The labour market environment
There has been little change in the Wellington’s labour market since the Regional Workforce Plan was developed in 2022. The region is experiencing widespread skills and labour shortages. Our regional unemployment rate is 3.4%[1], and the proportion of people who indicate that they would like to do more paid work[2] is 9.7%[3]. Domestic migration into the region remains low. A profile of regional workforce demand forecasts significant demand across the region[4]. It shows considerable pressure across multiple industries.
We have recently worked with the six Workforce Development Councils to provide advice to TEC. Their focus on industry engagement and the review and development of qualifications will align the needs of industries for skilled labour with relevant and impactful vocational education and training.
There are many plans for the region that will create demand for skilled labour. Important projects and developments will drive ongoing demand for a broad range of roles across the seven strategically significant sectors within the Regional Workforce Plan: construction, infrastructure, health (kaiāwhina to nursing), digital technologies, manufacturing, visitor sector and the primary sector.
There are opportunities in each of our subregions: Kāpiti, Porirua, Wairarapa, Hutt Valley and Wellington city for sustainable and resilient employment.
Footnotes
[1] Statistics NZ Household Labour Force Survey March 2023
[2] Referred to as the underutilisation rate
[3] Statistics NZ Household Labour Force Survey March 2023
[4] Regional Workforce Demand Profile, Infometrics Industry employment projections for 2028