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Jobs in skill shortage

Skill shortages happen when employers find it hard to get staff with the right skills for the job. Knowing which jobs are in skill shortage can help you choose the best job option or decide what subjects to study.

Note: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and other economic factors, which jobs are in skill shortage may change quickly.

You can find out more by looking at job advertisements and talking to employers in areas you'd like to work in.

Reasons for skill shortages

Skill shortages can happen because:

  • there aren't enough workers with the right skills available
  • turnover is high because workers are unhappy with pay or working conditions 
  • there is a general labour shortage, such as during low unemployment.

Skill shortages can change due to:

  • changes in technology or the economy
  • skilled workers moving to another country
  • an ageing workforce.

Immigration New Zealand's Green List and Sector Agreement show skills gaps

Immigration New Zealand's Green List and Sector Agreement aim to make it easier for employers to fill genuine skills gaps by recruiting overseas workers.

These lists can also give you an idea of which jobs are in skill shortage.

Immigration New Zealand's skill shortage lists can indicate jobs in demand

Immigration New Zealand's skill shortage lists show that the Government was actively encouraging skilled workers from overseas to work in particular roles in New Zealand.

The skill shortage lists aren't being updated, but they may give an indication of jobs that are likely to be in demand.

Find out what jobs were on Immigration New Zealand's long-term, regional, and construction and infrastructure skill shortage lists within the following industries.