How did you approach your job search when you first arrived in the UK?
When I came in May four years ago, I had to swallow my pride. Back in Nigeria, I had worked for six years in the medical profession, in different hospitals. I thought that would help me, but here in the UK, my certificates were not valid because I was not licensed.
I had to start from scratch. My first jobs were in warehouses. It was not what I had trained for, but bills had to be paid. I started through a recruitment agency, but eventually one company retained me. That company trained me in many things I never expected. I learned how to drive a reach truck, a counterbalance forklift, and how to use a pallet pump truck. I even learned how to help restructure warehouse processes.
At the time, I did not know these skills would matter, but now I see their value. They gave me confidence and showed me that no knowledge is wasted. Even if it is not your dream career, you can always learn something that will help you later.
What lessons did that experience teach you about getting a job in the UK?
That experience taught me that humility is the key to survival and progress here. In Nigeria, I was a professional. I had worked in hospitals and carried the title of a medical professional. When I arrived in the UK, none of that mattered immediately because I did not have the licence to practice here.
I had two choices: sit down and boast about my qualifications while my bills piled up, or humble myself and take whatever work was available. I chose humility. I went into warehouses, into survival jobs, and I gave them my best.
The truth is that in the UK, people watch your attitude more than your titles. If you are arrogant, no one will want to help you. If you are humble, ready to learn, and diligent, opportunities will come. In my case, because I was humble and hardworking, the company trained me, gave me certifications I never imagined, and retained me permanently. Later, when I was ready, I transitioned back towards healthcare, but that transition would not have been possible without first proving myself in those small jobs.
So I always advise students: no job is too small. Start wherever you can, stay humble, and keep your bigger picture in mind.
Why is it so tough for students to get jobs in the UK?
There are several reasons. The first and perhaps most important is the restriction that comes with a student visa. By law, a student is only allowed to work twenty hours a week. Many employers want full-time workers, or at least people who can give them more hours. So once they see that you are a student, they conclude you cannot give them what they want. That is why a lot of applications end in rejection.
Another reason is that many students simply do not put in enough effort. Some think they can just walk up to a company and ask, “Do you have work?” and get an instant yes. It does not work that way here. You have to apply, and you have to apply widely. I advise students to put in no fewer than thirty applications every single day over a one-month period. Out of thirty, maybe one or two companies will respond. If you meet their requirements, you will then be called for an interview or onboarding.
A third reason is the CV. In the UK, the CV is your key. But it cannot be a generic CV. You must tailor it to the particular role you are applying for. A CV for healthcare must look different from a CV for warehousing, and different again from one for cleaning or customer service. If you send one generic CV everywhere, you will keep hearing “unfortunately.”
There are also practical factors. For example, having a UK driving licence opens a lot of doors. Even if you do not own a car, many employers want to see that you can drive. Nigerian licences are not valid here, but you can get an International Driver’s Licence in Nigeria before coming — FRSC in Abuja issues it. That licence is valid for one year in the UK. Alternatively, when you get here, apply for a provisional licence online; it costs around thirty-five pounds. Even that provisional shows employers that you are serious, and it can make a difference.
Another point is geography. Many students restrict themselves to looking for work only in the immediate town where their university is. That is a mistake. If you are in Luton, for example, you should also be checking Dunstable, Stevenage, St. Albans, even as far as Milton Keynes. These places are commutable, and by widening your net, you increase your chances.
Finally, students often ignore the recruitment agencies. In the UK, every town has a job centre. You can register there, and they will link you to available jobs. There are also agencies like Flexistaff, Extrastaff, and many others. They will collect your details — including your BRP — and send you out to companies, usually warehouses. You may start as agency staff, but if the company likes you, they can retain you as a permanent worker. That was my own story.
So to sum up: the twenty-hour restriction, lack of effort in applying, poorly tailored CVs, absence of a driving licence, limiting your search geographically, and ignoring job centres and agencies — all these make it tough for students to get jobs in the UK.
You mentioned agencies like Flexistaff and Extrastaff. How exactly do they operate, and what should students expect if they register?
Recruitment Agencies are a big part of the UK job system. Once you register, they take your details — your name, your address, your BRP — and then they place you where companies need temporary staff. In most cases, it is warehouses. You could be picking, packing, sorting, or loading.
The agencies pay you weekly, straight into your bank account. Sometimes you can even request daily pay. But here is the advantage: if the company where you are placed sees that you are hardworking, punctual, and reliable, they may decide to keep you. They can approach the agency, request to take you on permanently, and then you leave the agency system to become part of the company directly. That means better pay, more stability, and often some benefits.
That is exactly what happened in my case. I started through an agency, but because of my diligence, one of the companies retained me. From there, I gained new skills and stability.
You spoke about tailoring CVs for specific jobs. Can you expand on how a student should go about this?
Yes. In the UK, employers are very particular. If they are advertising for a healthcare assistant, they want to see healthcare experience on your CV. If they are advertising for a warehouse operative, they want to see that you can handle logistics, equipment, or physical labour.
This means you cannot have one single CV. You must create different versions. You can find UK CV templates online — a quick search on Google or YouTube will show you the current standard formats. Look specifically for UK templates, because the style here is different from Nigeria’s.
For example, in a healthcare CV, you must highlight patient care, knowledge of hygiene, ability to administer medication, and so on. For a warehouse CV, you highlight physical stamina, experience with forklifts or pump trucks, ability to work shifts, and teamwork.
If you send the wrong type of CV, the employer will think you are not serious, and you will not hear back. That is why I say you must tailor every CV to the role.
You often stress the importance of community. Why is connecting with communities so critical for newcomers in the UK?
Community is everything when you arrive here. You cannot survive alone in the UK. The system is very different from Nigeria. There are many hidden rules, and information is what helps you succeed.
When you belong to a community, you get access to information — about jobs, about housing, about schools, about almost anything. But beyond information, the community gives you support. Sometimes you will face emotional stress, and it is the people around you who will help you.
Whether for job opportunities, emergencies, or just having people to encourage you, community is vital. That is why I always advise every newcomer: join your community, whether it is Nigerians in Luton, Bedfordshire, or wherever you are. It could make all the difference in your journey.
You mentioned time management earlier. How should students balance their studies with survival jobs and personal life?
Time management is one of the most important skills here. If you are careless with time, one year will pass quickly, and you will look back with regret.
Many students get carried away with parties and social activities. They forget why they came. I am not saying you should not enjoy yourself, but you must prioritize. Your academics must remain your primary focus, because that is the foundation of everything else. Alongside that, you have to manage your survival jobs carefully so that you can pay your bills without losing track of your studies.
It is about balance. You must know how to plan your week, how to allocate time to work, to study, to rest, and to even build your future. If you waste your time, nobody will remind you; the consequences will come quietly, and before you know it, you have lost an entire year.
I always say this: if you do not know where you are going, everywhere will look like a destination. That is why planning and time management are so important. Without them, you will just drift.
From your perspective, what qualities make students stand out to UK employers?
Employers in the UK are looking for very simple but powerful qualities. They want people who are diligent, people who arrive on time, people who can work in a team, and people who are productive. If you have those qualities, they will keep you.
When a company sees that you bring value, they will even give you references for the future. That reference can then open doors to better roles. It is not about shouting or boasting; it is about showing up, working hard, and being reliable. That is what makes students stand out.
What does it take for students to work in healthcare in the UK?
Healthcare is one of the most demanding industries in the UK, and rightly so, because it deals with people’s lives. To work in this sector, you cannot simply walk in without preparation — you must have some form of licence, training, or recognized certificate.
At the entry level, you usually begin as a support worker, though there are different grades within that: primary support workers, senior support workers, and healthcare assistants. These roles form the backbone of healthcare delivery in care homes, hospitals, supported living facilities, and even private residences.
To qualify for these roles, the most common requirement is a Level 2 or Level 3 certificate in Health and Social Care. These are structured training programs offered by approved institutions here in the UK. They demonstrate that you understand the core principles of patient care: safeguarding, infection control, hygiene, medication awareness, and how to support vulnerable people. If you already hold one of these certificates, you are several steps ahead when applying for jobs. Some companies will offer short induction training to complete newcomers, but those with recognised qualifications have a distinct advantage.
Beyond Level 2 and 3, there are other certifications that are often either required or strongly recommended:
- Mandatory Training Certificate: This is a compulsory set of modules that every healthcare worker must complete. It usually covers first aid, manual handling (how to safely lift or move patients), infection prevention and control, fire safety, safeguarding of children and adults, and basic life support. Employers look for this because it assures them you know the essential safety standards.
- PMVA (Prevention and Management of Violence and Aggression): This is especially important if you are working in mental health settings, psychiatric hospitals, or environments where patients may become aggressive. PMVA training teaches you how to de-escalate tense situations, how to protect yourself and others, and how to manage challenging behaviour without harming the patient. Many NHS trusts and private mental health facilities require this as standard.
- Care Certificate: This is another foundational qualification, often delivered by employers as part of induction. It covers the 15 standards expected of all healthcare support workers, including privacy, dignity, duty of care, communication, fluids and nutrition, and safeguarding. Even if you don’t have this before applying, most companies will train you on it once hired.
With these certifications, you become employable across the major types of healthcare jobs available to students, such as:
- Healthcare Assistants (HCAs) in hospitals and NHS trusts, where you support nurses and doctors by monitoring patients, assisting with personal care, and keeping records.
- Support Workers in care homes, where you help elderly residents with daily activities such as washing, dressing, eating, and mobility.
- Domiciliary Carers (Home Carers) who visit patients in their homes to assist with medication, personal hygiene, and companionship.
- Live-in Carers, where you stay in the patient’s home, often for a week or two at a time, providing full-time support.
- Mental Health Support Workers, usually in psychiatric or supported living facilities, where you provide both emotional and physical assistance, often requiring PMVA training.
Now, how do you apply and approach these roles? The first step is always to prepare a tailored CV that highlights any relevant skills, training, or even informal experience you may have had — for example, volunteering, caring for relatives, or survival jobs that involve discipline and teamwork. You must adapt your CV to match the language of the healthcare job description.
Next, you should register with healthcare recruitment agencies. These agencies specialise in placing healthcare workers into hospitals, care homes, and domiciliary roles. Examples include agencies like Hays Healthcare, Newcross Healthcare, and smaller local ones in your town. When you register, they will often require copies of your training certificates, your BRP card, and proof of address. Some agencies may even sponsor your training if you show commitment.
The approach is just as important as the paperwork. Employers are looking for people who show compassion, humility, patience, and reliability. Even if you lack experience, your attitude can make a strong impression. At interviews, always emphasize that you are eager to learn, that you take patient dignity seriously, and that you understand the responsibility that comes with caring for vulnerable people.
In summary, working in healthcare as a student is demanding, but it is achievable if you combine the right certifications (Level 2/3 Health and Social Care, Mandatory Training, Care Certificate, PMVA where needed) with the right approach (tailored CV, agency registration, and a humble, compassionate attitude). With these in place, you can access a wide range of roles, gain valuable experience, and even position yourself for sponsorship after your studies.
Can you talk more about healthcare roles?
One of the most common is live-in care. In this role, you actually live with the patient in their home for a period of time, sometimes a week at a stretch. Your job is to care for them around the clock. Another common arrangement is shift-based care, where you do not live in the home but you attend daily according to a roster, maybe mornings, afternoons, or nights.
The responsibilities vary but are always serious. You may be asked to administer medications according to a drug chart. This has to be done at the exact time and dosage — there is no room for mistakes. You may also care for patients who cannot leave their bed. That involves cleaning them, repositioning them by rolling them from side to side, and making sure they do not develop bed sores. Sometimes you take them outdoors to a park or leisure centre for fresh air and companionship. The work is not just physical; it also involves providing emotional support and a sense of dignity.
These jobs are all paid, and you are compensated for the full hours you spend with the patient, whether as a live-in carer or a shift worker.
From your observation, what are the most common mistakes students make when applying for jobs in the UK?
The first big mistake is applying to too few places. Some students apply to just two or three companies and then sit down waiting. But in the UK, rejection is very common. You will often hear the word “unfortunately” in your responses. If you are not mentally strong, this can discourage you quickly. That is why I tell students to apply widely — at least thirty applications every single day. It sounds like a lot, but that is what increases your chances.
The second mistake is sending out poorly tailored applications. A random, generic CV will not get you anywhere. Every application must be adjusted to fit the role. If it is for healthcare, your CV must show patient care skills. If it is for a warehouse, it must show logistics, stamina, and ability to handle equipment. UK employers want to see a direct connection between your CV and the role they are offering.
The third mistake is restricting the search to your immediate environment. Many students only look in their city. That is not enough. You must expand to nearby towns and suburbs. For instance, if you are based in Luton, also search in Dunstable, Stevenage, Milton Keynes, and St Albans. You may find opportunities in those areas that you would miss if you stayed too local.
Can you expand on the CV issue? How exactly should a student present their CV for different roles?
Yes, this is critical. In the UK, the CV is not just a formality; it is your introduction. If you get it wrong, no one will even call you. That is why I say you must have different CVs for different types of jobs.
For a healthcare role, your CV should highlight experience with patients, knowledge of hygiene, familiarity with administering medications, and ability to provide emotional support. It should use the kind of language healthcare recruiters are looking for.
For a warehouse job, the CV should emphasize physical strength, ability to work shifts, teamwork, and if possible, experience with equipment such as forklifts or pump trucks. Even if you do not yet have those skills, you can emphasize stamina, willingness to learn, and reliability.
For a cleaning job, highlight neatness, attention to detail, and the ability to follow instructions carefully.
You can find templates online by searching for “UK CV standard” for specific roles, whether healthcare, warehouse, or cleaning. Watching tutorials on YouTube also helps. The UK format is different from what we use in Nigeria, so it is important to adjust. A well-tailored CV can make the difference between silence and a job interview.
How long is the UK postgraduate visa, and what opportunities does it open for students?
There is a lot of confusion about this, so let me be clear. The UK postgraduate visa, also called the post-study work visa, lasts two years, not three. After completing your postgraduate degree, you are automatically entitled to stay and work for two years.
Now, those two years are extremely important. They are not just for relaxing or “enjoying life.” They are a window of opportunity. If you make the most of them, they can shape your entire future in the UK.
For example, many students use the post-study visa period to work in health and social care. By then, they may already have some experience from survival jobs they did during their studies. With that experience, plus maybe a Level 2 or Level 3 healthcare certificate, they become very attractive to employers.
What happens is this: you work for a company during your two-year post-study visa, they see that you are diligent, reliable, and already know the rules of the job. At that point, the company may decide to sponsor you. Sponsorship is powerful because it allows you to remain in the UK beyond your two-year limit. If you continue on that path, it can eventually lead to indefinite leave to remain, and later, citizenship.
So my advice is: treat the post-study visa as a golden chance. It is not just two years of freedom; it is two years to prove yourself, gain the right experience, and attract sponsorship that secures your future.
Many students are considering MSc programs like Management or Logistics. What is your opinion of these courses?
I think MSc programs such as Management are excellent. I can speak from personal experience because I also studied an MSc here in the UK — mine was in Logistics and Supply Chain Management. This was in addition to my medical background.
What an MSc does is open up opportunities beyond survival jobs. It equips you with advanced knowledge that companies value. For instance, MSc Management prepares you for leadership roles in business, administration, and project management. MSc Logistics, which I studied, opens doors into supply chain industries, which are always in demand.
The important thing is to take the program seriously. If you put in the effort and graduate with a strong certificate and good grades, your chances of being absorbed into good companies increase significantly. Employers here respect postgraduate qualifications, but they also look at performance. Combine your MSc with practical experience — even if it is from survival jobs — and you become a strong candidate.
So yes, I encourage students to go for MSc programs like Management, Logistics, IT, or Healthcare Management. These are highly marketable in the UK job market and beyond.
Can you explain more about the healthcare training levels — Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 — and why they matter?
These levels are stepping stones into healthcare. They are structured to gradually prepare you for more responsibility.
Level 1 is basic — it introduces you to health and social care concepts. Level 2 goes deeper and qualifies you to work as a support worker under supervision. Level 3 is more advanced and often puts you in line for senior support roles or supervisory positions.
I personally completed Level 3 in Health and Social Care in 2022 here in the UK. I got the certificate from a recognized training provider, and it came with a unique code that employers could scan to verify its authenticity. That is the kind of certificate employers trust.
One training company I know is Supreme Educational Global Associates. They offer Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 training. There are others as well. The key is to ensure the provider is based in the UK and recognized.
Why do these levels matter? Because employers, especially in healthcare, want proof that you know what you are doing. They will not just take your word for it. A Level 2 or 3 certificate tells them that you have been trained to UK standards. It makes you employable for healthcare support roles, whether in care homes, the NHS, or private healthcare companies.
There have been stories of scams involving healthcare training. What advice do you have for students to avoid being defrauded?
This is a very important point. I always warn people: be careful where you get your certificates from. Many people in Nigeria fall victim to scams. They pay money to organizations claiming to provide UK-recognized healthcare certificates, but when they arrive here, those papers are worthless.
The safest approach is simple: wait until you are in the UK, then register with a training company here. That way, you can verify their address, visit them in person, and hold them accountable if something goes wrong. If you register with a company in Nigeria and they cheat you, what can you do from here? Nothing.
Another benefit of training here is that you are learning according to UK standards. The practices in the UK healthcare system are different from what is taught in Nigeria. By training here, you are not just getting a valid certificate — you are also learning the exact way things are done in the NHS and in UK care homes. That makes you truly employable.
So my advice is: do not rush to pay money back home. Get to the UK first, confirm that the training provider is legitimate, and then invest in your certification. That way, you protect yourself and you build real skills that will help you.
For nurses already trained in Nigeria, how does this pathway work?
If you are already a nurse in Nigeria and you hold a diploma or degree plus your professional licence — your pin — then you are at an advantage. With those, you can apply to register as a nurse here in the UK. Many healthcare companies are actively looking for nurses and are willing to sponsor them.
However, if you do not have your pin or if your qualifications are not up to date, it will be difficult. You may still have to start with support worker roles, gain experience, and gradually upgrade. Some people go back to school here for conversion courses or additional training.
The good thing is that the UK needs healthcare workers, so the demand is there. But you must meet the standards, and that starts with having the right qualifications and licences.
Beyond healthcare, what other types of jobs can students in the UK easily access?
There are actually quite a number of jobs that students can take up. Some of them are what people call “survival jobs,” but they are very important because they pay the bills and sometimes lead to permanent opportunities.
One category is airport jobs. Airports are busy hubs, and they hire for a variety of roles. You can work in airport security, though for that you will need a security badge, which costs about four hundred to five hundred pounds to obtain through training. That badge is an investment, but once you have it, you are eligible for many roles. Apart from security, there are also jobs handling baggage, moving luggage within the airport premises, and even cleaning positions inside the airport. These roles are demanding but steady.
Another accessible area is cleaning jobs. Cleaning is needed everywhere — in offices, warehouses, private homes, hospitals, and public facilities. The work can be physically draining because it often requires long hours of standing, bending, and constant motion, but it is honest work. For students who are healthy and strong, it is a reliable way to earn money. It is also worth noting that in the UK, cleaning is taken seriously. Employers expect you to be punctual, to follow instructions carefully, and to maintain high standards of hygiene.
Then there are restaurant and food industry jobs. These range from working as a chef to being a kitchen assistant, a waiter, or a cleaner in the food preparation area. In these roles, personal neatness and hygiene are critical. The food industry here is heavily regulated, and employers will not tolerate carelessness. I personally worked in the food industry when I first came. It was not glamorous, but it taught me discipline, the importance of hygiene, and how to work under pressure. These lessons have stayed with me, even as I later moved back into healthcare.
Another area that many overlook is train station jobs. The train network in the UK is vast, and stations require staff for a variety of duties. There are security roles at stations, which again require training and checks. There are also positions like station assistants, who flag trains and signal them before departure, or staff who help with passenger flow. These jobs pay very well and come with structured shifts, but because they are linked to public transport and safety, they also require background checks.
What I want students to understand is that no job should be despised. Every job has its dignity. Many people who start in these roles end up building a pathway to better opportunities. The UK values diligence, and employers are quick to notice workers who take even small jobs seriously.
Do students need certifications for these types of jobs outside healthcare?
For most of these roles, you do not need certificates. Warehouses, restaurants, cleaning jobs, and baggage handling usually require only proof that you can work legally — your BRP card — and a good CV that shows you are reliable and willing to work. Employers will provide the training you need on the job.
However, for certain roles, certifications make a big difference. For example, as I said, airport security jobs require a badge, which comes only after proper training. It is expensive — four to five hundred pounds — but it opens doors to many more opportunities at the airport.
In healthcare, certificates matter much more. Level 2 or Level 3 in Health and Social Care is what qualifies you for support worker roles. Even then, companies will still train you further for at least a week before they allow you to handle patients. They need to be sure you know what you are doing and can follow UK standards.
For nurses, the requirements are higher. If you already have a diploma or degree in nursing from Nigeria, plus your professional licence (your pin), you have an advantage. You can then register here and possibly get sponsorship from companies that are looking for nurses. But without the right pin, your Nigerian certificate will not carry much weight.
The UK government also supports free training programs for those who want to go into nursing or healthcare. Students can take advantage of these to gain entry into the system.
So to summarize: outside healthcare, most student-accessible jobs do not need certifications — just readiness to work and a well-presented CV. But inside healthcare, certificates and licences are essential.
What practical advice would you give to students applying for these jobs?
The first thing is to be realistic. Do not come to the UK thinking you will immediately get a glamorous job in line with your degree. For most students, that does not happen right away. You may have to start in a warehouse, a cleaning role, or a restaurant. Accept it as part of the journey.
The second is to apply widely. Do not be lazy about applications. The more you apply, the more chances you create. Rejection is part of the process, so do not let it discourage you. If you hear “unfortunately,” see it as a step closer to “yes.”
The third is to present yourself properly. That means tailoring your CV for each application and writing a simple but clear cover letter if required. Employers want to see that you understand the role and are genuinely interested.
Finally, carry yourself with dignity, no matter what job you are doing. Whether you are mopping a floor, serving food, or loading boxes, do it well. People are always watching. You never know which manager will notice your attitude and decide to recommend or retain you.
Resources and Tutorials
- Simple tool for job search https://www.linkedin.com/posts/activity-7150614720696258560-35iQ/
- Awesome list of niche job boards here, organized by categories: https://jobstars.com/niche-job-sites/?srsltid=AfmBOooaRkYgZo0MNWM5D3TNjmhgulmuEHtnbhDaJTZ1F4XNLM91YMPV
- Ultimate guide to job search https://www.linkedin.com/posts/emilyworden_greenbannergang-jobsearch-jobhunt-activity-7287562089668198401-2C3Q?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop
- How to search for jobs using google
List of recruitment agencies
✅ London Recruitment Agencies ( close to 300)
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1RiHjA0VhLXeLFdRg4s-BS0scX_kD7ahqhWP3t9AZsbI/edit?gid=0#gid=0
✅ Luton Recruitment Agencies (Over 100)
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Ilqt0_5ik1yud0pEaKt-O3aVfGyNM6XS7uZXqEeZ10c/edit?gid=0#gid=0
Job Portals
- LinkedIn: / jobs
- Monster UK: https://www.monster.com/
- Reed: https://www.reed.co.uk/
- Indeed: https://uk.indeed.com/
- Gov UK https://findajob.dwp.gov.uk/
- UK Hired: https://ukhired.com/
- Milkround: https://www.milkround.com/
- Student Circus: https://studentcircus.com/
- Bright Network: https://www.brightnetwork.co.uk/
- Register of Licensed Sponsors: https://www.gov.uk/government/publica…
- Gov Sponsors: https://uktiersponsors.co.uk/
- Highest UK sponsors: https://companyjobs.co.uk/visa-sponso…
