Zimdev

If you’re thinking about a move overseas you might have considered careers such as doctor, engineer or nurse, but what about bee keeper or wine maker? Jobs that are seemingly undervalued in Zimbabwe and Africa in general, tend to be the jobs that are the mobile internationally. Motor Mechanics, plumbers, carpenters, boilermakers and bricklayers (builders) for example are in high demand in Australia and Canada.

With so many skilled people roaming the streets in Zimbabwe it is a shame that they do not realise how valuable their skills are. Others are furthering their education, getting qualifications that give them very little leverage and very little room to find jobs elsewhere. While most people like the concept of dressing smart for work, I find that it is the trades and skilled workers that are highly mobile in today’s world. As they say, we now live in a global village, so it is a plan to tailor your skills to suit the global environment.

As a skilled trades-person myself, I encourage the youth to learn a trade. It is easy to make a living on your own, should you not find employment. It is also easy to migrate, because skills are in short supply worldwide. So choose your career carefully, if you still have the chance to.

In my experience, I may be wrong, but I have found that legal personnel to be the least globally mobile. For one, the law is different in every country and needs some form of conversion before one can practice. Think about it, if you are to get a job abroad, for your employer to get you a work Permit, they must justify that they cannot fill the position locally. Some jobs are hard to justify, for instance sales jobs, unless you are extremely good.

A few tips for building an international career

DO YOUR TIME
Most countries require people with experience. Even if you work for free, once you have experience under your belt, it is easy to move to greener pastures. It is not advisable to relocate soon after graduation unless you have an offer at hand or you are going to further your studies. Most countries will allow you to extend your visa so that you can gain some experience.

NETWORK
While you are getting experience, it is also wise to increase your network. Go to trade shows, training events so as to meet others in your field. Most jobs are not advertised, they are handed over by word of mouth.Get onto LinkedIn and similar social media platforms. Write and comment in discussions to show you are an expert in your field. Be forward thinking. I know many people who swear never to go onto social media, but this is how the world is moving, so its best to get onto that wagon.

BE THE BEST
It goes without saying that if you become a master of your trade, you ‘gift will make room for you.’ When you are good at what you do, you will get headhunted and that makes life just a a little bit sweeter and the move a little bit better. Be the best and you are sure to get headhunted.

Based on data gathered from Robinsons’ 15,000 international relocations completed in the last 12 months, it has cross referenced its most popular emigration destinations – Australia, America, Canada, New Zealand and Spain – with the most sought-after jobs in each country.

And while medics, engineers and the professional services are wanted across the board, there are also a few surprises, with New Zealand needing bee keepers and wine makers, Canada in short supply of chefs, and Australia wanting map makers.

The most unusual jobs across the five destinations were:

Bee keeper
Wine maker
Stallion master
Cartographer
Locksmith

Australia

For those considering Australia, the most in-demand sectors are currently medical (including doctors, sonographers, nurses, dentists) the professional services (accountants, lawyers), engineering and construction (architects, project managers, surveyors), as well as teaching, telecoms and IT, and skilled-trades.

However, there are also some more unusual roles making the list, including cartographer (a map maker), locksmith, shipwright (specialist ship builder), lift mechanic, forester and stallion master (horse trainer). And with the average Australian wage currently around $72,000 (£42,700), it’s a lot more appealing than the UK equivalent of £28,000. Find out more about working in Australia.
It’s worth checking out the latest government guidelines for the most ‘in-demand’ skills and of course, going through the correct visa procedures

United Kingdom
•Tier 1 General visa: for highly skilled migrants seeking employment in the UK, self employed immigrants or immigrants setting up a business,
•Tier 1 Investor visa: designed for those investing large sums of money in the UK,
•Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa: ideal for those setting up or taking over the running of businesses,
•Tier 1 Post-study visa: if you are studying now or have studied in the past in the UK this route is suitable for you.

USA and Canada

Meanwhile, in America, its pharmacists that are the most marketable and they can expect to earn an average of $113,000. However, software engineers are also in demand, commanding a median annual income of $90,530, while physical therapy and speech language pathology also make the list. Discover what it’s like to work in the USA.

Heading further north to Canada, the most in-demand roles are for restaurant and food service managers, medical professionals, skilled and trades people, engineers, construction workers in a variety of sectors, and chefs or cooks. Get advice on the job market in Canada.

New Zealand
The furthest-away destination on the list, New Zealand, is geared towards agricultural roles, as well as construction, nursing and engineering. However, it is also after a more niche skill-set, including Apiray (bee keeping), Arborary (tree surgeon), beef and chicken cattle farmers, and wine makers. Find out about visas, work experience and what it’s like to work in New Zealand.

Spain

Spain is currently after professionals with engineering, customer service, IT, finance, online marketing, skilled trades, and language teaching experience. Discover where to look for vacancies and get more information on working in Spain.

Ian Brown, head of international moving at Robinsons Relocation, said, ‘Last year, more than 153,000 people emigrated from the UK, many of who were pursuing careers overseas. Whatever you’re planning on doing for work, it’s worth checking out the latest government guidelines for the most ‘in-demand’ skills and of course, going through the correct visa procedures.

1. Electrical Technician
2. Carpenter
3. Pipe Fitter
4. Scaffolder
5. Steel Fixer
6. Mason
7. Welder
8. Quality Control/Assurance Inspector
9. Light Duty Driver
10. Rigger
11. Waiter
12. Service Crew
13. Aluminum Technician
14. Foreman
15. Plumber
16. Design Engineer
17. Machine Operator
18. Iron Worker
19. Industrial Electricians
20. Tig Welder
21. Janitor/Janitress
22. Mechanical Design Engineer
23. Barista
24. Baker, and
25. Room Attendant.