Want to work in UK construction? Good news—many construction companies offer £15,000 construction jobs in the UK with visa sponsorship for foreigners. You can earn money, learn new skills, and build a career in one of Europe’s biggest construction industries.
This guide shows you everything about £15,000 construction jobs in the UK with visa sponsorship, which companies are hiring, what you need to apply, and how to get started.
Why UK Construction Needs Foreign Workers
The UK has a big problem—not enough construction workers. The country is building new homes, fixing old buildings, and working on major projects. But there aren’t enough local workers to do all this work.
Why There’s a Worker Shortage:
- Brexit reduced workers from Europe
- COVID-19 caused many workers to leave
- Older workers are retiring
- Not enough young people joining construction
- Too many projects happening at once
What This Means for You: UK construction companies desperately need workers from other countries. They’re willing to sponsor your visa and help you move to the UK.
The Numbers: The UK needs about 250,000 more construction workers by 2027 to finish all planned projects.
What Are £15,000 Construction Jobs?
£15,000 construction jobs are entry-level positions in UK construction. This is your starting salary per year (about $18,800 USD).
Who Gets These Jobs:
- New workers with little experience
- Apprentices learning a trade
- General laborers
- Helpers and assistants
Important: While £15,000 sounds low, most jobs include extras that increase your total earnings:
- Overtime pay (time and a half or double pay)
- Free or cheap accommodation
- Paid training and certifications
- Travel allowances
- Tool allowances
- Bonuses for completing projects
Real Earnings: With overtime and bonuses, many workers earn £18,000-£22,000 per year in their first year.
Top Construction Jobs Available
1. General Construction Laborer
What You Do:
- Help skilled workers on site
- Carry materials and tools
- Clean work areas
- Set up equipment
- Dig trenches and foundations
Pay: £15,000 – £20,000 per year
Experience Needed: None (training provided)
2. Bricklayer and Plasterer
What You Do:
- Lay bricks and blocks
- Build walls and structures
- Apply plaster to walls
- Create smooth finishes
Pay: £25,000 – £40,000 per year (after training)
Experience Needed: Some experience helpful, or complete apprenticeship
3. Scaffolder
What You Do:
- Build temporary platforms around buildings
- Ensure safety of work areas
- Dismantle scaffolding after work
Pay: £22,000 – £38,000 per year
Experience Needed: Training provided, must be physically fit
4. Roofer
What You Do:
- Install and repair roofs
- Lay tiles and shingles
- Fix leaks
- Waterproof buildings
Pay: £24,000 – £40,000 per year
Experience Needed: Apprenticeship or 1-2 years experience
5. Electrician (Construction)
What You Do:
- Install electrical wiring in new buildings
- Connect power systems
- Test electrical systems
- Follow safety codes
Pay: £28,000 – £45,000 per year
Experience Needed: Electrical certification required
6. Plumber
What You Do:
- Install water pipes
- Connect heating systems
- Fix drainage
- Install bathrooms and kitchens
Pay: £26,000 – £42,000 per year
Experience Needed: Plumbing certification or apprenticeship
7. Site Engineer
What You Do:
- Manage construction projects
- Read blueprints
- Supervise workers
- Ensure quality and safety
Pay: £40,000 – £60,000+ per year
Experience Needed: Engineering degree or extensive experience
UK Work Visas for Construction Workers
Skilled Worker Visa
What It Is: The main visa for construction jobs
Requirements:
- Job offer from licensed UK sponsor
- Certificate of Sponsorship from employer
- English language test (IELTS 4.0 or higher)
- Minimum salary of £26,200 per year (or £15,000-£20,000 for some entry-level jobs on the shortage occupation list)
Duration: Up to 5 years
Can Lead To: Permanent residence after 5 years
Cost: £625-£1,423 visa fee plus £624/year healthcare surcharge
Temporary Worker Visa (T5)
What It Is: Short-term visa for seasonal or temporary work
Duration: 6-12 months
Best For: Workers who want to try UK construction before committing long-term
Limitation: Cannot extend to permanent visa
Seasonal Construction Visa
What It Is: For workers during busy construction season (April-October)
Duration: Up to 6 months
Best For: Temporary workers gaining UK experience
Top UK Companies Offering Visa Sponsorship
1. Balfour Beatty
One of UK’s biggest construction companies. They build roads, railways, and major buildings.
Jobs Available: Laborers, engineers, skilled trades
Benefits: Full training, career development, visa sponsorship
How to Apply: Visit Balfourbeatty.com/careers
2. Kier Group
Large construction company working on homes, schools, and infrastructure.
Jobs Available: Apprenticeships, general laborers, tradespeople
Benefits: Apprenticeship programs, visa support, accommodation help
How to Apply: Check Kier.co.uk/careers
3. Laing O’Rourke
Modern construction company using advanced technology.
Jobs Available: Engineers, skilled workers, project managers
Benefits: Permanent contracts, comprehensive training, visa sponsorship
How to Apply: Visit Laingorourke.com/careers
4. Skanska UK
International construction company with UK operations.
Jobs Available: Engineers, supervisors, skilled trades
Benefits: Global career opportunities, good pay, visa support
How to Apply: Check Skanska.co.uk/careers
5. Multiplex Construction
Builds major projects across UK.
Jobs Available: Site workers, engineers, managers
Benefits: Large projects, career growth, sponsorship available
How to Apply: Visit Multiplex.global/careers
What You Need to Apply
Required Qualifications
Basic Requirements:
- Age 18 or older
- Good physical health
- Basic English speaking (IELTS 4.0 minimum)
- Willing to work hard and learn
Helpful Qualifications:
- NVQ Level 2 in construction (or equivalent)
- CSCS card (you can get this in UK)
- First aid certification
- Safety training certificates
- 1-2 years construction experience
Required Documents
Essential Papers:
- Valid Passport – Must be valid for entire stay
- Resume/CV – List all work experience
- Job Offer Letter – From UK employer
- Certificate of Sponsorship – Employer provides this
- English Test Results – IELTS or approved equivalent
- Education Certificates – Any diplomas or training
- Work Experience Letters – From previous employers
- Police Clearance – Proving clean criminal record
- Medical Certificate – Recent health checkup
- TB Test – Required from certain countries
Pro Tip: Get all documents translated to English by certified translator.
How to Apply Step-by-Step
Step 1: Search for Jobs
Where to Look:
- Indeed.co.uk (filter “visa sponsorship”)
- Reed.co.uk
- Gov.uk sponsor list
- Company career websites
- Construction recruitment agencies
- LinkedIn Jobs UK
Search Keywords:
- “Construction laborer visa sponsorship”
- “Building jobs with sponsorship UK”
- “Entry-level construction UK foreign workers”
Step 2: Apply to Multiple Jobs
Don’t apply to just one job. Send applications to 10-20 companies.
Application Tips:
- Highlight any construction experience
- Mention you need visa sponsorship upfront
- Show you’re willing to learn
- Be honest about your skill level
Step 3: Prepare for Interviews
Many interviews happen by video call.
Common Questions:
- Why do you want to work in UK construction?
- What construction experience do you have?
- Can you work in a team?
- Are you comfortable with physical work?
- When can you start?
Your Answers Should Show:
- You’re hardworking and reliable
- You’re eager to learn
- You understand UK safety standards
- You’re committed to the job
Step 4: Get Certificate of Sponsorship
When a company wants to hire you:
- They send job offer letter
- They apply for Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
- You receive CoS reference number
- This proves they’re sponsoring your visa
Step 5: Apply for Work Visa
Go to Gov.uk visa application:
- Fill out online form
- Pay visa fees
- Upload documents
- Schedule biometrics appointment
Step 6: Attend Biometrics
Visit visa application center to:
- Give fingerprints
- Take photo
- Submit documents
Step 7: Wait for Decision
Processing Time: 3-8 weeks
Fast Track Options:
- Priority (5 days): Extra £500
- Super Priority (24 hours): Extra £1,000
Step 8: Move to UK
Once approved:
- Book flights
- Arrange accommodation
- Collect BRP (residence permit) in UK
- Start your job!
Living on £15,000 in the UK
Monthly Budget (Outside London)
Income: £15,000 ÷ 12 = £1,250 per month
Expenses:
- Rent (shared room): £300-500
- Food: £150-250
- Transport: £50-100
- Phone/Internet: £25-40
- Utilities: £40-60
- Entertainment: £50-100
- Total: £615-1,050 per month
Money Left: £200-635 for savings
With Overtime: Many workers earn extra £200-400 monthly from overtime, making life more comfortable.
Best Affordable UK Cities
Cheaper Cities for Construction Workers:
- Birmingham
- Leeds
- Manchester
- Newcastle
- Glasgow
- Liverpool
Avoid (Too Expensive):
- London
- Oxford
- Cambridge
- Brighton
Worker Rights in UK Construction
You Are Protected By Law:
- Minimum wage guaranteed
- Paid holidays (28 days per year)
- Sick pay
- Safe working conditions
- Break times
- Overtime pay
- Free safety equipment
- Health insurance (through NHS)
Important: If an employer violates these rights, report them to UK authorities.
Success Story
Andrei from Romania started as a general laborer earning £15,000. His employer sponsored his visa and provided free accommodation for 3 months.
His Journey:
- Started: General laborer (£15,000)
- After 6 months: Completed CSCS training
- After 1 year: Became scaffolder (£26,000)
- After 2 years: Senior scaffolder (£35,000)
- After 5 years: Applied for permanent residence
Andrei now owns a small flat and has brought his family to the UK. He proves that £15,000 construction jobs can lead to great careers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is £15,000 enough to live in UK? A: Yes, especially in smaller cities and with shared accommodation. Plus overtime increases your earnings.
Q: Do I need construction experience? A: Not for general laborer jobs. Companies provide training.
Q: How long until I can earn more? A: With good work and training, you can earn £25,000+ within 1-2 years.
Q: Can I bring my family? A: Yes, Skilled Worker Visa allows dependent visas for spouse and children.
Q: Do I need perfect English? A: No, but you need basic English (IELTS 4.0) for safety and communication.
Q: Are construction jobs safe? A: UK has strict safety rules. You’ll receive safety training and equipment.
Start Your UK Construction Career Today
£15,000 construction jobs in the UK with visa sponsorship for foreigners offer a real path to a better life. While the starting salary is modest, the opportunities for growth are excellent.
With the UK needing 250,000 more construction workers, now is the perfect time to apply. Companies are actively looking for hardworking people like you.
Ready to begin? Start searching for jobs today, prepare your documents, and take the first step toward your UK construction career. Your future is waiting—build it in the UK!