New Zealand’s property and construction industry are going to be particularly short of skilled workers this year, according to a survey by global recruitment specialists Michael Page
With a rebound in building permits at the end of 2017, and the government announcing its commitment to building 100,000 homes across the country in the next decade, continued unprecedented levels of demand for construction professionals in project management, quantity surveying, design and architecture as well as professional engineering are very likely.
The recently released Michael Page New Zealand Salary Benchmark 2018 notes that there has been a 15% increase in the number of job opportunities within property and construction in the past 12 months.
“The number of construction workers required over the next few years far outstrips local supply,” notes Michael Page New Zealand Regional Director Pete Macauley.
“Despite government initiatives to encourage construction apprenticeships and record numbers of apprentices, many more property and construction professionals will be needed to meet the growing demand.”
The report anticipates continuous economic growth buoyed by historically high net immigration and housing wealth gains, both of which spur increased levels of consumption.
As businesses in New Zealand continue digital transformation across their activities, processes, competencies and models, professionals who can seamlessly implement the new technology and successfully integrate them will be highly sought after.
Therefore, there will also be opportunities for talent with experience in applications development, programming, project management and big data as well as product management.
Part of the surge in demand for professionals with specialist technology and digital skills is a result of the online shopping revolution in full swing.
To support the growth of these digital platforms, user interface/user experience (UI/UX) designers and digital marketing managers with strong technical skills will have positions open to them.
This growth of e-commerce has also created an increase in transport and distribution channels within New Zealand.
Talent investment in this sector will continue in 2018, in particular strong demand for frontline revenue generating positions as businesses compete to acquire new clients.
“Organisations in New Zealand will continue to invest in new channels, new products as well as business transformation,” Macauley believes.
“As a result, we are expecting ongoing high levels of recruitment and continued candidate shortage.”
“Sourcing talent remains the key challenge in the current environment, and we expect this to remain the same throughout 2018.”
