If the opening of job opportunities in South Africa weren’t enough for newly qualified artisans or those considering a career as an artisan, and if you were wondering if there are opportunities to immigrate as an artisan…the answer is a huge resounding YES!

We’ve done some research on the top three countries around the world looking for skilled, qualified artisans. 

CANADA

Over the next few years, it is estimated that there will be approximately 25,000 new jobs created in Canada due to expansion and a need for replacement, plus 32,000 new positions for graduates and immigrants who want to live and work in Canada. Artisans and crafts-people are in demand throughout Canada and in some cases it may be possible to secure a Canadian permanent residence visa with or without a job offer.

You can immigrate to Canada as an experienced artisan with a high chance of finding employment in any of Canada’s 10 provinces which include:

• Alberta
• British Columbia
• Manitoba
• New Brunswick
• Newfoundland and Labrador
• Nova Scotia
• Ontario
• Prince Edward Island
• Quebec
• Saskatchewan

How Much Do Artisans And Craftspersons Earn In Canada?

Salaries in Canada are very competitive and as an experienced artisan or craftsperson you can expect to earn between $72300 and $98300 per year.

How Do I Search For Artisan And Craftsperson Positions In Canada?

Most Artisan and craftsperson jobs in Canada are advertised online on jobs sites.  Often, a code is used to identify artisan and craftsperson jobs.  These codes are used across Canada to identify all kinds of occupations.

The codes are called NOC codes.  The NOC code for artisan and craftsperson is 5244.  There are a range of positions that are associated with Artisans and craftspersons, including:

• Aboriginal art carver
• Aboriginal craftwork instructor
• Artificial flower presser
• Artisan
• Artistic bouquet designer
• Artistic floral arranger
• Artistic floral bouquet designer
• Artistic floral designer
• Arts and crafts teacher (except education)
• Bag maker – arts and crafts
• Balalaika maker
• Basket weaver
• Batik artisan
• Bellows maker
• Canoe builder – arts and crafts
• Canoe repairer – arts and crafts
• Carver
• Cello maker
• Ceramic artist
• Ceramic potter
• Ceramics teacher (except education)
• Ceramist
• Copperplate engraver – artisan
• Craft instructor (except education)
• Craft weaver
• Craftsman/woman
• Craftsperson
• Custom furniture caner
• Decorative engraver
• Drum maker – artisan
• Enameller – arts and crafts
• Enamellist – arts and crafts
• Fabric artisan
• Fabric artist
• Floral arrangements designer
• Floral designer
• Glass blower
• Glass engraver

How Do I Move to Canada to Live and Work as an Artisan and craftsperson?

Step 1 : Determine Your Eligibility

To find out if you are eligible to live and work in Canada, you can take a free visa assessment here: Free Immigration Assessment Forms – Canada Immigration and Visa Information. Canadian Immigration Services and Free Online Evaluation.

Step 2: Have Your Qualifications Accredited For Canada

An Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) confirms that your degree, diploma or certificate is both valid and equal to Canadian standards which will also allow you to claim the permanent residency points.

Step 3: Start The Migration Process And Apply For Your Canadian Visa

There are many routes you can take when moving to Canada as an artisan or craftsperson but we’ve listed the top 4 ways that will give you the greatest chances of success in the application process:

• Express Entry system
• Provincial Nominee Program
• The Rural and Northern Immigration Program
• The Atlantic Immigration Pilot

To find out more about the immigration process, visit: Canada Immigration Programs – All You Need to Know (canadianvisa.org)

There has never been a better time to move to Canada if you are an artisan or skilled craftsperson!

GERMANY

Skilled crafts and trades are the core of the German Mittelstand (small and medium-sized businesses). The skilled crafts sector caters to private individuals, the industrial sector and commerce which leads to a high demand for skilled workers in craftsmanship. They include the following:

• Construction and development
• Metal and electronics
• Wood and plastics
• Industrial cleaning
• Artisanal food production
• Healthcare and personal hygiene
• Clothing, textile and leather

Starting Your Career As A Skilled Artisan In Germany

Skilled crafts and trades encompass a high degree of innovation which means that they are future-proof and offer attractive promotion opportunities as well as further training and self employment opportunities. Qualified professionals are needed in the following areas:

• Tinsmith (Involving preparatory tasks relating to the construction of metal or plastic building units to install in properties)
• Plumber for sanitary, heating and air-conditioning technology
• Concrete and steel construction worker
• Mason
• Floorer
• Electrical engineers with a specialisation in energy technology
• Industrial cleaning

Becoming A Master Craftsperson Or Tradesperson

You can also further your education to become a master of the craft which is an officially recognised advanced training qualification in Germany and is a mark of quality for managers. A master’s title is often required when setting up your own business. The Trades and Crafts Code, which you will find here: HwO – unofficial table of contents will tell you which professions are subject to authorisation.

Do I need official recognition of my qualification?

You will need recognition of your foreign professional qualifications in order to practice as an artisan in Germany. In the non-regulated professions, recognition of your foreign professional qualifications is usually not required. However, if you come from a non-EU country and need a visa or residence permit for Germany, recognition is mandatory. Find out more about the recognition process here: Who needs recognition? (make-it-in-germany.com).

Do I need a visa?

Citizens of the European Union, Liechtenstein, Iceland, Norway or Switzerland do not require a visa or residence permit. However, citizens of other countries do require a residence permit. You can find more information on German work visa’s in the “Visa” section here: 

USA

Every year, a significant number of immigrants arrive in the United States looking to establish roots and live “the American dream”. The good news is that there is actually a reasonably consistent supply of employment in the United States for immigrants, both entry-level and more experienced roles.

The following artisan jobs are among the top 20 most in demand skills in United States for 2022: 

Welder

Earning potential: $47K to $70K per year

Welders are actually in the top 5 most in-demand tradespeople throughout the US. If you qualified and experienced with all the necessary licenses and certifications, you’re highly likely to find plenty of high-paying employment opportunities there.

Construction Worker

Earning potential: $30K to $46K per year

There always has been and always will be a need for talented, hard-working construction workers for both in the private and public projects. 

Plumber

Earning potential: $44K to $75K per year

From business owners to individual homeowners, everyone needs the help of a skilled plumber from time to time. Plumbers enjoy a lot of job security, and both current and future job opportunities look very good for those who have the proper experience and certification.

So just in case you thought qualifying as an artisan limited your career opportunities, you might actually find that these days there is as much if not more opportunity for trade work than getting a university degree.

Here at Adcorp, we connect human potential. Find out more about what Adcorp can do for you today!