New zealand absolute skills shortage

The "Absolute Skills Shortage" in New Zealand!

In New Zealand, the "Absolute Skills Shortage" refers to a situation where there is a critical shortage of skilled workers in a particular occupation or industry, making it extremely difficult for employers to find suitable candidates to fill job vacancies. This shortage is often caused by a combination of factors, including:

  1. Lack of local talent: There may not be enough New Zealand citizens or residents with the required skills and qualifications to fill the job vacancies.
  2. Brain drain: New Zealand may be losing skilled workers to other countries, either permanently or temporarily, due to factors like better job opportunities, higher salaries, or personal reasons.
  3. Aging workforce: As the New Zealand workforce ages, there may be a shortage of younger workers with the necessary skills to replace retiring workers.
  4. Industry growth: Certain industries, such as technology, healthcare, or construction, may be experiencing rapid growth, leading to an increased demand for skilled workers.

The Absolute Skills Shortage is often identified by the New Zealand government, industry associations, and employers, who work together to address the issue. Some common strategies used to mitigate the shortage include:

  1. Immigration: The government may relax immigration rules to allow more skilled workers to enter the country.
  2. Training and development: Employers and industry organizations may invest in training and development programs to upskill existing workers or attract new talent.
  3. Recruitment: Employers may need to think creatively about recruitment strategies, such as targeting international job seekers or offering attractive employment packages.
  4. Industry transformation: The government and industry may work together to transform industries, making them more attractive to local workers and reducing the reliance on foreign labor.

Some of the occupations that are currently experiencing an Absolute Skills Shortage in New Zealand include:

  1. IT and technology professionals: Software developers, data scientists, cybersecurity experts, and IT project managers are in high demand.
  2. Healthcare professionals: Nurses, doctors, and allied health professionals, such as physiotherapists and occupational therapists, are needed to support the growing healthcare sector.
  3. Construction workers: Builders, electricians, plumbers, and carpenters are in short supply, particularly in regions with high construction activity.
  4. Agricultural workers: Farm workers, horticulturalists, and viticulturists are needed to support the country's agricultural sector.

If you're a skilled worker considering a move to New Zealand, now might be an excellent time to explore the opportunities available!