Hiring and Sponsoring Rail and rolling stock builders and repairers (SOC Code 5236)

Rail and Rolling Stock Builders and Repairers, classified under SOC Code 5236, are skilled technicians and professionals who play a crucial role in the transportation industry. They are responsible for:

• Examining drawings and specifications to determine appropriate methods and sequence of operations.
• Fitting and assembling parts and/or metal sub-assemblies to construct train engines.
• Inspecting rolling stock for defects, and performing necessary actions to remove, replace, and repair faulty parts.
• Conducting inspections and tests on new and repaired machinery to ensure conformity with established standards and specifications.
• Lubricating train engines through oiling and greasing to maintain optimal performance.
• Maintaining records of repairs and maintenance carried out to ensure accountability and thorough documentation.

With the evolving landscape of the railway industry, there is a growing need for skilled rail and rolling stock builders and repairers. This increased demand leads many organizations in the sector to seek out qualified talent, including from international markets. This guide will assist HR professionals in navigating the complexities of hiring and sponsoring rail and rolling stock builders and repairers under the UK’s immigration system.

What is SOC Code 3411 for Rail and rolling stock builders and repairers?

SOC Code 5236 refers to rail and rolling stock builders and repairers who are responsible for the assembly, maintenance, and repair of train engines and related equipment. Their responsibilities can include:

• Examining drawings and specifications: Determining appropriate methods and sequence of operations for assembly and repairs.
• Fitting and assembling parts: Constructing train engines by fitting and assembling parts and/or metal sub-assemblies.
• Inspecting rolling stock: Examining train cars for defects, and performing removal, replacement, and repair of faulty parts.
• Testing machinery: Inspecting and testing new and repaired machinery to ensure conformity with industry standards and specifications.
• Maintaining engines: Oiling and greasing train engines to ensure optimal performance.
• Keeping records: Documenting repairs and maintenance activities carried out on rolling stock and engines.

Rail and rolling stock builders and repairers play a critical role in ensuring the safety, reliability, and efficiency of transportation systems, supporting the movement of goods and people.

Eligibility to Hire Rail and rolling stock builders and repairers (SOC Code 3411)

1. Job Requirements

Rail and rolling stock builders and repairers must possess specialized skills and experience to perform duties effectively. The required qualifications may include:

• Technical Knowledge: Familiarity with engineering drawings and specifications to determine methods and sequence of operations necessary for assembly and repair.
• Mechanical Skills: Proficiency in fitting and assembling parts or metal sub-assemblies to construct train engines and rolling stock.
• Inspection Skills: Ability to examine rolling stock for defects, identify faulty parts, and execute removal, replacement, and repairs as needed.
• Testing and Compliance: Experience in inspecting and testing new and repaired machinery to ensure conformity with safety standards and specifications.
• Maintenance Skills: Knowledge of performing routine maintenance tasks such as oiling and greasing train engines, as well as maintaining accurate records of repairs and maintenance activities.

Ensure that all qualifications align with SOC Code 5236 and that the candidate’s experience and skills meet the expectations for the role.

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

Sponsoring Rail and rolling stock builders and repairers: 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 Rail and rolling stock builders and repairers under SOC Code 5236.

Step 1: Obtain a Sponsor Licence

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

• Defined vs Undefined CoS: Use a Defined CoS for Rail and rolling stock builders and repairers 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 Rail and rolling stock builders and repairers’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 Rail and rolling stock builders and repairers 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 Rail and rolling stock builders and repairers

Before the Rail and rolling stock builders and repairers 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 Rail and rolling stock builders and repairers’s passport and visa. 
• Online Right to Work Check: If the Rail and rolling stock builders and repairers 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 Rail and rolling stock builders and repairers’s employment details, salary and contact information. 
   • Reporting Changes: Report any significant changes to the Rail and rolling stock builders and repairers’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 Rail and rolling stock builders and repairerss.

How Borderless Can Help with Sponsoring Rail and rolling stock builders and repairers

Sponsoring Rail and rolling stock builders and repairers under SOC Code 5236 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 Rail and rolling stock builders and repairers, get in touch for personalised support.

Conclusion

Hiring and sponsoring Rail and rolling stock builders and repairers under SOC Code 5236 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.