The chances of getting a job as an engineering machinist and toolmaker are low.

Job opportunities for engineering machinists and toolmakers dropped significantly in 2008-2009 because of the global economic recession. Even some of the largest employers of engineering machinists and toolmakers say they have stopped hiring apprentices until the economy improves. 

Job chances for engineering machinists and toolmakers affected by downturn in manufacturing

There is less demand for goods produced by New Zealand manufacturers because:

• the recession has reduced demand for industrial goods
• the high New Zealand dollar in 2007-2008 meant overseas customers could buy goods more cheaply from manufacturers in other countries than manufacturers in New Zealand  
• China entered the toolmaking industry, and is able to produce large amounts of goods at lower prices.

This drop in demand has reduced the need for engineering machinists and toolmakers. However, job opportunities are expected to improve when the economy – and the manufacturing industry – recovers. 
 

Number of engineering machinists, toolmakers and die makers in New Zealand
(1996, 2001, 2006)

Census	Number of engineering machinists, toolmakers and die makers
1996	1,182
2001	1,203
2006	1,161
Source: Department of Labour, Jobs and Tertiary Education Indicator Tool.

Apprenticeships or Royal NZ Air Force offer best options for getting job as engineering machinist and toolmaker

Your best options for getting a job as an engineering machinist and toolmaker is do an apprenticeship, or train with the Royal NZ Air Force.

Engineering machinists and toolmakers work mainly for private companies, ranging from small specialist tool and die companies that employ between four and 10 people, to large appliance manufacturers that employ hundreds of people.

• 33% of engineering machinists and toolmakers work for industrial machinery and equipment manufacturers.
• 15% work for plastic product manufacturers.
• 13% work for companies making fabricated metal products.

Engineering machinists and toolmakers work throughout New Zealand, but most jobs are in the main manufacturing regions of:

• Auckland (31% of engineering machinists and toolmakers)
• Canterbury (16%)
• Waikato (13%)
• Bay of Plenty (9%).