Talent shortages on the rise with NZ ranked 11th globally

Skilled Trades, Technicians and Engineers top roles in demand across New Zealand: ManpowerGroup annual Talent Shortage Survey

Talent shortages on the rise with New Zealand ranked 11th globally

NEW ZEALAND (19 MAY 2015) – ManpowerGroup’s 10th annual Talent Shortage Survey, released today, has revealed that 51% of New Zealand’s employers report difficulties filling job vacancies due to talent shortages. While the shortage in New Zealand has eased eight percentage points year-on-year, it remains far more severe than the global average of 38%.

The survey shows 86% of New Zealand employers recognise that talent shortages are having a negative impact on business. However, there is a significant gap between recognition and action, with just 67% of New Zealand employers proactively tackling shortages through the implementation of talent strategies.

Across the country, employers in New Zealand are having the most difficulty filling Skilled Trades, Technicians and Engineers roles. Engineers has dropped from the top spot for the first time since 2009, now sitting third below Skilled Trades and Technicians, while Drivers re-entered the top ten after a two year absence.

Lincoln Crawley, Managing Director, ManpowerGroup Australia and New Zealand says a combination of New Zealand’s strong economy, stable unemployment levels and the volume of infrastructure projects underway is driving demand for skilled trades.

2015 TOP 10 HARDEST JOBS TO FILL
NEW ZEALAND
1. Skilled Trades
2. Technicians
3. Engineers
4. Sales Representatives
5. IT Personnel
6. Accounting & finance staff
7. Management / Executive (Management/Corporate)
8. Secretaries, PAs, Receptionists, Administrative assistants & Office support staff
9. Doctors and other non-nursing health professionals
10. Drivers

2014 TOP 10 HARDEST JOBS TO FILL
NEW ZEALAND
1. Engineers
2. Skilled Trades
3. Accounting & Finance Staff
4. Management / Executive (Management/Corporate)
5. IT Staff
6. Sales Representatives
7. Technicians
8. Sales Managers
9. Doctors and other non-nursing health professionals
10. Secretaries, PAs, Receptionists, Administrative assistants & Office support staff

“Demand for engineers remains consistent but there is an acute need for Skilled Trades and Technicians for the Christchurch rebuild, plus a real explosion in residential and commercial building and infrastructure projects in Auckland as a result of the city’s high growth.

“New Zealand’s record migration boom in 2014 has had a positive impact on improving shortages at management and executive level, with more Kiwis returning to New Zealand to pursue job opportunities as a result of the stronger economy. However, overseas migration continues to pull candidates away from opportunities creating shortages for lower skilled roles.”

Almost a quarter (22%) of New Zealand employers say talent shortages are having a serious negative impact on their ability to meet client needs, with consequences including a reduced ability to serve clients, reduced competitiveness and productivity and higher compensation costs. Employers cite environmental/market factors, technical competencies (hard skills) and lack of available applicants as key reasons why they are struggling to fill shortages.

Lack of technical competency was cited as the top reason employers were having difficulty filling roles (37%), above a lack of available applicants (33%) or a lack of experience (25%).

“Organisations must focus more closely on the continued training and development of employees to address skills mismatches. Rather than waiting for candidates with the exact skills capabilities to fill skills shortages, employers should look to focus on hiring employees with the correct “soft skills,” and then work to develop the technical skills required for the role.

“Talent is the key economic differentiator and skills shortages are impacting New Zealand’s competitiveness and productivity. To overcome skills gaps, it is imperative that both employers and individuals invest in training and development. Tighter integration of business, government and education needs to happen to ensure New Zealand can remain competitive in the global economy,” Mr Crawley said.

ENDS

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