Hiring and Sponsoring Boat and Ship Builders and Repairers (SOC Code 5235)

The maritime industry continues to be a vital part of the global economy, and in the UK, skilled boat and ship builders and repairers are essential to maintaining and constructing vessels for both commercial and recreational purposes. Classified under SOC Code 5235, these professionals play a key role in ensuring that ships, boats, and other vessels are built and maintained to high safety and performance standards. If you’re an HR professional looking to sponsor non-UK workers for this role, this guide will walk you through the process of hiring and sponsoring boat and ship builders and repairers.

What is SOC Code 5235 for Boat and Ship Builders and Repairers?

SOC Code 5235 refers to boat and ship builders and repairers responsible for constructing, maintaining, and repairing vessels, including boats, ships, and yachts. Their duties often include:

• Assembling and fitting parts of vessels using various materials, including steel, aluminum, wood, and composite materials.
• Conducting repairs and modifications to boats and ships to meet safety and performance standards.
• Inspecting vessels for damage and performing routine maintenance.
• Working with shipyards and maritime industries to ensure that vessels meet national and international maritime regulations.

These workers are integral to shipbuilding, repair yards, and other maritime services, making them highly valuable for industries involved in water transportation and recreation.

Eligibility to Hire Boat and Ship Builders and Repairers (SOC Code 5235)

When hiring non-UK workers for boat and ship builder and repairer roles, employers must follow UK immigration rules and meet the criteria for the Skilled Worker Visa program.

1. Job Requirements

Boat and ship builders and repairers must meet specific qualifications and have relevant experience in the field. Common requirements include:

• Experience in shipbuilding, ship repair, or related mechanical work.
• A recognized qualification or apprenticeship in boat or shipbuilding, welding, or marine engineering.
• Knowledge of safety regulations and best practices in vessel construction and repair.

When hiring for roles under SOC Code 5235, ensure that the candidates possess the necessary technical skills and qualifications.

2. Salary Thresholds

To sponsor a worker for this role under the Skilled Worker Visa, the job must meet the minimum salary threshold set by the UK Home Office. This threshold is generally £26,200 per year or the "going rate" for the role—whichever is higher.

However, since boat and ship builders and repairers are listed on the Immigration Salary List, the salary threshold for this role is reduced to 80% of the usual minimum, meaning the minimum salary requirement is £20,960 per year. This reduction applies due to the role being on the Immigration Salary List, acknowledging that the skilled labor is in demand in the UK.

To confirm your salary offer meets immigration requirements, you can use the Minimum Salary Calculator.

3. Immigration Salary List

Boat and ship builders and repairers are listed on the Immigration Salary List, which simplifies the sponsorship process for employers. Being on this list means:

• Lower salary thresholds: As noted, the salary requirement is 80% of the standard threshold.
• Reduced visa fees: Workers applying for roles on the Immigration Salary List benefit from lower visa application fees.

For more information on salaries for roles on the Immigration Salary List, check out the immigration salary list.

Sponsoring Boat and Ship Builders and Repairers: A Step-by-Step Guide for HR Professionals

Once you have confirmed the role and candidate eligibility, follow this step-by-step guide to sponsoring boat and ship builders and repairers under SOC Code 5235.

Step 1: Obtain a Sponsor Licence

Before hiring non-UK workers, your company must first obtain a sponsor licence. This licence allows businesses to sponsor overseas workers for the Skilled Worker Visa program.

• Sponsor Licence Application: To apply, you will need to submit documentation proving that your business is legitimate and has a genuine vacancy. For more information on how to apply, visit the sponsor licence application guide.
• Sponsor Licence Fees: The cost of obtaining a sponsor licence depends on the size of your company. Small companies typically pay £536, while larger companies pay £1,476. For a full breakdown of fees, check the sponsor licence fees guide.
• Processing Time: Sponsor licence applications usually take up to 8 weeks. However, you can expedite the process with the Sponsor Licence Priority Service, which reduces the processing time to 10 working days.

Once approved, your company will be assigned a sponsor licence number, allowing you to issue Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) to prospective hires.

Step 2: Assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

After securing a sponsor licence, your next step is to assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to the boat or ship builder or repairer. The CoS is a digital document that includes essential details about the job and the individual being hired.

• Defined vs Undefined CoS: You will need a Defined CoS for workers applying from outside the UK, and an Undefined CoS for workers who are already in the UK. Learn more about the differences in Defined & Undefined Certificates of Sponsorship.
• Required Documents: HR professionals will need to submit various documents when assigning a CoS, including the worker’s passport details, job offer, and salary information. For a full list of required documents, refer to the Documents Required for Certificate of Sponsorship guide.

Step 3: Apply for the Skilled Worker Visa

Once the Certificate of Sponsorship has been issued, the worker can apply for the Skilled Worker Visa. This process requires the worker to submit their visa application, pay visa fees, and cover the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).

• Visa Fees: Visa fees depend on the role and length of employment. To estimate costs, use the visa fees calculator.
• Immigration Skills Charge: Employers must also pay the Immigration Skills Charge for each worker they sponsor. This is a separate fee from visa costs and is part of the employer’s responsibility when sponsoring overseas workers.

Conducting a Right to Work Check for Boat and Ship Builders and Repairers

Once the worker has received their visa and is ready to begin employment, you must conduct a right to work check to ensure they are legally allowed to work in the UK. This is a mandatory legal requirement for all UK employers.

• Manual Right to Work Check: This involves checking original documents, such as the worker’s passport and visa.
• Online Right to Work Check: For workers holding an eVisa, you can use the UK government’s online system to verify their right to work.

For further details on how to conduct these checks correctly, refer to the right to work check guide.

Post-Hiring Responsibilities and Compliance

Sponsoring a boat or ship builder or repairer doesn’t end with the visa approval. Employers must ensure ongoing compliance with UK immigration laws to keep their sponsor licence in good standing.

1. Record-Keeping and Reporting

• Record-Keeping: HR departments must maintain accurate records of all sponsored employees, including their employment details, salary, and current contact information.
• Reporting Changes: Any significant changes to the worker’s job, such as promotions, salary adjustments, or job title changes, must be reported to the Home Office via the Sponsor Management System (SMS).

2. Sponsor Licence Duties and Compliance

To avoid penalties or the revocation of your licence, it’s essential to comply with your sponsor licence duties. Non-compliance can result in sponsor licence revocation, affecting your ability to sponsor workers in the future.

How Borderless Can Help with Sponsoring Boat and Ship Builders and Repairers

Sponsoring boat and ship builders and repairers under SOC Code 5235 can be a detailed and time-intensive process, but Borderless is here to support you every step of the way. We offer comprehensive services to help you manage the sponsorship process, from applying for a sponsor licence to maintaining compliance with UK immigration laws.

End-to-End Sponsorship Support

At Borderless, we provide:

• Sponsor Licence Application Assistance: We’ll guide you through the sponsor licence application process and ensure all necessary documents are submitted on time.
• Certificate of Sponsorship Assignment: Our platform streamlines the CoS assignment process, making it easier to hire skilled workers.
• Compliance Management: We help you manage your sponsor licence compliance, reducing the risk of penalties or licence revocation.

If your business needs assistance with hiring or sponsoring boat and ship builders and repairers, feel free to get in touch for personalized guidance.

Conclusion

Hiring and sponsoring boat and ship builders and repairers under SOC Code 5235 is a multi-step process that requires thorough planning and compliance with UK immigration laws. By following the steps outlined in this guide, your business can successfully sponsor skilled maritime workers and ensure compliance with the Home Office.

For further assistance in managing your sponsorship duties, Borderless offers full support to ensure your business remains compliant with Home Office requirements. Contact us for expert advice on managing your sponsorship needs.