Senior Architectural Assistant (SPTO)
Possible
Sponsorship likelihood
This job is eligible only on a shortage list
£47,304 – £49,515 / year
Salary
Above P75 for SOC 3120
£41,700
Going rate
Offer clears by 1.1×
This role likely qualifies for a Skilled Worker visa
SOC 3120 (77% match) is an eligible occupation, with a going rate of £41,700, and Northern Ireland Civil Service is a licensed sponsor. That is our reading of the rules. Whether they issue a Certificate of Sponsorship is still their call.
This could also be SOC 2451 (Architects). We read the code off the advert, so it is our best guess, not the employer's.
New graduate or PhD holder? Pick one of the lower rates.
What each route needs for this job
| Occupation code | New entrant 70% of going rate | STEM PhD 80% of going rate | Relevant PhD 90% of going rate | Standard rate 100% of going rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
3120 CAD, drawing and architectural technicians Most likely code | £33,400 Clears | £33,400 Clears | £37,500 Clears | £41,700 Clears |
2451 Architects Also possible | £33,400 Clears | £38,100 Clears | £42,800 Clears | £47,600 Clears |
We use the lowest threshold across the plausible codes. Likelihood is Possible at most when the pay clears only a lower rate, or only under a less likely code. A mark is for the top of the advertised pay. How the Home Office picks the code
About the role
Senior Architectural Assistant (SPTO)
Department of Finance (DoF), Construction and Procurement Delivery (CPD), Construction Division
SALARY: £47,304 to £49,515 (under review).
Plus an employer pension contribution of 34.25%
LOCATION: Clare House, 303 Airport Road West, Belfast.
REF: IRC331208
For more detailed information and to apply, please go to www.nicsrecruitment.org.uk
Completed application forms must be submitted no later than 12:00 noon (UK time) on Friday 23rd October 2026.
The Northern Ireland Civil Service is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
ALL APPLICATIONS FOR EMPLOYMENT ARE CONSIDERED STRICTLY ON THE BASIS OF MERIT.
This description is the source posting as it read when we added it. We are not affiliated with Northern Ireland Civil Service, so check their own site for the current details.
Where this offer sits in the market
CAD, drawing and architectural technicians (SOC 3120) · UK · ONS ASHE 2025 · basic pay · ~46k in sample- Offer £47,304–49,515
- Middle half £28,756–41,964
- Median £34,632
- Going rate £41,700
- Threshold £41,700
Even the bottom of this range, £47,304, beats the market's 75th percentile. Northern Ireland Civil Service pays in the top quarter for this occupation.
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Browse more sponsored jobs at Northern Ireland Civil ServiceAbout sponsorship for this role
Does this job guarantee visa sponsorship?
Not necessarily. Northern Ireland Civil Service holds a sponsor licence, but sponsorship for a specific hire is always the employer's decision. Be upfront in your application that you'll require it.
What salary is needed for this role to be eligible?
The offer must clear both the general threshold and the SOC 3120 going rate of £41,700. New-entrant and shortage discounts can lower it.