VP, while it's been done many times by Ozzies and Kiwis, using Working Holiday visa to go over, find job and once proving oneself, the company then sponsors the work permit/residence visa application for said pilot.
I'm not sure which company would offer doing so without having prior experience of the pilot in question. One can drop in on tourist visa, do quick conversion and then ask around, but it's extra hurdle. If you know of some, let the OP know or post it here to the benefit of others as well.

Career without IR!
 

It may be possible but you will be ducking and diving all over the country working for people who would rather not pay you! Dodging all sorts of crap weather trying to complete flights.

The ONLY way to go forward with Heli flying as a career, especially in the UK, is to get an IR and use it offshore! Regular income, paid on time, in a safe environment, excellent packages and you only work half the year! Its a no brainer for me!

Ive worked onshore, in the UK, VFR for the past 12 years on a part time basis as to do this full time would have seen me broke, well before now!

Do the IR, its the best way forward if you want to stay a Helicopter Pilot!

Good Luck! :ok:

Thanks for the replies.

Yes it would be great to get the IR and it's easy for people to say go get it and invest in your future, well that's all well and good but unfortunately i don't have access to 10's of thousands of pounds to do it and never will have.

Oh well looks like a real job with flying on the side:(