IT rules the roost with Kiwi jobs boost
New Zealand ICT continues to start the year in style, with a booming industry offering the hottest career choices for Kiwis.
The government’s 2014 Occupation Outlook report claims business is high in the sky when it comes to job demand in the country, ahead of 50 other career options nationwide.
A comprehensive overview of job demand, likely incomes, and training requirements, the report was released by Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment Minister Steven Joyce, following news that Kiwi businesses are at their most confident for the first time in 20 years.
“The Occupation Outlook is designed to be one of the first places for young people and their families to look when making decisions on subject choices and future careers,” Joyce says.
This second annual report brings together the latest information from employers, industries, the education sector and labour market analysts in a format that makes it easy to compare career prospects across different occupations.
“This year’s report shows that we are seeing strong demand in all skilled occupations as the economy recovers,” Joyce says.
“However the really hot careers currently are in the construction sector, engineering, ICT, science, and the primary sector,.”
The 2014 report includes a special feature on careers based on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
“Science, technology, engineering and mathematics are increasingly important for growing and sustaining New Zealand’s economic competitiveness,” Joyce adds.
“They underpin the development of new technologies and new, high-value products, and can lead to a wide range of interesting careers.
“Job opportunities based on STEM subjects are increasing, and this is expected to continue.”
In what is further positive news for the industry, as reported by IT Brief, the New Zealand job market also continues to go from strength to strength, according to an analysis of over 50,000 roles listed on Trade Me Jobs in the final quarter of 2013.
“Eight of the top ten highest-paying jobs are in the IT sector and paying at least $110,000 per year,” said Peter Osborne, Head of Trade Me Jobs.
“We’re seeing these high salaries being offered because there’s a real shortage of IT gurus out there, and businesses are throwing more money on the table to attract people into their roles.”
