenance of electrical and electronic systems. Their responsibilities can include:

• Planning and preparation: Developing work and test schedules based on specifications and technical drawings.
• Equipment setup: Setting up electrical or electronic equipment for testing and operational purposes.
• Conducting tests: Undertaking tests, taking readings, performing calculations, and accurately recording and interpreting data.
• Installation methods: Planning and checking completed installations for safety, as well as controlling or undertaking the initial operation of new systems.
• Fault diagnosis: Diagnosing and detecting faults, and implementing procedures to maintain optimal operation of systems and equipment.
• Client consultation: Visiting and advising clients on the use and servicing of electrical and electronic systems and equipment.
• Technical interpretation: Interpreting and reviewing technical drawings to ensure compliance with specifications.

Electrical and Electronics Technicians play a vital role in the functionality and safety of electrical systems, directly contributing to the efficiency and reliability of the technology we use daily.

Eligibility to Hire Electrical and electronics technicians (SOC Code 3411)

Job Requirements for Electrical and Electronics Technicians (SOC Code 3112)

Electrical and electronics technicians must demonstrate their technical proficiency and meet specific qualifications or experience criteria. These may include:

• Technical Skills: Strong understanding of electrical and electronics theory, as well as practical skills in setting up and troubleshooting equipment.
• Work Experience: Previous hands-on experience in electrical installation, maintenance, or repair of electronic systems and components.
• Educational Background: A degree or diploma in electrical engineering technology or a related field is preferred. Certification from recognized technical programs can be an asset.
• Technical Drawings Proficiency: Ability to interpret and review technical drawings and specifications accurately.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Demonstrated capability to diagnose faults effectively and implement maintenance procedures to ensure systems operate efficiently.
• Communication Skills: Strong interpersonal skills for advising clients on system usage and servicing, as well as documenting and reporting test results and findings.
• Safety Compliance Knowledge: Familiarity with relevant safety regulations and procedures to ensure that all installations and repairs are compliant and safe.

This job description aligns with SOC Code 3112 and the technician’s qualifications and experience should meet the expectations set for the role.

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

Sponsoring Electrical and electronics 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 Electrical and electronics technicians under SOC Code 3112.

Step 1: Obtain a Sponsor Licence

Before hiring non-UK Electrical and electronics technicians, your company or institution must obtain a sponsor licence. This licence enables you to legally sponsor overseas Electrical and electronics 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 Electrical and electronics technicians. This document provides key details about the job and the individual being sponsored.

• Defined vs Undefined CoS: Use a Defined CoS for Electrical and electronics 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 Electrical and electronics 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 Electrical and electronics 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 Electrical and electronics technicians

Before the Electrical and electronics 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 Electrical and electronics technicians’s passport and visa. 
• Online Right to Work Check: If the Electrical and electronics 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 Electrical and electronics technicians’s employment details, salary and contact information. 
   • Reporting Changes: Report any significant changes to the Electrical and electronics 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 Electrical and electronics technicianss.

How Borderless Can Help with Sponsoring Electrical and electronics technicians

Sponsoring Electrical and electronics technicians under SOC Code 3112 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 Electrical and electronics technicians, get in touch for personalised support.

Conclusion

Hiring and sponsoring Electrical and electronics technicians under SOC Code 3112 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.