252,000 job opportunities in 2013

252,000 job opportunities in 2013

Almost 252,000 new job opportunities were advertised in 2013, an increase on 2012 and proof the job market continues to improve, shows data released by SEEK, New Zealand’s largest job source.

May was the best month to secure a role in 2013, with a total of 23,888 job opportunities advertised. Predictably, December had the lowest number of job ads as businesses wound down in the lead up to Christmas and hiring was postponed until the New Year.

“We saw growth in numerous industries, particularly Trades & Services which is always a strong performer, and Real Estate as the property market in many cities grew,” says Janet Faulding, General Manager of SEEK New Zealand.

Interestingly, Design and Architecture experienced the biggest increase in jobs available across the nation, with a 59% surge in opportunities.

“With the onset of a growing property market in both the residential and commercial sectors, it came as no surprise that the Design and Architecture industry gained significant ground,” says Ms Faulding.

The top three classifications in terms of greatest number of jobs available in 2013 were Information and Communication Technology, Trades and Services and Administration and Office Support roles, collectively representing over 30% of the job market. The Information and Communication Technology sector alone had almost 40,000 jobs advertised during 2013.

Trades and Services personnel were in demand with over 20,000 jobs advertised in the last 12 months, with significant growth in the Labourers, Maintenance and Handyperson and Building Trades sub classifications. In addition, there were over 18,000 Admin and Office Support roles advertised in 2013.

Auckland had the most opportunities with over 125,000 jobs advertised in 2013, with the three sectors dominating the top spots in terms of opportunity were Information and Communication Technology, followed by Accounting, and then Sales.

Wellington rounded out the year with just over 43,000 jobs and over 38,000 new jobs were advertised in Christchurch during the year.

Christchurch continues to remain strong with the Consulting and Strategy positions increasing by 51% and Design and Architecture up by almost 73%. The most jobs available in the Canterbury region were Trades and Services, with over 5000 positions advertised over the year.

“The job market in Christchurch continues to grow and is attributed to the consistent demand for staff with varying skills and experience that can support the rebuild,” says Ms Faulding.

“We have ended 2013 in an extremely healthy position. With the unemployment rate set to decline, the foundation has been set for a positive 2014. Competition will be fierce to attract top talent in in the year ahead,” concludes Ms Faulding.

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