Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Guam play a crucial role in shaping not only the economy of the Pacific island but also that of the Philippines. Their dedication and hard work contribute significantly to various sectors, including healthcare, education, and hospitality, enhancing the socio-economic landscape of both Guam and the Philippines. As part of the United States territory, Guam presents a unique opportunity for Filipino migrants, offering them a chance to work in a diverse and dynamic environment. Many OFWs are employed in various sectors including hospitality, retail, and construction, and their remittances significantly contribute to the Philippine economy.
Also Read: How to Become an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW)
The experience for OFWs in Guam is marked by the warm embrace of a fellow Filipino community, which helps in easing the challenges of living far from home. Despite the distance, Filipino culture remains vibrant through community events and gatherings, bringing a taste of home to Guam’s shores. Nonetheless, the sacrifices made by these workers can be substantial, as they deal with homesickness and the pressures of securing a better future for their families back in the Philippines.
Table of Contents
Here are the top 10 jobs for Filipinos in Guam.
1. CARPENTER
A carpenter in Guam is a skilled worker who builds and repairs wooden structures and items. Key qualifications include a high school diploma, a recognized apprenticeship, good communication skills, physical fit, and mathematical knowledge. They work on various projects, including installing wooden structures, designing furniture, and calculating fasteners. Carpentry is in high demand in Guam due to the construction sector, with 6,500 workers needed in 2023. Over the next decade, employment opportunities are expected to grow, with over 11,000 workers needed. Skilled, hardworking, and methodical individuals can find a bright future in Guam.
2. MASON CEMENT
A Mason Cement job in Guam requires a high school diploma, the ability to lift and carry up to 100 lbs, work in all weather conditions, and knowledge of mixing and pouring cement. The job involves taking measurements, drawing plans, sourcing materials, preparing estimates, and conducting site visits. Masons install cement structures, assist in pouring foundations, measure sidewalks and driveways, and perform finishing and smoothing work. They are responsible for marking and reinforcing areas where cement has been added to ensure they are dry and properly set.
3. ELECTRICIAN
An electrician job in Guam involves working with electrical systems to install, maintain, and repair them. Key qualifications include a high school diploma, valid driver’s license, electrical degree from a technical college, deep electrical system knowledge, and experience in renewable energy. The job involves installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical control, wiring, and lighting systems, reading technical diagrams and blueprints, performing general electrical maintenance, inspecting transformers, circuit breakers, troubleshooting electrical issues, adhering to building regulations, performing inspections and maintenance, interpreting diagrams, and planning electrical layouts.
4. PAINTER
A painter job in Guam involves working with paints to color and protect surfaces. Key qualifications include a high school diploma or equivalent, experience painting residential or commercial spaces, knowledge of health and safety standards, good planning and organization skills, attention to detail, solid communication skills, and good balance and physical strength. The job involves reading blueprints, examining surfaces, making on-site preparations, preparing walls and surfaces for painting, filling cracks and holes, mixing paint and other materials, applying varnish and finishes, calculating costs, and adhering to health and safety precautions.
5. PLUMBER
A plumber in Guam is required to work with plumbing systems, install, maintain, and repair them. Key qualifications include a high school diploma, valid driver’s license, a plumbing degree from a technical college, deep plumbing system knowledge, and experience in renewable energy. The job involves reading technical diagrams, performing general plumbing maintenance, inspecting pipes, valves, and other plumbing components, troubleshooting plumbing issues, adhering to building regulations, performing inspections and maintenance, interpreting diagrams, inventorying, and planning plumbing layouts.
Also Read: List of POEA Offices in the Philippines
6. OPERATOR HEAVY EQUIPMENT
An Operator Heavy Equipment job in Guam requires a high school diploma, at least 3 years of experience, knowledge of all clearing phases, a valid driver’s license, and a drug screen. The primary responsibility is to complete tasks safely and accurately using construction equipment. Typical duties include loading and unloading equipment, inspecting equipment, driving or controlling it, monitoring performance, tracking scheduled maintenance, filing performance records, cleaning equipment after use, and completing minor repair work. The demand for Operator Heavy Equipment jobs in Guam is on the rise due to the growing construction industry.
7. WELDER
A welder job in Guam involves working with different metals to fuse them together to achieve desired shapes. Key qualifications include a high school diploma, a valid welding certificate, at least 2 years of experience, excellent knowledge of welding machinery, electrical equipment, and manual tools, and ability to read and interpret blueprints. Welders are required in various industries, including construction, manufacturing, automotive, and space agencies. The demand for skilled welders is increasing due to increased construction projects, infrastructure developments, manufacturing advancements, and retiring skilled workers.
8. ENGINEER CIVIL
A Civil Engineer job in Guam involves working with civil engineering to design, construct, and maintain infrastructure projects. Key qualifications include a minimum 4-year Bachelor’s degree, proven experience, excellent knowledge of design and visualization software, proficiency in site layout, grading, utility design, erosion control, regulatory approvals, strong analytical and problem-solving skills, solid understanding of local, state, and federal guidelines, and strong communication and interpersonal skills. The demand for civil engineers in Guam is projected to remain strong over the next five to 10 years due to Marine relocation and general construction demand.
9. WORKER REINFORCING METAL
A Worker Reinforcing Metal job in Guam involves working with metal to reinforce structures. Key qualifications include a high school diploma, completion of a recognized apprenticeship, good communication skills, physical fit, and knowledge of mathematics. The job involves taking measurements, drawing plans, sourcing materials, preparing estimates, and conducting site visits. Duties include installing metal structures, designing and installing cabinets, shelving, fitted furniture, drywall, insulation, and fixtures.
10. PIPEFITTER
A Pipefitter job in Guam involves working with pipe systems for heating, hot water, and cooling. Key qualifications include a high school diploma, proven experience, excellent mechanical and troubleshooting skills, attention to detail, good communication, lifting ability, ability to work in shifts and overtime, and a valid license. Pipefitters typically work for construction companies but can work in various settings, including home installations and industrial settings. Their duties include creating installation plans, conducting quality control, and fixing pipes. The demand for Pipefitter jobs in Guam has increased by 27.85% since 2018, and those with this certification earn 13.03% more than the average base salary of $24.23 per hour.
Also Read: List of POEA Benefits Programs and Services for OFWs
Video
Check out this information about the cost of living in Guam. This is an important consideration for anyone thinking about moving to Guam for work.
Summary
Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Guam play a vital role in boosting both Guam’s and the Philippines’ economies. Their hard work in sectors like healthcare, education, and hospitality enriches the socio-economic landscape of both regions. Guam, as a U.S. territory, provides diverse opportunities for Filipino migrants, who contribute significantly to the Philippine economy through remittances.
OFWs in Guam find solace in the Filipino community, easing challenges of living far from home. Filipino culture thrives through events, bringing a taste of home to Guam. Yet, sacrifices are significant, dealing with homesickness and pressures to secure their families’ future in the Philippines.