Hays Resources & Mining
JANUARY - MARCH 2012
Hotspots
As in previous quarters, the market continues to experience high demand for Heavy Diesel Mechanics. Mining and Mechanical Engineering candidates are also finding themselves highly sought after.
Geologists are also needed to assist with mining exploration as companies look to open new mines or expand present mine sites.
There is a noticeable skills shortage in the market as a large number of qualified candidates are moving offshore to Australia for higher salaries.
Overcoming skills shortages
Employers are looking at hiring Heavy Diesel Mechanics on a contract basis at present. They have also been engaging Engineers through retained assignments. To source these candidates, we have advertised overseas and searched our database. Salaries have also shifted upwards for these positions.
The coming quarter
Companies are not showing any sign of slowing down recruitment for both temporary and permanent positions. A major contract change on the Huntly mine in the North Island will also ensure vacancy activity remains high as the existing workforce is reviewed to make way for new opportunities. We expect this to be the same for the new mine in Denniston.
Employer trends
Salaries have shifted up at the senior level and we have noted many employers are willing to take short term contract/temporary staff to fill permanent openings while recruiting.
They are also shortening timeframes and speeding up the process after missing out on good candidates.
Candidate trends
We have seen an increase in the number of candidates as a result of rising rates and active advertising. There has also been an increase in candidate attraction from Australia, which primarily consists of returning Kiwis.
