Record Year For SJS As Students Bridge Skill Gaps

2 August 2005

Record Year For SJS As Students Bridge Skill Gaps

Student employees are earning more, staying longer in jobs and enjoying greater success at finding work according to figures released today by Student Job Search (SJS).

“The 2004/05 figures show that New Zealand businesses are putting their faith in the good work done by students and rewarding them with better pay and longer stints in employment,” says SJS Chief Executive Dean Carroll.

Over the last year, SJS placed 56,833 students into employment nationwide. The average hourly wage for those students increased 4.77 percent to $11.85, while students earned a total of $77 million during 2004/05.

“This represents an extra $8 million in students’ pockets in the past year. This is great for those students who face large student loan debts,” Mr Carroll says.

In addition to wage increases, the number of students being placed into duration jobs jumped close to 10 percent with 5,191 students engaging in long-term employment through SJS during the year.

“Employing students is a great way to enhance a business. Students are keen to gain experience and often bring fresh ideas to the workplace. Their skills are well developed, relevant and up-to-date,” says Mr Carroll.

“SJS appreciates the strong support that the New Zealand business community has shown in helping us place students into such a good variety of long-term, quality employment over the past year.

“That support is vital to SJS helping the next generation of students gain the experience to develop great careers when they graduate,” Mr Carroll says.

ENDS

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