November 2024 brings good news for skilled professionals eyeing New Zealand as their next destination. The country has released an updated Long-Term Skill Shortage List (LTSSL), now featuring 66 high-demand occupations.
This update not only highlights the skills needed in New Zealand but also paves the way for various long-term visa opportunities, making it a prime time for skilled workers to consider a move.
Understanding Long-Term Skill Shortage List
The Long-Term Skill Shortage List isn’t just a list—it’s a gateway to a host of benefits. Skilled professionals in the listed occupations can access long-term New Zealand work visas, bring family members along, and even have a smoother pathway to Permanent Residency (PR).
If you’ve been contemplating a new life amidst New Zealand’s stunning landscapes and vibrant culture, now’s the time to act.
Key Occupations on New Zealand’s Long-Term Skill Shortage List
Engineering Roles
- Civil Engineer
- Salary Range: $80,000 – $120,000
- Minimum Qualification: Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering
- Role: Involves designing, constructing, and maintaining infrastructure projects like roads, bridges, and buildings.
- Electrical Engineer
- Salary Range: $75,000 – $110,000
- Minimum Qualification: Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering
- Role: Focuses on electrical systems, including design, maintenance, and implementation in various industries.
- Mechanical Engineer
- Salary Range: $75,000 – $115,000
- Minimum Qualification: Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering
- Role: Specializes in designing, testing, and manufacturing machinery and mechanical systems.
Healthcare Positions
- General Practitioner
- Salary Range: $100,000 – $200,000
- Minimum Qualification: Medical Degree and Registration
- Role: Provides primary healthcare services, diagnosing and treating a wide range of medical conditions.
- Midwife
- Salary Range: $80,000 – $110,000
- Minimum Qualification: Bachelor’s Degree in Midwifery
- Role: Offers specialized care to women during pregnancy, childbirth, and postnatal stages.
- Registered Nurse
- Salary Range: $60,000 – $100,000
- Minimum Qualification: Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing
- Role: Delivers medical care in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings.
Information Technology & Tech Jobs
- ICT Systems Analyst
- Salary Range: $80,000 – $120,000
- Minimum Qualification: Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or ICT
- Role: Analyzes and improves computer systems for businesses, ensuring smooth IT operations.
- Software Developer
- Salary Range: $85,000 – $125,000
- Minimum Qualification: Bachelor’s Degree in Software Engineering or ICT
- Role: Develops, tests, and maintains software applications for various platforms.
- Data Analyst
- Salary Range: $75,000 – $120,000
- Minimum Qualification: Bachelor’s Degree in Data Science or Statistics
- Role: Gathers and interprets complex data to help businesses make informed decisions.
Construction & Skilled Trades
- Construction Project Manager
- Salary Range: $90,000 – $130,000
- Minimum Qualification: Bachelor’s Degree and experience in Project Management
- Role: Oversees construction projects, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget, and to quality standards.
- Quantity Surveyor
- Salary Range: $70,000 – $100,000
- Minimum Qualification: Bachelor’s Degree in Quantity Surveying
- Role: Manages project costs and contracts, ensuring efficient resource use in construction projects.
- Electrician (General)
- Salary Range: $60,000 – $95,000
- Minimum Qualification: Electrical Trade Certification
- Role: Installs, maintains, and repairs electrical systems across residential and commercial properties.
Specialized Healthcare & Education
- Clinical Psychologist
- Salary Range: $85,000 – $130,000
- Minimum Qualification: Master’s Degree in Psychology
- Role: Diagnoses and treats mental health disorders, offering therapeutic support to individuals.
- Secondary School Teacher
- Salary Range: $55,000 – $90,000
- Minimum Qualification: Bachelor’s Degree in Education or Teaching Certificate
- Role: Educates students in secondary schools, specializing in subjects like mathematics, science, or language.
Other Notable Occupations
- Architect
- Salary Range: $80,000 – $125,000
- Minimum Qualification: Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Architecture
- Role: Designs and oversees the construction of buildings, ensuring aesthetic and functional standards.
- Veterinarian
- Salary Range: $80,000 – $120,000
- Minimum Qualification: Veterinary Degree and Registration
- Role: Provides medical care for animals, diagnosing and treating health conditions.
The full list covers a range of professions, including healthcare, IT, engineering, and trade roles, highlighting New Zealand’s diverse employment needs.
Visa Options for High-Demand Occupations
Here’s a breakdown of the work visas available for those who secure a job in one of the 66 occupations on the Long-Term Skill Shortage List.
1. Essential Skills Work Visa: This visa caters to skilled professionals filling jobs that local talent cannot fulfil. It often serves as a pathway to longer-term visas, allowing family members to join the applicant in New Zealand.
2. Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa: A points-based visa, ideal for qualified professionals, offers a direct path to New Zealand residency. It evaluates factors like age, experience, qualifications, and employability for eligibility.
3. Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV): Designed for those employed by accredited New Zealand employers, the Accredited Employer Work Visa ensures enhanced job security. It’s backed by government approval, making it a reliable option for international workers.
4. Long-Term Skill Shortage List Work Visa: Tailored for jobs on the LTSSL, this visa can lead to permanent residency. After fulfilling specific work conditions, applicants can transition to a resident visa through the Work to Residence program.
Also Read: New Zealand Fast-Tracks Work Visa Processing for Skilled Workers
How to Find High-Demand Jobs in New Zealand for 2025
Securing a job in New Zealand starts with knowing where to look. Here are some top platforms to explore:
Top Job Search Platforms:
- Seek.co.nz – New Zealand’s leading job portal with thousands of opportunities.
- Trade Me Jobs – A hub for diverse job listings beyond the usual trading scope.
- Careers.govt.nz – Offers career guidance along with job listings.
- New Kiwis – Managed by the Auckland Chamber of Commerce, focusing on jobs for newcomers.
- Workhere New Zealand – Specializes in matching international talent with local employers.
Recruitment Agencies: Reputable agencies like Robert Walters, Hays, Randstad, Madison, and Adecco specialize in matching your skills with coveted roles.
These job search platforms and agencies are known for successfully matching professionals with ideal opportunities, streamlining the job search process for greater efficiency and success.
Key Takeaways for Skilled Workers Eyeing New Zealand
- High Demand for Skills: The updated LTSSL emphasizes the need for professionals in engineering, healthcare, IT, and skilled trades.
- Visa Opportunities: Multiple visa pathways make it easier for skilled workers to bring family members and transition to residency.
- Support for Job Seekers: Several platforms and recruitment agencies are available to guide professionals in finding the right job fit.
Conclusion
New Zealand’s updated LTSSL provides a clear signal for skilled professionals worldwide—now is the time to consider a move. With a variety of visa options, strong job support networks, and a welcoming society, New Zealand is set to attract global talent in 2025 and beyond.
For those with the right skills, a new life in New Zealand is not just a possibility—it’s a reality waiting to happen.
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