Tips & Advice

Outlook for 2025

As we look ahead to 2025, New Zealand’s job market is set to undergo significant changes. With global economic pressures, evolving industries, and new government policies, Kiwis are wondering what’s next for employment opportunities across the country. Here’s a breakdown of the key trends and predictions for New Zealand’s economic outlook and the impact they’ll have on the job market in 2025.

1. Continued Demand in High-Skilled Sectors

One of the strongest trends expected to continue into 2025 is the demand for skilled professionals in areas like IT, engineering, healthcare, and construction. While the world grapples with economic uncertainties, New Zealand’s need for workers in these key industries remains high. Infrastructure projects and a growing push for housing development mean civil engineers, project managers, and skilled tradespeople will be in hot demand. On the tech side, IT roles in areas like software development, cybersecurity, and data analysis are still seeing growth as businesses continue their digital transformation. If you’re in these fields, you’ll likely find a competitive market with solid job prospects well into the future.

1. Tech Roles are Evolving

As more New Zealand businesses embrace digital tools, automation, and artificial intelligence, tech jobs are rapidly evolving. It’s not just about coding anymore – skills in AI, machine learning, and data science are becoming crucial across industries like retail, agriculture, finance, and manufacturing.

In 2025, we can expect to see a continued push for innovation, with companies looking to streamline operations and improve efficiency through tech. For Kiwis working in tech or aspiring to enter the industry, this is the time to up-skill and stay on top of new advancements to remain competitive.

1. Remote Work and Flexibility

The pandemic sparked a massive shift towards remote and flexible working arrangements, and this trend shows no signs of slowing down. By 2025, more New Zealand companies will have fully integrated flexible work policies, allowing Kiwis the opportunity to work from home or adopt hybrid models.

This change is opening up the job market, with workers no longer confined to finding roles in their local area. You’ll have the ability to look for jobs in other regions or even take on global opportunities without having to leave the country. For employers, offering flexibility will be a key driver in attracting and retaining top talent in a competitive market.

1. The Ongoing Skills Shortage

New Zealand has faced a skills shortage for several years, and this is likely to continue in 2025. While the government is investing in education and training programs to address these gaps, it will take time to close the gap between demand and supply.

In the meantime, there’s a growing reliance on skilled migrants to fill roles in sectors like construction, healthcare, and engineering. Immigration policy changes in the coming years will play a crucial role in determining how quickly these gaps can be filled, especially as competition for skilled workers increases on a global scale.

1. Wages

For job seekers, negotiating salaries will be an essential part of securing roles, especially in industries experiencing skills shortages. The good news is that many sectors, particularly those in high demand, are likely to continue offering above-average wage growth to attract the right talent.

1. Upskilling and Lifelong Learning

In 2025, one thing will remain clear – the importance of upskilling and lifelong learning. With technology and industries changing at a rapid pace, workers will need to stay agile, adapting to new tools, systems, and expectations.

For both professionals and students, investing in education and skills training will be key to maintaining a competitive edge in the job market. Many industries will continue to evolve, and those who stay ahead of the curve through continuous learning and upskilling will have the most to gain.

Wrapping it All Up

The outlook for New Zealand’s job market in 2025 is mixed with both challenges and opportunities. While skills shortages and cost of living pressures will continue to affect many sectors, there’s also a wealth of opportunity in high-growth areas like tech, healthcare, and sustainability.

Whether you’re an experienced professional or someone just starting your career, staying adaptable and focused on developing the right skills will help you navigate this changing landscape. As the economy evolves, new opportunities will emerge, and those who are prepared to embrace change will find themselves well-positioned for success in the years ahead.

Reference: https://www.millsrecruitment.com.sg/clients/new-zealand-economic-outlook-for-2025-whats-in-store-for-the-job-market/#:~:text=One%20of%20the%20strongest%20trends,these%20key%20industries%20remains%20high.