Scotland is a country located in the northernmost part of Europe. It is a country characterised by high humidity due to the constant rainfalls and low sunlight. It is a beautiful country with mountains and hills that make for a good view for tourists.
The country is one of the four constituents of the United Kingdom, hence, citizens from the EU (European Union), EEA (European Economic Area), Switzerland, and partly Irish can enter the country without a visa and can stay up to 6 months. However, they will require one if they plan to stay longer in the country. Citizens from other countries are required to enter the country through different visa types.
In this article, we will focus on unskilled jobs in Scotland for foreigners. But before delving into the list of unskilled jobs in Scotland for foreigners, let’s first define the concept of an unskilled job.
What is an Unskilled Job?
An unskilled job is one that requires little or no special training or skill. A person who works an unskilled job is called an unskilled worker. They require little to no training and can be hired on a need basis. They are mostly jobs that hire temporary workers as they offer little training and hardly steady career growth.
Related: Unskilled Jobs with Visa Sponsorship in the UK
Unskilled Jobs in Scotland for Foreigners
Most foreigners are on temporary visas in Scotland and that means that they will need to get temporary jobs to get by. Unskilled jobs are usually the best options for foreigners. Here are some of the unskilled jobs in Scotland for Foreigners:
1. Transport driver
Transport drivers are important in the movement of individuals to diverse destinations and are employed by various transportation services. They maintain clean vehicles, optimise routes for weather and traffic, handle payments, and offer local insights.
More so, Scotland’s robust transport network serves as the backbone for more than 360,000 businesses. Within this landscape, 45% of registered enterprises align with the six designated growth sectors listed below. Also, in 2014, these sectors exhibited remarkable contributions to the economy, showcasing their impact through Gross Value Added (GVA) figures:
- Food and drink: £5.3 billion
- Creative Industries: £3.7 billion
- Sustainable Tourism: £3.7 billion
- Energy: £17 billion
- Life Sciences: £1.2 billion
Transport drivers typically earn an average salary of £12.52 per hour, while truck drivers in Scotland have the potential to earn around £14.29 per hour and delivery drivers £11.56
2. Food production worker
Food production workers assist in meal preparation across various settings like restaurants, schools, and hospitals. They ensure food quality, storage, and kitchen hygiene.
Scotland’s vibrant food and drink manufacturing sector ranges from local businesses to global brands, playing a vital role in the economy. In 2022, exports surged by 31%, showcasing recovery from the pandemic and Brexit.
This sector employs 48,000 people, which contributes £3.4 billion to the economy and accounts for 27% of manufacturing value added. With 1,285 businesses and £10.3 billion in turnover, it’s a driving force, representing 33% of total Scottish manufacturing. The industry’s growth is remarkable, with SMEs forming 95% of businesses. The average salary for a production worker is £10.90 per hour in Scotland.
3. Security guard
Security guards play a vital role in safeguarding both property and personnel. They perform patrols, utilise surveillance technology, manage visitor access, and maintain incident logs.
The security sector is a crucial component in curbing crime, antisocial behaviour, and terrorism by adapting to regulatory and technological shifts. Partnering with government entities, private security organisations secure various environments like factories, offices, and public venues.
Scotland’s security sector contributes significantly, with an estimated £500 million in direct turnover and around 35,000 employees. Offering pathways such as guarding, events, and CCTV operations, the sector empowers professionals through Security Industry Authority (SIA) licencing and apprenticeships, aiming to enhance skills and retention. Average Salary: £10.32 per hour
4. Construction worker
In construction, Scotland faces an annual demand for nearly 4,000 new workers, yet outdated perceptions hinder interest. Only 25% recommend construction careers due to misconceptions about pay and physicality. With 231,000 employed in the sector, 3,910 more annually are required by 2027.
The industry contributes 11% to Scotland’s economy, generating £2.94 for every £1 spent. It spans diverse sub-sectors and plays a vital role in Scotland’s net-zero ambitions. The average salary for a construction labourer is £25,054 per year in Scotland.
5. Sales representatives
Sales representatives leverage communication skills to promote and sell products and services, tailoring solutions to customer needs. Operating in-person, online, or over the phone, they expand clientele through advertising, merchandising, and lead follow-up.
Scottish Enterprise is renowned for empowering ambitious businesses via innovation, investment, and internationalisation, fostering economic transformation through collaborations. In Scotland, sales representatives earn an average annual salary of £24,270.
6. Farm Workers
Farmworkers undertake the vital tasks of tending livestock, nurturing crops, and operating heavy equipment for land preparation and irrigation. They manage pests, administer pesticides, and maintain animal well-being.
More so, the agricultural sector encompasses crop and animal production, forestry, fishing, and more. Seasonal migrant labour holds immense importance for farmers, with Bulgaria and Romania becoming key sources.
A decline in available seasonal workers since 2017 was recognised, prompting a rise in labour requests and shortages from recruitment agencies. As EU dynamics shift, the sector adapts, underscoring the significance of migrant labour to sustain agricultural operations. The average salary for a farm worker is £12.41 per hour in Scotland.
Exploring Other Unskilled Jobs in Scotland for Foreigners
Listed below are more unskilled jobs in Scotland for foreigners which you may want to explore. Here’s a breakdown by sector:
Transportation:
- Railroad Switch Operators
- Rail car repairers
- Subway Operators
- Mechanics
- Commercial truck drivers
- Logistics Specialists
- Transit Police
- Railroad Conductors
- Delivery driver
- Private Chauffeurs
Manufacturing:
- Mining Roles
- Production Supervisors
- Chemical Plant Operators
- Extraction Workers
- Oil refinery operators
- Mill Workers
Construction:
- Floor Installers
- Hazmat removal workers
- Elevator Repairers
- Electronics Installers
- Building Inspectors
- Wood Patternmakers
- Pest control workers
- Roofers
- Maintenance Workers
Service and Hospitality:
- Bartenders
- Dishwashers
- Service Clerks
- Hotel Night Auditors
- Retail Management Positions
- Warehouse Workers
- Food preparation workers
- Catering Staff
- Merchandisers
- Childcare and Education worker
- Social Care Worker
- Sanitation worker
- Veterinary Assistant
- Janitors
Technical Support:
- Ushers
- Bouncers
Requirements for Securing Unskilled Jobs in Scotland for Foreigners
Depending on your nationality, the first requirement would be your visa. This grants you the legal right to live and work in Scotland. You can present this to potential employers to assure them that you are licensed to work in the country. Secondly, you would need to register with the NHS, which is the healthcare insurance in the country.
In addition to the aforementioned requirements, you would need to obtain the following to live and obtain a bank account:
1. National Insurance Number (NIN) for the UK
To legally work in Scotland, securing a National Insurance Number (NIN) is vital. This unique identifier is crucial for accurate tax and contribution documentation. You can apply for a NIN by contacting the National Insurance Number application line. Note that obtaining a NIN card requires a UK address. Plan to settle in a location where you can receive your paperwork and permanent NIN card before applying.
Recommended: Popular Recruitment Agencies in the UK for International Jobs
2. Means of Identification for Bank Account and NIN Application
EU citizens can use their ID as proof to open a bank account and obtain a NIN for working in Scotland. However, if you’re moving from outside the EU, you’ll need a work visa as evidence of your eligibility to work in Scotland before getting your NIN. A 24-month youth mobility visa, often referred to as a “working holiday visa” or “gap year visa,” is a convenient option.
Begin your Scottish work journey with confidence by ensuring your paperwork is in order. Whether you’re an EU citizen leveraging your ID or a non-EU individual pursuing a working holiday visa, these steps above will set you on the path to a successful work experience in Scotland.
3. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Although the job is an unskilled one and would not require educational requirements, having a CV boosts your chances of securing the job. Some of these unskilled jobs, however, require that applicants have work experience and a little bit of education. All these can be showcased on a CV. You can contact us at Fasthire to write you a CV that will help you secure the job faster.
Websites to Find Unskilled Jobs in Scotland For Foreigners
1. Fasthire: Fasthire is a career and education brand that helps professionals and students get the best out of their career pursuits. You can order any of our services ranging from CV writing, personal statement review, visa statement writing, etc., or browse through our job section. We take pride in delivering quality service to our clients.
2. Reed: This was the first recruitment website in the United Kingdom, and today it is one of the leading career marketplaces in Scotland too.
3. careerjet.com: Careerjet offers a comprehensive job search platform that aggregates listings from various sources, providing you with a wide range of unskilled job opportunities across Scotland.
4. Myjobscotland: Explore 1,500+ diverse job openings catering to various sectors, including councils, organisations, and universities.
5. My World of Work: With 10,000+ listings, discover roles and apprenticeships across the UK. Explore tailored tools for career exploration and training options.
6. Apprenticeships in Scotland: Founded in 2009, find apprenticeships and early careers with sector-specific filters and detailed descriptions.
7. Creative Scotland: Navigate roles in the arts, screen, and creative industries. Filter by area, enjoy highlighted deadlines and connect directly with recruiters.
8. Scot Careers: Effortlessly browse jobs with user-friendly filters, concise descriptions, and unique options like remote work.
9. Scotlandjobs: Search for jobs and careers in Scotland.
10. s1jobs: They offer job vacancies in Scotland.
Conclusion
Explore unskilled jobs for foreigners in Scotland, whether on a visa, study trip, or on a fresh start. Discover a range of roles from transport drivers to veterinary assistants, offering financial stability amidst Scotland’s beauty. Streamline your transition with essential paperwork, including a National Insurance Number (NIN) or work visa. Find your ideal role on specialised platforms like Fasthire, Reed, and more. Start your Scottish work journey today.
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