HGV Truck Driver Jobs in Northern Ireland – Visa Sponsorship

The United Kingdom (including Northern Ireland) initiated the issuance of 5,000 temporary short-term visas in the autumn to address the shortage of HGV and truck drivers in the food and fuel industries. This plan also includes a temporary HGV concession that enables HGV truck drivers from countries where they are not required to obtain a visa to request clearance at the border and operate there. According to the New York Times, the United Kingdom government believed that there was a shortage of 100,000 chauffeurs.

The position of HGV Truck Driver has been removed from the list of skilled work visa occupations by the UK or Northern Ireland government since last year. However, there are still organizations that are prepared to sponsor foreign truck drivers or, at the very least, assist them in obtaining visas. Truck drivers are compensated at a rate of €11 to €18 per hour, in addition to receiving numerous additional benefits.

Details About HGV Truck Driver Jobs in Northern Ireland:

  • Job Industry: Transport
  • Job title: Heavy Good Vehicles Truck Driver/ Truck Driver
  • Job country: Ireland
  • Job Type: Full Time
  • Experience Required: High
  • Knowledge Required: Not High
  • Age Limit: 18 and up
  • Free Food: Mostly No
  • Free Accommodation: No
  • Free Medical Insurance: Mostly Yes
  • Free Transport: No
  • Visa Sponsorship: Yes or No
  • Salary: Between €11-18

Requirements for HGV Truck Driver Jobs in Northern Ireland:

  • Individuals who wish to apply must be 18, or older.
  • Possess a valid driver’s license.
  • If you aspire to drive professionally, you must obtain a certificate known as the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC).
  • A complete driver’s license can be obtained by passing five driving tests.
  • Proficient in the operation of a vehicle and familiar with the regulations of the region.
  • Numerous employers do not mandate a minimum level of education. However, some individuals may desire at least a GCSE or an equivalent qualification.
  • Strong proficiency in the English language is required of the candidate. IELTS is required to obtain a skilled migrant visa if your employer does not sponsor you.
  • The minimum amount of experience required by various employers varies. However, the duration could range from seven months to five years.
  • To qualify as a truck driver or HGV truck driver, it is necessary to satisfy all visa requirements.

Check Also: Factory Jobs in Ireland with Visa Sponsorship – Apply Now

Benefits of HGV Truck Driver Jobs in Northern Ireland:

  • Competitive Salaries: In Northern Ireland, HGV truck drivers frequently receive competitive salaries that are often higher than the average wages for other vocations, particularly when they have experience.
  • High Demand: In Northern Ireland, there is a substantial demand for HGV vehicle drivers, which offers job security and the potential for consistent employment.
  • Career Advancement: By acquiring additional certifications or licenses and gathering experience, HGV drivers can progress to positions such as fleet management or logistics coordination.
  • Diverse Work Environment: The opportunity to drive for various companies and routes can provide a diverse workday, thereby reducing monotony and enabling you to explore various regions of Northern Ireland and beyond.
  • Travel Opportunities: HGV drivers frequently traverse various regions, which may be appealing to those who appreciate driving and discovering new places.
  • Flexibility: Employers may offer the opportunity to select periods that align with their schedules, part-time positions, or flexible working hours.
  • Job Satisfaction: The independence of the role and the sense of responsibility in transporting products safely and efficiently are factors that many drivers find to be highly satisfying.
  • Additional Benefits: Employers may provide supplementary benefits, including health insurance, pension plans, and performance incentives, to improve overall job satisfaction.
  • Supportive Work Environment: A significant number of organizations in Northern Ireland provide supportive work environments that prioritize driver safety and well-being. These environments often include training and development programs.
  • Stable Employment: The logistics and transportation sector is essential to the economy, as it provides a stable and essential service that can be translated into job stability for chauffeurs.

How can I become a HGV Truck Driver Jobs in Northern Ireland?

You have the option of selecting one of the following methods to become an HGV driver: (a) Skilled boot camps (b) apprenticeships (c) vocational courses (d) driving school courses. The optimal approach is to enroll in Skilled Boot Camp, a complementary study program that can extend for up to 16 weeks. However, it is possible to enroll in each of these courses in the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland. Therefore, you must be in the United Kingdom through any visa-and-stay pathway.

Northern Ireland Truck Driver Visa Scheme: Online Application form

The UK Truck Driver Visa Scheme 2024, which was initiated in 2021, was renewed in 2024. The Department of Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy of the Northern Ireland and UK governments initiated it to address the disparity between the demand for and supply of truck and lorry drivers in the food processing sector of the respective countries.

The United Kingdom government announced that it would issue 10,500 three-month work permits under this initiative. The precise criteria for eligibility and the type of visa required for participation in this program have not yet been disclosed. Nevertheless, the visas will probably be issued to individuals in the T5 Temporary Worker category.

How to Apply for HGV Truck Driver Jobs in Northern Ireland:

  • The official employment search site can be accessed by clicking on the link below. To submit your application, click on the “Apply” icon located beneath the job description.
  • Additionally, you may employ the search field and the area box to refine the results of your job search on your own. Please provide the title of your position, such as “HGV Truck Driver for foreigners/with visa sponsorship,” “Truck Driver Jobs in Ireland/UK for Working Holiday Workers,” “Driver Jobs in Northern Ireland/UK for foreigners with visa sponsorship,” or “Driver Jobs Food Processing Industry Ireland/UK for foreigners/Lorry Driver Jobs UK with visa sponsorship.”
  • To refine your search results and enhance their precision, select the desired Irish city from the location bar located directly below the search bar.
  • It is advisable to maintain the most recent market trends in your CV, resume, and cover letter, as your employer is likely to observe how they are organized and presented.
  • Please review the job posting’s specifics, including the work description, duties, and requirements.
  • Ensure that you satisfy all of the prerequisites before submitting your application. Conduct a thorough examination of the job component and the necessary qualifications.
  • Select the “Online Application” icon located beneath this text.
  • Submit the requested information and submit your application.
  • Verify whether you received a confirmation email for the job application you submitted.

More Info

  1. Is there a shortage of HGV drivers in Northern Ireland?

    The Road Haulage Association (RHA) estimates that the sector in Northern Ireland needs thousands of people. Heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) transport just about everything around the country. A combination of factors, including COVID-19 and Brexit, means there are not enough drivers to meet the current levels of demand.

  2. In Ireland, does truck driving pay well? 

    The average truck driver salary in Ireland is €32,448 per year or €16.64 per hour. Entry-level positions start at €29,250 per year, while most experienced workers make up to €41,500 per year.

  3. How can I become a free HGV Driver in Northern Ireland and UK?

    You have the option of choosing one of the following methods to become an HGV driver: (a) Skilled boot camps (b) apprenticeships (c) vocational courses (d) driving school courses. The optimal approach is to enroll in Skilled Boot Camp, a complementary study program that can extend for up to 16 weeks. However, it is possible to enroll in each of these courses in the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland. Therefore, you must be in the United Kingdom through any visa-and-stay pathway.