Ranga Kaimahi

Workforce

The region will implement a joined-up approach to labour market planning. This is so it is clearly understood what our skilled workforce shortages are now and into the future, as well as how the region will work collaboratively to address them.

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In order for the region to remain an economic powerhouse for Aotearoa New Zealand, it needs to ensure it has the skills, flexibility and resilience to meet current and future labour market demands.

This includes supporting industries and businesses to meet the challenges of attracting and retaining skilled workforce and ensuring the approach to labour market planning is a joined-up one, with workforce, education and immigration settings working together. 

While the region has identified unique challenges to our region’s labour market, constraints are a global issue with continuing pressures from the Covid pandemic. Globally there is an ageing population with a declining birth rate, so this combination will likely result in a much smaller global workforce in the next decade or two. Whilst technology will improve processes and efficiency, there is still a need for people to develop and use this technology, requiring a more highly skilled workforce in the future. The skills gap in this area is expected to increase significantly in the next few years.

Next Steps

Advocate

In Progress

"For implementation of key projects identified in the Population and Attraction sections of the Beyond 2025 Plan."

  • A number of projects have been delivered including the Settlement Support Programme and the regional communication toolkit to support businesses in recruitment of workforce (see Population and Attraction).

In Progress

"For the continuation and expansion of Southland Youth Futures."

In Progress

"For the region’s workforce programmes and activities such as Ara Aukati Kore, Etū Job Match programme and those focused on people with disabilities be continued."

Recommend

In Progress

"Coordinated support within the region for organisations and businesses to understand Immigration New Zealand’s regulations on employing migrant workers."

In Progress

"Explore capability building opportunities for upskilling people (particularly older people) with regard to digital technologies."

  • Existing organisations continue to deliver a range of services and programmes including Senior Net 

In Progress

"Continue to support the regional strategic approach to labour force planning including the implementation of the Southland Murihiku Regional Workforce Plan."

Not Yet Started

"Showcase businesses with excellent employment practices to other businesses, especially in the sectors with greatest labour market needs, such as engineers, agriculture, technology and manufacturing, healthcare and hospitality."

Not Yet Started

"Establish an International Education Working Group to identify current barriers and opportunities for international education, in a post Covid-19 environment."

Other Workstreams