We live in a dynamic world. While the primary industries of a country might not change that frequently, the skills in demand might change over time depending on what the employers are looking for. It’s good to be updated with the trends in the job market to plan any further training or studies. Immigration New Zealand lists the skills that are in shortage and demand. They are classified as:

• Long Term Skill Shortage List (LTSSL): The Long Term Skill Shortage List (LTSSL) identifies occupations where there is a sustained and ongoing shortage of highly skilled workers both globally and throughout New Zealand.

• Regional Skill Shortage List (RSSL): This list includes occupations where skilled workers are required in particular regions of New Zealand and indicate that there are no New Zealand citizens or residents available to take up the position. 

• Construction and Infrastructure Skill Shortage List (CISSL): This list contains occupations in critical shortage in the Construction industry across New Zealand.

Benefits of a career in the shortage skills

New Zealand witnessed an uneven effect of COVID-19 on employment. While some industries are struggling, others are less affected or even expanding to tackle the challenges of the pandemic. Based on our R&D from credible sources, the following skills will be in the highest demand in 2021.

Healthcare

• Skill Classification: LTSSL, RSSL    
• Most Eligible Visa: Work to Residence, Essential Skills

The healthcare and social assistance industry has risen by 8,816 jobs (3.7 percent) in December 2020 in New Zealand. Many Healthcare occupations are listed in official skill shortage lists which will make it easier for you to meet New Zealand's immigration requirements for a work or residence visa. New Zealand has an extensive healthcare system with high standards. The work opportunities for healthcare professionals are diverse and plenty covers every discipline or specialty. 

Construction

• Skill Classification: LTSSL, RSSL, CISSL
• Most Eligible Visa: Work to Residence, Essential Skills

Construction was the second-fastest-growing industry, with 8,563 (4.9 percent) more filled jobs than last year. GlobalData’s report reveals that the construction industry in New Zealand is expected to register an average annual growth rate of 3.5% between 2022 and 2025, supported by investments in residential, transport, institutional, and renewable energy projects. Willis Rooney, Economist at GlobalData, comments: “The New Zealand Government’s plans to fund large shovel-ready infrastructure projects, identified by the Infrastructure Reference Group (IRG), will have a considerable multiplier effect on the economy as a whole – supporting growth in the construction industry, facilitating job creation and supporting related industries.” 

*Quantity, Building & Professional

Public Administration and Safety

• Skill Classification: RSSL
• Most Eligible Visa: Essential Skills

Public administration and safety had an increase of 7,630 jobs (5.5 percent) in the year ended December 2020. Administrators can perform many different tasks. These can include customer service, filing and records management, diary management, arranging and taking minutes at meetings. Senior administrators may be involved with accounts, procurement, travel arrangements, event management, drafting correspondence and reports, and leading a team. All business entities, industries, and offices have to strictly follow the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA). 

Education and Training

• Skill Classification: RSSL
• Eligible Visa: Essential Skills

Education and training had an increase of 5,549 jobs in the year ended December 2020. Depending on the job role, to be a tutor in a school, college, or university you need to have certain qualifications and skills. 

 Financial and Insurance Services 

• Skill Classification: RSSL
• Eligible Visa: Essential Skills

Financial and Insurance Services had an increase of 4,166 jobs in 2020. 

Engineering 

There is a shortage of engineering professionals in New Zealand, and new graduates are in high demand. Many engineering jobs are on Immigration New Zealand’s skill shortage lists; this means the government is encouraging engineering professionals to migrate to New Zealand. Engineering New Zealand (formerly IPENZ) is the professional body and registration authority for engineers in New Zealand. 

 ICT, Electronics, and Telecommunications

• Skill Classification: LTSSL, RSSL
• Eligible Visa: Work to Residence, Essential Skills

 Soft Skills

• Skill Classification: Life Skills

Besides these technical skills, there are soft skills that all employers look for and are very important to be cultivated and nurtured. The top five among them are as follows:

1. Adaptability
2. Team Work
3. Interpersonal Skills
4. Problem Solving Skills
5. Time Management & Organizational Skills

Note: These lists are subject to changes. All the data has been collected from Immigration New Zealand and Occupation Outlook and StatsNZ