Finding work in the Ukraine

[peterterry]

I wish to move to the Ukraine (Kiev), I have visited a few times and have really began to love the city, Although it has many problems and issues that need solving. I guess I like the fact it is spread out and there is much building work going on.

I am trying to find out the possibilities of getting work and been able to move to Kiev and live there and would appreciate any advise you could give me on how to find work and arrange this.

As an outline I currently live in Portsmouth (UK) and run my own small plumbing business, I am a qualified domestic gas work and hold all the relevant tickets to install central heating systems, gas pipe work ect. Can any advise me on if these are required trades in the Ukraine and any ideas to look for this kind of work and salary.

Secondly what are the chances of me finding work in this area in the Ukraine and getting a work visa.

I am fluent in English as my native language, and am currently learning Ukrainian but am still at a very basic level, Will this hamper my chances greatly as I hope to advance my language skills but know it will be hard until I actually live in the Ukraine and use them on a daily basis.

I would greatly appreciate any advice that anyone can give me.

[g bilous]

In the past I used the term " the Ukraine " until I was corrected on more than one occassion by a very knowledgeable Ukrainian lady. We should say Ukraine not " the Ukraine " which was used pre 1991 independence.Good luck with learning the language and job hunting and make sure you go and see western Ukraine sometime.

[matera]

I'm not a very knowledgeable Ukrainian lady but yes, "Ukraine" is right, not "the Ukraine"
The building work almost stopped when the financial crisis hit but things are getting better now.
Actually, there is some demand for the specialists in your sphere but this kind of job is not considered to be popular among Ukrainians. Unless you run your own business. Low salary is one of the reasons. This work in Kyiv is mostly done by the people from province who come to the capital to escape unemployment.
I think your chance is checking the job opportunities in the international companies operating in Kyiv. Your English would be a great advantage then. Otherwise, you wouldn't have the least chance to use it. Moreover, international firms would be able to appreciate your work experience, skills and western kind of approach to work. I'm not sure you'd be treated this way in the local ones.

[Gotno Gizmo]

Originally Posted by peterterry

I wish to move to the Ukraine (Kiev), I have visited a few times and have really began to love the city, Although it has many problems and issues that need solving. I guess I like the fact it is spread out and there is much building work going on.
I would greatly appreciate any advice that anyone can give me.

We recently had a gas combi boiler repaired and the amount we had to pay was considerably less than the bill one would expect to pay in the UK.
However, having said that wages here are much lower than in the UK, so perhaps it is relative.
Personally though I can't see how it would work with you being unable to speak Ukrainian or Russian.
But I wish you good luck in your endeavour.

[peterterry]

I do not expect salaries to be simalar to Uk as long as they are enough to live resionalbe comfortable on.

Do you mind if I ask waht you paid for your new boiler so I can make a comparison, I am self-employed in the UK and our avarage boiler change costs about £2,000.

Would you advise me to try and be self employed in Ukraine as i would really like to get more into Project management of building and renovation rather than hands on work.

Also can ny advise on the requirements to work on gas and A/C in Ukraine as we are ment to have the strictest in the world in the UK.

On the lanaguage front I realise that learning Ukrainian and then Russian is a must and my knowelege of the language improves on a daily basis but as with most things in life its only when you use something in the real world that you learn and commit it to memory, does any one know of any intenrational (english) based firms that work in Kiev in my area.

many thanks

Pete

[Gotno Gizmo]

Peter,
I don't know if this help you but my ladyfriend says that she last replaced her dual hot water/ central heating boiler in 2007. She thinks that it cost her 5500 to 6000 UAH for the installation of a Viessmann unit manufactured in Germany. She says the maintenance contract costs her 200 UAH per year. She knows that all repair fitters must be qualified and approved, but she doesn't know the name of the qualification.

[peterterry]

Thanks, did the 5500 to 6000 UAH include the boiler as this is about £550 and a Viessmann boiler on its own costs about £1000 in this country as it is one of the best boilers available on the market!

Thank you for the help its important i do my home work and know where I am when looking for work the say the average salery is about 3000UAH to 4000UAH a month is this the same for gas fitters.

Thank you for you help each peice of information helps me know and be a bit more prepared