Christchurch in market for more skilled workers

A three-month campaign to attract more skilled workers to Christchurch is under way.

The Christchurch is Hiring campaign is being led by ChristchurchNZ and aims to raise awareness of job opportunities in Christchurch across a broad range of skill levels and sectors, including engineering, tech, health, food and fibre, agritech and manufacturing.

It is estimated that over the next 15 years Christchurch needs an additional 70,000 workers to fill vacancies created by an ageing population, just to maintain the current rate of economic growth.

It will take more if the city wishes to grow.

Boyd Warren, General Manager Innovation and Business Growth at ChristchurchNZ, said the Christchurch is Hiring campaign is aimed at people in Auckland and Wellington, as well as Kiwis in Australia and the United Kingdom.

“Research tells us people incorrectly perceive Christchurch as having fewer job opportunities than Auckland or Wellington. We’re out to disprove this,’’ Mr Warren said.

“Christchurch is New Zealand’s second largest city. We’ve seen strong economic growth over the last six years and there’s huge demand in some of our biggest sectors. Employers are crying out for talent.’’

Beca’s Regional Manager, Southern, Letitia Drury agrees.

"Ōtautahi Christchurch remains in a growth phase and the city continues to regenerate itself through leading edge sustainability, climate change and technology initiatives,'' she said.

"There is a unique opportunity to be involved in enabling a strong and sustainable community. We need people who can think creatively and lend their professional expertise to help continue our city’s transformation.”

Canterbury Employers’ Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Leann Watson said local businesses welcomed the campaign.

“We know from employers that recruitment and skills shortages is one of their biggest challenges – so there are significant employment opportunities for people looking to make a move.

“And we’ve got everything here to rival or surpass offerings in other cities – people are choosing to move here, to start businesses here, and invest here because of our enviable quality of life and world-leading industries and innovation, as well as our genuine focus on the wellbeing of our people, communities and environment,’’ Ms Watson said.

Christchurch is Hiring will run until July 2021 and will encourage people to visit christchurchishiring.co.nz for information on the jobs most in demand in the city, sector-specific information, lifestyle opportunities and ways to help people settle into the city including networking, job search tips and housing options.