Hays Engineering
JANUARY - MARCH 2012
Hotspots
Structural Engineers and Geo-Technical Engineers are sought to help with building and ground analysis following the Christchurch earthquake. A number of Auckland-based companies are employing candidates to fly in and out of Christchurch.
Also needed are Design Engineers for infrastructure, utilities and transportation projects for council while private developers require skilled professionals for infrastructure designs and general maintenance upgrades using 12D and MX software.
Overcoming skills shortages
Employers are looking at relocating staff from other parts of New Zealand and increasing their use of temporary hires. Given the shortage in the market, we have also been utilising our Hays GlobaLink network to reach wider and more diverse pools of candidates. Companies are willing to consider overseas applicants. Whereas typically companies require seismic experience, due to the lack of engineers they are willing to take UK candidates and train them up.
There has also been more of a focus on succession planning, driven mainly by the Christchurch rebuild which is leaving employment gaps on the North Island.
The coming quarter
Recruitment activity over the next three months will be candidate driven. In other words, if an individual has the right skills and experience, companies will make accommodations depending on the candidate’s circumstances. As a result, we expect to see more civil jobs being created and a stronger focus on temporary workers.
There is still caution to hire staff on a permanent basis without projects locked in for the year, and thus the focus will be on recruiting temporary staff.
Employer trends
Employers are increasing salaries, using sign-on bonuses and relocation allowances are also becoming more common. They are looking overseas for skills and using global recruitment strategies for a number of key roles. They are becoming more flexible on salary bandings and moving much quicker to secure good talent in a competitive market.
Candidate trends
There continues to be consistent increases in demand for Structural and Geo-Technical Engineers but the market is facing an ongoing shortage of suitable candidates considering the specialist nature of these roles. Highly experienced overseas candidates are well placed to be considered for top level and senior appointments if they have excellent communication and people skills.
