All information technology (IT) professionals are in short supply and many recruitment agencies are struggling to fill vacancies, according to the Department of Labour.
Consequently, the chances of getting a job as a programmer are high.
The shortage has occurred because enrolments for IT courses at tertiary providers have dropped dramatically since 2003, which means there are fewer graduates. At the same time, demand for IT professionals is increasing.
Programmer appears on Immigration New Zealand's long-term skill shortage list, which means the Government is actively encouraging skilled programmers from overseas to work in New Zealand.
Census figures show the number of people employed as computer applications engineers, which includes programmers, jumped between 1996 and 2006.
Number of computer applications engineers in New Zealand (1996, 2001, 2006)| Census date | Number of computer applications engineers |
|---|
| 1996 | 3,066 |
| 2001 | 8,199 |
| 2006 | 14,193 |
| Source: Department of Labour Occupational Indicators Tool. |
While programmers are employed across the country, most (80%) are employed in the North Island. Highest concentrations are in Auckland (44%), and Wellington (26%). In the South Island, Canterbury accounts for 11% of the total.
The New Zealand Computer Society has begun work to introduce internationally recognised certification for IT professionals. The proposal is in its early stages, but if adopted, will allow people working in the IT industry to be assessed on their skills and issued with a practising certificate, certifying their competence at one of seven levels – from new entrant to strategist. The society believes that formal recognition of IT as a profession will improve the recruitment and retention of staff, and enhance the image of the industry.
The Government has set up a working group to investigate ways to raise the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) contribution of the IT industry from 4% to 10%. If the target is achieved, it is estimated this will require a corresponding increase in the IT workforce from about 41,000 up to 125,000 people.
