Written for SA2Eire by a Member
In recent years there has been a massive increase in demand for construction professionals in Ireland. The housing crisis is real and ongoing, foreign direct investment continues to drive demand for commercial and data centre construction, and the pipeline of work is substantial.
This is a basic guide on how I managed to secure a job. It was not an easy or cheap process, but 100% worth it in the end.
1. Registration
When looking to relocate to Ireland, the first important step is to get your registration sorted with the relevant bodies. Whether you are a site QS or PQS, registration is not optional.
Step 1: South African side
You will need to be registered with the SACQSP to be on the South African register. For this you will need a SAQA degree verification done first, which will also be useful when registering in Ireland. Please check the current fees directly with both bodies as these are updated regularly:
Step 2: Irish registration
There are two routes you can follow: RICS (Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors) or SCSI (Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland). I was registered with RICS and then transferred to SCSI about a month before coming over. Both are accepted. SCSI responds much faster and is much easier to communicate with. The current statutory registration fee with SCSI is €400. Check current fees at www.scsi.ie.
Step 3: This is critical. Register to be ON THE REGISTER, not to become a Chartered Surveyor.
These are two completely separate processes and this distinction is very important. I made the mistake of registering to become a Chartered Surveyor and my work permit was rejected as a result. Thankfully SCSI was quick to assist with a letter confirming I was also in the process of registering on the statutory register.
Proof of statutory registration is a pre-requisite for work permit approval by DETE. Membership of the SCSI is not a prerequisite or precursor for registration. They are separate entities and must be applied for individually.
SCSI will send you all the information needed to get registered, but essentially you will need to draw up a document showing your previous experience, timelines and tasks completed. You will need a minimum NQF Level 8 qualification (Honours degree or higher) to be recognised.
Engineers: make sure you are also registered with the necessary regulatory bodies in Ireland before applying for a work permit.
2. Job Hunting
Job hunting will probably be one of the most time-consuming and tiring parts of the process. It can take anything from a few weeks to a few months. Here is my advice:
2.1 CV, cover letters and LinkedIn
A strong CV is the most important thing to get sorted before you start applying. The Irish love to see your previous projects and experience laid out clearly. Include your hobbies too. I genuinely think I secured my job partly because I mentioned I play rugby. My CV had my experience and personal accomplishments on the first page, followed by a showcase of projects I had worked on with pictures, descriptions and daily tasks.
There are plenty of resources online for formatting your CV and cover letter in the Irish style. Also look up YouTube videos on setting up a professional LinkedIn profile. It is worth the effort.
2.2 Recruitment agencies
There are a large number of recruitment companies placing candidates with construction companies in Ireland. Send them your CV with a brief overview of your experience and what you are looking for.
2.3 Construction and consulting companies
Here are the most current lists of Ireland’s top contractors to get you started:
Go onto their websites and look for a recruitment, vacancies or careers tab. You can apply directly via their website or by email. The internet has plenty of templates for professional cover letters.
The most important thing with job hunting is persistence. Rejection emails are part of the process. Do not let them discourage you. Do not let recruiters string you along either. Keep applying until the offer letter is signed.
Best of luck with the job hunting!
