20,000 More Jobs in 2014

20,000 More Jobs in 2014

2014 saw a 10% increase in new jobs ads with over 20,000 more jobs advertised in 2014 than the year prior, shows data released by SEEK New Zealand today.

“2014 was a stellar year with media and analysts alike labelling our economy as a ‘rockstar economy’ and with over 275,000 jobs listed onseek.co.nz throughout the year, I’d have to agree. It’s fantastic to see increasing business confidence trickle down to the job market and subsequent strong growth in the number of jobs available to Kiwi candidates,” says Janet Faulding, General Manager of SEEK New Zealand.

From an industry point of view, Information and Communication Technology still outstrips all other classifications in terms of sheer quantity of available jobs. The sector had almost twice as many advertised roles as the second highest area of opportunity – Trades and Services – in 2014.

Unsurprisingly, Auckland still plays host to the lion’s share of the country’s jobs, followed by Wellington and Canterbury. However, when it comes to high achievers growth wise, the regions shone. Four of the top five high performers by growth were outside of New Zealand’s main centres:

1. Southland 31.95%

2. Marlborough 28.62%

3. Tasman 16.64%

4. Auckland 13.16%

5. Bay of Plenty 12.05%

Looking specifically at Southland, Blue collar roles drove the significant growth with Construction vacancies more than doubling, up 116% from 2013. Manufacturing, Transport and Logistics jobs and those in Trades and Services also experienced solid increases, up 80% and 73% respectively.

Looking at the other side of the market, applications for roles on SEEK increased 3.6% in 2014, signaling a positive year for the country’s candidates as opportunities grew at a faster rate than applications.

To be expected, the highest number of applications were received in the main centres, however it was the regions that saw the highest rates of growth. The most significant increases in applications occurred for roles in Marlborough (24%), Gisborne (22%), and the Bay of Plenty (13%).

At an industry level, applications for roles in Real Estate and Property experienced the strongest growth, attracting 23% more applications in 2014 than the year prior. Increased interest in this sector is likely driven by the changing dynamic of the real estate markets in Canterbury and Auckland. Interestingly, pay packets for these positions enjoyed a 16% increase last year so it could be that the lure of more money is drawing candidates in.

In terms of sheer quantity, Information and Communication Technology drew the highest overall number of applications with more than 900,000 received across the year. Administration and Office Support and Hospitality and Tourism roles also received an impressive number of applications in 2014, attracting over 800,000 and 500,000 respectively.

“The start of a new year is always a great time to think about your goals for the year ahead. I hope the solid performance of the 2014 job market provides encouragement to Kiwis considering a new opportunity in the year ahead and gives them the confidence to embrace change,” adds Ms Faulding.

ENDS

© Scoop Media