Job opportunities for training and development managers have fallen because of the economic recession of 2008/2009. When economic conditions tighten, employers try to make savings by cutting costs. Training is often one of the first areas to be affected.

Opportunities for training and development managers better in the longer term

Job opportunities are expected to improve when the recession ends, as employers see staff training and development as important in ensuring the success of their businesses. According to the 2006 Census, the number of training and development officers (which includes training and development managers) rose by 27% between 2001 and 2006, to 3,141.

Reasons for this increase include:

• skill shortages in the New Zealand labour market, which meant employers had to train existing staff to meet skill needs
• more businesses believing that training their staff will lead to better productivity, performance and staff retention.

Human resources experience helpful for training and development managers

Training and development managers improve their chances of finding work if they have a tertiary qualification in human resources. Work experience in different human resources roles is also helpful.

Training and development managers mostly work for:

• independent training consultancies
• large businesses
• government departments
• industry training organisations
• universities and polytechnics.

Though job opportunities for training and development managers exist through New Zealand, most jobs are in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, where larger businesses/organisations are based.