Among the most in-demand jobs in Taiwan that Filipinos can apply for include welders, factory workers, nurses, and caregivers. Aside from these, there’s another profession that many companies are looking for: engineers.
With the booming construction and manufacturing industries, different types of engineers can find work in the country. These include civil engineers, electrical engineers, mechanical engineers, and many more.
Guide to Applying for Work as an Engineer in Taiwan
Generally, engineers undergo extensive educational training and need to pass board exams to be able to practice their professions. Over time, they become experts in their respective fields, possessing knowledge and skills that are beneficial to many industries.
If you are a licensed engineer and you’d like to explore career opportunities in Taiwan, read on to learn more about the qualifications, requirements, and steps involved!
Job Description
There are many different types of engineers, although here are some of their general roles in most companies:
- Making plans with detailed drawings, designs, and specifications;
- Creating technical reports for companies and consumers;
- Managing engineering projects, supervising their progress, and making sure that they meet target deadlines;
- Ensuring that a product, system, or process meets the target quality and safety standards;
- Developing new products or services to be used by companies or consumers;
- Continuously upgrading and improving products and services to enhance quality and efficiency;
- Working effectively with teams to ensure the success of a project; and
- Communicating with coworkers, companies, and consumers about the different aspects of a project.
Salary and Benefits
The salary of engineers in Taiwan could reach TWD 50,000 or PHP 91,170 per month, depending on the person’s qualifications, skills, and experience. He/She is also entitled to health insurance, overtime pay, paid leave, allowances (i.e. accommodation, food, transportation), and other benefits.
The salary end benefits package could also depend on the engineer’s specialization. In the manufacturing industry, for example, there are industrial engineers, product design engineers, chemical engineers, quality assurance engineers, and so on.
Meanwhile, in the constructions sector, engineers are hired to manage projects related to form work, cement engineering, reinforced concrete engineering, steel structures, water and electricity, and renovations.
Qualifications
To qualify for an engineering position, the job applicant must:
- Be a graduate of an Engineering course;
- Have a professional license (i.e. passed the board or professional license exam); and
- Have at least two (2) years of working experience.
Other than these criteria, companies may look for additional requirements and qualifications, such as:
- Specialization requirements, such as degrees and experiences in specific fields (e.g. Computer Science, Mechatronics, Robotics, etc.); and
- Meeting the age limit (e.g. 24 to 40 years old) and other criteria.
Requirements
Similar to other job applicants seeking to work in Taiwan, engineers need to prepare the following documents:
- Passport (valid for at least 6 months from the date of departure);
- Employment Contract signed by the employer and employee;
- Work Visa issued by the Taiwan Economic and Cultural Office (TECO);
- Medical Certificate (after health exam in an accredited clinic);
- Clearance from National Bureau of Investigation (NBI);
- Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC);
- Certificate from Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS);
- Professional License issued by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC); and
- Proof of active memberships with Pag-IBIG, PhilHealth, Social Security System (SSS), and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).
Furthermore, hiring agencies and companies may also look for these documents:
- Valid ID issued by Philippine Government (e.g. UMID, Voter’s ID, National ID, etc.);
- School Records (e.g. High School Diploma, College Transcript of Records, etc.);
- Birth Certificate issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA); and
- PSA-issued Marriage Certificate (if married).
Procedure
The process for landing an engineering position in Taiwan typically involves finding a job and recruitment agency, preparing documents, attending interviews, and getting a work permit/work visa.
Find a Job
There are many online platforms that feature engineering jobs, such as Jobstreet and Indeed. If you have a LinkedIn profile, you can also browse the website to search for engineering positions in Taiwan. Moreover, some recruitment agencies regularly hold “career fairs” and hiring events, so watch out for announcements on their official websites and social media channels.
Find a Recruitment Agency
Unless you are a “direct hire,” you will most likely need to coordinate with a recruitment agency to be able to work in Taiwan. Be sure to look for a legitimate and reputable agency, as there are many “fake” agencies out there scamming job seekers!
Prepare Necessary Documents
Based on the list of requirements presented earlier, make sure that your documents are ready when you apply. This includes checking the validity of your passports, IDs, NBI clearance, etc. When you submit your documents to the agency, they will forward these to the prospective employer in Taiwan.
Attend Job Interviews
Job interviews are an essential part of the hiring process. Always be ready to attend these interviews; dress appropriately, and be mentally prepared to answer questions. You can also take this time to inquire more about the job, such as salary, benefits, and other details.
Once you get hired, you will be asked to sign an employment contract. Don’t forget to read it carefully; ask questions, and make clarifications. The signed contract will eventually be signed by the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO), the Philippines’ representative office in Taiwan.
Get a Work Permit and Visa
Right from the start, your employer will be the one to apply for your work permit from the Taiwan Ministry of Labor. After arriving in the country, your employer will apply for your work visa. At this point, the following documents must be prepared: visa application form, your passport, medical certificate, work permit, passport-sized photos, and other documents, depending on your profession.
Tips and Reminders
Since you’ll be working in a foreign country, you need to be mentally and emotionally prepared for life abroad. Here are some tips for adjusting successfully to living and working in Taiwan:
- Be Punctual. Being on time is important to the Taiwanese; it shows that you are serious and committed to your job!
- Be Diligent. Strive to work hard and aim for excellence in your work, this will help you go far in your career!
- Learn Mandarin. While English is widely used in Taiwan, most locals speak Mandarin. It would certainly be a good idea for you to learn some basic greetings and phrases; this can help you communicate better with your Taiwanese colleagues and superiors at work!
- Learn the Culture. Just like the Philippines, Taiwan has local customs, traditions, and practices. Learn more about the country’s culture, and always be respectful of people’s beliefs, so that you can have an enlightening and enriching stay in Taiwan.
The steady growth of the construction and manufacturing sectors in Taiwan means that there are plenty of job opportunities here for foreign workers, including engineers. We hope that this guide has been helpful as you prepare to pursue your career abroad!
Even before getting hired, you should start learning about your rights and benefits as an OFW. This includes being familiar with salary rates, paid leave, and other matters. With regard to working overtime, here’s a guide on calculating overtime pay in Taiwan.