As Greece continues to enjoy a constant upswing in building and refurbishment work, the demand has been high in skilled workers such as tile setters. In case you are a tile setter and you are considering Greece as your next career choice, you might want to know how you can secure a job, particularly when your considerations include visa sponsorship. This blog will take you through all the details you should know about the visa sponsorship of tile setters in Greece, the advantages, and disadvantages, and the process of starting.
The Reason Why Greece is a Potential Place to Tile Setters
The construction business in Greece is doing well, spurred by not only hectic urban development in major cities such as Athens and Thessaloniki but also the building of luxurious resorts and hotels in its legendary islands. Tile setters play a significant role in addressing the increasing need of quality interiors in residential and commercial work. Whether it is the complex design of the bathroom or a well-designed swimming pool with tiles, the scope of the tile setter to leave a mark is immense.
Some of the reasons that have led to the demand of tile setters in Greece include:
- Tourism Related Developments: Luxury resorts, villas, and boutique hotels are emerging to serve the tourists that have been flocking into Greece.
- Renovation Projects: Renovation of older buildings and cultural heritage sites is also taking place and this requires the expertise of craftsmen.
- Sustainability Trends: The green building construction is increasing and demands the modern tiling solution to be implemented in the eco-friendly construction designs.
What Visa Sponsorship Means for Tile Setters
Visa sponsorship is where an employer guarantees the validity of a worker to remain and work in a foreign nation. This implies that in case of tile setters, a Greek employer has undertaken to sponsor your work visa application hence you will be able to work legally in Greece. It is especially useful in case you are not an EU citizen because working without a visa is not even a possibility in case you are a non-EU citizen.
Application process and related expenses are usually taken care of by the employers and you no longer need to carry the burden. The following is a rundown of the advantages of visa sponsorship:
- Legality: You will be working legally in Greece and you will not be deported.
- Convenience of Procedure: Most of the paper work is taken care of by your employer and he/she communicates with the immigration officials on your behalf.
- Sponsored work visas: A work visa may lead to more permanent residency permits.
Nevertheless, getting a sponsorship may be competitive since the employers must prove the need to hire a foreign employee instead of a local one. This is why it is worth being outstanding in your job application.
Steps to Secure Visa Sponsorship as a Tile Setter in Greece
This is how to get started in a step-by-step manner:
1. Research Employers Open to Sponsorship
Not every employer is able or ready to sponsor visas, this is why it is important to target the companies that have already gone through the process of employing foreign workers. Your best bet is construction companies, tiling contractors and luxury homebuilders. Use research job boards, company websites or find industry professionals on LinkedIn to find leads.
2. Customize your Resume and cover letter
Show your skills and experience in laying tiles. Don not forget to mention:
- Kinds of tiling specialities (e.g. ceramic, mosaic, natural stone).
- Previous projects and the area of coverage (e.g. residential, commercial, luxury projects).
- International or Greek standards of certifications or training.
You can also enhance your application by including things such as a portfolio of tiled spaces you have done.
3. Meet Skill and Certification Requirements
In Greece, employers appreciate experience and related certification. Where you have industry-recognized qualifications like a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) in tiling or you have done a formal apprenticeship scheme, then do mention these.
- Make sure that your certifications are translated and perhaps Greek accredited in case it is needed.
- Emphasize your expertise in waterproofing and superior tiling skills, as they are required in the premium projects.
4. Learn cultural and language peculiarities
Although technical skills are important, your communication capability will contribute significantly to your success. Refresh your knowledge of some basic Greek and show that you are ready to adjust to Greek working culture. You can have an advantage of taking a beginner course in the Greek language to connect and build confidence.
5. Use Recruitement Agencies
Some recruitment agencies are specialized in placing skilled labor such as tile setters on international assignments and most of these agencies help in the visa sponsorship application. The reputable agencies may already be in relations with the construction companies in Greece.
6. Visit Trade Events and Net Work
Networking is an effective instrument. Go to the industry events or construction fairs in Europe where you can meet the contractors and employers who seek qualified professionals. Developing such networks may help you realize a sponsorship opportunity.
Difficulties of Sponsored Jobs Application
Although the benefits of visa sponsorship are unbelievable, there are certain challenges that one should remember:
- Restricted Jobs: EU citizens are usually preferred to non-EU applicants, and this may limit your chances in case you are not a citizen of the EU.
- Time-consuming: The visa sponsorship and work permits may take long. One should start early and patient.
- Language: In case you are not a Greek speaker, some employers may consider this a drawback in the position that involves communication with customers.
The best way to get around these obstacles is being proactive, patient and adaptable.
Beyond Visa Sponsorship
After getting a job, you should consider concentrating on being the best and fitting in your new workplace. Establishing good relationships with the rest of the employees and the employers can lead to other development opportunities or even long-term opportunities in Greece.
It is easy to be intimidated by the prospect of obtaining a visa-sponsored job, but with the current construction boom in Greece, there is no shortage of demand of skilled tile setters. When you are willing to begin your application process, the first step is to jump in and find prospective employers and modify your resume. The chance is in the tiled streets and luxurious villas of Greece!
