Demand for skilled workers in Auckland reaches three-year high

Competition for top talent has been reinvigorated in Auckland, following a staggering 72 per cent quarter-on-quarter increase in the number of new roles advertised between January and March 2014, says New Zealand’s leading employment marketplace, SEEK.

According to the latest data from SEEK, the number of new jobs across New Zealand, year-on-year, increased by 12 per cent. Auckland is one of the region’s leading the growth with a 17 per cent year-on-year increase in advertised roles. Growth figures of 93 per cent and 24 per cent have also been seen in Marlborough and Tasman respectively.

“The demand for skilled workers in the first quarter of 2014 is the highest Auckland has seen in more than three years,” says Janet Faulding, General Manager of SEEK New Zealand.

“Seasonal adjustments aside; it has been great to see the number of new roles available increase steadily each month, underpinned by the very healthy growth of the property and construction sectors,” says Ms Faulding.

Over the last 12 months, the number of available construction roles in Auckland has increased by 55 per cent, followed closely by a 54 per cent rise in demand for those in design and architecture and a 49 per cent spike in real estate and property agents.

The boom in building and civil works is expected to continue as New Zealand’s largest construction companies vie for their share of $4 billion in public private partnership contracts currently available.

Roles across Auckland’s professional services sectors are also on the rise, with roles in human resources and recruitment seeing positive year-on-year growth of 45 per cent, call centre and customer service (43 per cent) and administration and office roles (39 per cent).
Ms Faulding says Auckland-based organisations looking to hire in the corporate sector should be aware that the increasing demand for skilled professionals covers all levels of experience and expertise.

“Month-on-month data for April has shown the most significant increase in demand for skills was for those with experience in senior management roles, including CEOs.

“Organisations looking to hire top tier talent should be aware that competition to secure experienced managers is at the highest level SEEK has ever seen in Auckland. The demand for CEOs and senior executives is also higher in Wellington,” says Ms Faulding.
SEEK advises Auckland-based organisations to plan ahead when considering their talent needs as the increase in available roles will naturally intensify the competition for the best possible employees.

“Auckland is set to experience further positive growth and demand for skilled professionals. Organisations looking to secure the best talent will need to ensure their job ads are highly visible to attract the right talent,” concludes Ms Faulding.

ENDS

© Scoop Media