Career Pathways for Non-Skilled Applicants in Ireland

Do you have the dream of starting a successful career in Ireland, but fear that the inexperience factor might be in your way? You’re not alone. The vibrant Ireland economy, especially the major sectors such as healthcare and food processing, are on the hunt to hire motivated employees to take the entry-level positions. The right plan, however, which will be to focus on the General Employment Permit (GEP), makes it possible to get a satisfying career altogether.

Visa Sponsorship in In-Demand Jobs

The General Employment Permit (GEP) is the primary Work Visa Ireland entry point to a wide variety of jobs, unlike the highly competitive Critical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP). Most importantly, there are a number of important positions with low barrier to entry that are directly targeted by the Irish government with in many cases, reduced Minimum Annual Remuneration.

The GEP minimum wage is generally at an estimated 34,000 (as of January 2024), however, the government has made exemptions to the major areas that are facing a labour shortage, which makes them perfect Non-Skilled pathways.

In-Demand, Non-Skilled Career Pathways.

Such positions can usually be done with just minimum training or a desire to take part in a QQI Accredited Course on the job:

Healthcare Assistant (HCA) & Home Carer

• The Way: This is the most gradual and gradual way. GEP holders have a lower minimum salary threshold of reduced by thirty thousand in terms of annual earnings of 30,000. The position needs a Level 5 QQI qualification award in Healthcare Support which is sometimes attained after employment (within two years).
• Career Progression: HCAs have distinct Career Progression, with many of them successfully moving on to a Vertical Pathway to become a nurse or midwife with training funded by the HSE in sponsorship programmes once they have the experience.

Meat Processing Operative/ Butcher/Debone

Food processing and agriculture are key industries in terms of employment. Similar to HCAs, the GEP minimum pay range in the Meat Processing Operative is lowered to lowering the level to 30,000 per annum. This is usually found outside big cities such as Dublin, so that regional centres of employment such as Cork and Galway become pertinent.

Warehouse/logistics Operative.

• The Opportunity: Ireland boasts of a successful logistics and supply chain industry that offers a continuous demand of Warehouse / Manufacturing personnel such as general operative and packing. They are the classic Entry-Level Jobs, which provide both practice and a ladder to becoming supervisors.

Hospitality & Tourism Role

Housekeeping and kitchen service in hotel to cleaning services, the hotel industry is a portal to new entrants. Although highly competitive, it is possible to take one of these positions under a GEP, as long as the employer meets the requirement of having a salary of 34,000 Euros and also passing through the Labour Market Needs Test (LMNT).

Learning about Employment Permit Compliance

In the case of a Non-EEA National, obtaining the job is but the tip of the iceberg. The employer should acquire you the General Employment Permit. This is based on strict government regulations by the DETE (Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment):

The 50:50 Rule & LMNT

• The 50:50 Rule: The employer will be required to prove that he/she has at least 50 percent of EEA nationals as workforce. This is not always possible by smaller companies.
• Labour Market Needs Test (LMNT): In the majority of cases, the employer has to demonstrate that he or she has advertised the position in the EU and in the locality and a required minimum period prior to employment of a non-EEA national. This is a real-life shortage of labour.

Career Progression Advice

Your foot in the door is getting an initial GEP. Upskilling and experience: This is the real Career Pathway:

• Get Your GEP: Target the priority areas that have reduced salary floors especially in healthcare and food processing.
• Get QQI Certification: In case of being a Healthcare Assistant, enroll the QQI Level 5 course as soon as possible. All the Career Progression in the sector is based on this certification.
• The Stamp 4 Goal: Once you successfully worked on an employment permit (usually GEP) and work in the State during five years (57 months), you have an opportunity to apply to the Irish Immigration Service with a request to obtain a Stamp 4 permission, which allows you to leave all the employment permits behind and work in the State freely.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Ireland is still a friendly place to ambitious talent all over the globe. As a strategic targeting of Entry-Level Jobs in areas where government-sponsored labour shortage allowances (such as the General Employment Permit in Healthcare and Food Processing) permit such non-skilled candidates an avenue to a more permanent job. The first hurdle of no experience is not that hard because practical experience and Upskilling are the keys to your Career Progression.

Disclaimer

This job information is shared for educational and informational purposes only. Please verify details from the official government website (DETE or Irish Immigration Service) before applying for jobs or employment permits.