Image Copyright: Ilze van Heerden
In the past few years there has been a massive increase in demand for construction professionals in Ireland, and with Brexit taking it's toll, many of the Blue Chip companies have moved their head offices to Ireland- Facebook, Google, Apple etc.
This means more houses, and more office space are required.
This will be a basic guide on how I managed to secure a job in the midst of Covid.
It was definitely not a easy and cheap process, but 100% worth it in the end.
1) Registration
When looking to relocate to Ireland, the first important thing is to get your registration done at the regulatory bodies. If you are a site QS or PQS, you must get the registration done.
1) On the South African side, you will need to be registered at SACQSP (R800) to be on the register. For this you would need a SAQA (R600) degree verification done first (which would then become handy when registering in Ireland)
2) There are two routes you can then follow, either through RICS (Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors), or SCSI (Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland). I was registered at RICS, and then transferred to SCSI about a month before coming over, but both are accepted (SCSI just replies MUCH faster and is much easier to communicate with) cost for this is (€500/R8500).
3) Make sure you get registered to be on the REGISTER, and not to become a full Charted Surveyor. I registered to become a Chartered Surveyor, and my work permit got rejected. Luckily SCSI was quick to help me with a letter stating that I am in process of registering to be on the register as well.
4) SCSI will send you all information needed to get registered on the register, but basically you will need to draw up a document showing your previous experiences, their timelines, and tasks completed. According to my knowledge, you have to have a NQF level 8 qualification, (Honours and higher) to be recognized.
Engineers, make sure you are also registered at the necessary regulatory bodies.
2) Job Hunting
Job hunting will most probably be one of the most time consuming, and tiring tasks you will need to do in the process. Can take you anything between a few weeks and a few months to get a job. Here is my advice:
2.1) CV, cover letters and LinkedIn
A presentable CV is most probably the most important thing to get sorted before starting the job hunting. The Irish love to see you previous projects and experience worked on, and just as important, your hobbies (I think I might have actually secured my job because I indicated that I play rugby ????). On my CV my the first page showed my experience and personal accomplishments, and the remainder of the document was a showcase of the projects I worked on (pictures and descriptions), and my daily tasks.
On the internet there's numerous resources on how to set up your CV and coverletter in the format that the Irish prefer it. Also watch some YouTube videos on how to set up your LinkedIn profile to make it look professional.
2.2) Recruitment agencies:
There are a LOT of recruitment companies out there recruiting for construction companies. Send them a copy of your CV, and state that you are looking for a job opportunity in Ireland with a brief overview of your experience.
2.3) Construction and consulting companies
There's a list of construction companies in this link
Go onto their websites and see if they have a opportunity in your field (tab mostly called recruitment, vacancies etc. You can either apply via their website, or you must apply via an email. The internet is full of templates on how to compose professional cover letters.
With job hunting I would say the most crucial thing is to be persistent, and not let rejection emails get to you, but rather see it as motivation to apply harder. Don't let recruiters hold you on a string, don't stop looking for a job until the offer letter is signed.
Best of luck with the job hunting!
Important links:
#MapMyMove- Our coaching Services - Confused or lost and need some direction, book a session with us to help untangle the confusion and work out your route of immigration
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