Thanks to the thriving manufacturing and construction industries in Taiwan, there are plenty of job opportunities for welders, including skilled welders from the Philippines. Moreover, the continuous growth and expansion of industrial sectors like electronics, heavy machinery, and shipbuilding has also led to greater demand for welders.
Skilled welders in the country can look forward to competitive salaries, allowances, health insurance, and other benefits. Read on to learn more about how to apply for work as a welder in Taiwan!
Guide to Applying for Work as a Welder in Taiwan
Below is an overview of the qualifications, requirements, and procedures involved in applying for work as a welder in Taiwan. But before that, let’s take a closer look at the typical job description, salaries, and benefits of skilled welders in the country.
Job Description
In the construction and manufacturing industries, welders are usually engaged in the following tasks:
- Reading and interpreting technical drawings and blueprints to determine welding tasks and requirements;
- Performing welding tasks using different welding techniques;
- Operating welding tools and equipment skillfully, in accordance with safety and quality guidelines;
- Coordinating with engineers and other team members on various projects; and
- Maintaining and repairing welding tools and equipment to ensure their optimal performance.
Salary and Benefits
The salary of skilled welders in Taiwan usually ranges from PHP 35,000 to PHP 45,000 a month, depending on their skills and experience. However, the amount also varies among different companies; be sure to ask hiring agencies and employers about their job offer. For example, a quick search online shows companies offering salaries between PHP 49,000 and PHP 54,000 to skilled welders.
In addition, welders in Taiwan can expect to receive the following allowances, and benefits: health insurance, housing allowance, transportation allowance, overtime pay, paid leaves (annual leaves and sick leaves), and end-of-contract bonuses.
Qualifications
To qualify for a welder job position in Taiwan, an applicant must:
- Be at least 21 years old;
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent (with preference for those with vocational training);
- Have at least 2-3 years of experience in welding, particularly in the manufacturing or construction sectors;
- Be proficient in various welding techniques, such as: Metal Inert Gas (MIG) or Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW); and Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) or Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW);
- Be able to read and understand technical drawings and blueprints;
- Be proficient in English or Mandarin for good communication and understanding instructions;
- Be in good physical condition to perform manual labor; and
- Have a valid work visa and permit to work in Taiwan.
Additionally, keep in mind that recruitment agencies and companies may have different criteria in selecting welders, so don’t forget to ask them about the qualifications they need. Some hiring agencies have specific age and gender preferences, along with physical requirements (i.e. height, weight), for example:
- Gender – Male;
- Age – 20 to 35 years old;
- Height – 165 centimeters or above;
- Weight – 85 kilograms or below; and
- Physical Attributes – No tattoos, 20/20 vision, not color blind, no fear of heights, etc.
Requirements
As for the requirements, here is a list of documents that applicants generally need to prepare:
- Passport (valid for at least 6 months from the date of departure);
- Employer Contract signed by 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 on Welding from Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA);
- Certificate from Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS); and
- Proof of active memberships with PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG, and Social Security System (SSS).
Depending on the recruitment agency or company, the following additional requirements may also be needed:
- Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Birth Certificate;
- PSA Marriage Certificate (if married); and
- Government-issued IDS such as UMID, National ID, TIN ID, or Voter’s ID.
Procedure
Applying for work as a welder in Taiwan typically involves looking for a recruitment agency, preparing documents, attending interviews, and obtaining a work permit/visa (after getting hired).
Find a Licensed Recruitment Agency
Searching for a recruitment agency is an essential and crucial step for aspiring overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). Be sure to look for licensed, legitimate, and reputable agencies. Beware of illegal recruiters and online scammers who are only out to get your money!
Prepare Necessary Documents
Gather the necessary documents and present them to the recruitment agency. Your application will undergo checking and verification before being sent to the employer in Taiwan.
Once again, don’t forget to make sure that you meet the qualifications, including: height/weight requirements, age restriction, and the specific welding techniques required for the job.
Attend Interviews
Like any other job, you will be required to attend in-person interviews as part of the application process. Be sure to prepare for these interviews, dressing up appropriately and being ready to answer questions about your education, skills, and experience.
Obtain a Work Permit and Visa
Once you get hired, your employer will obtain a work permit on your behalf. After you arrive in Taiwan, the employer will also arrange for you to undergo a medical exam and get a health certificate, which is part of the requirements for getting a work visa.
The medical exam is usually done in a hospital accredited by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) of the Taiwan Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW). If the health certificate comes from a non-Taiwanese hospital, it needs to be authenticated by a Taiwan diplomatic mission.
Eventually, you will also have to apply for an Alien Resident Certificate (ARC), which is issued to foreign residents in the country.
Tips and Reminders
To ensure a smooth transition as you adapt to the local and workplace cultures in Taiwan, here are some tips and reminders:
- Learn basic greetings and phrases. The official language of Taiwan is Mandarin, so it would be wise to learn some basic words, greetings, and phrases in this language. This way, you can communicate more effectively with your Taiwanese co-workers.
- Learn local customs and practices. Knowing the do’s and don’ts of Taiwanese culture is a must; this can help you adapt better and build good relationships with colleagues and friends.
- Go to work on time. Punctuality is a trait that’s highly valued by the Taiwanese. So always be punctual and show them that Filipino time is “on time!”
- Be respectful. Like most Asian cultures, hierarchy plays an important role in the Taiwanese workplace. This includes being respectful to your superiors, and to your co-workers, too!
- Be a team player. Most likely, you will be working together with a team throughout the day. Take time to get to know your colleagues better and strive to establish a good working relationship with them.
- Be open to criticism. If you want to improve your skills, be open to feedback and constructive criticism, especially from your superiors.
At present, there is a high demand for welders in Taiwan. If you think that you are qualified for the job, go ahead and apply! Just be sure to find a reputable recruitment agency, and start reading up on the Taiwanese culture by browsing this website!
Furthermore, before signing any job contracts, take time to read these important reminders.