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New Zealand Skills shortage lists released

The lists that contain the occupations where there are immediate and long-term shortages of skilled workers were released today by the Department of Labour (Workforce). The Long Term Skill Shortage List (formerly the Priority Occupations List (POL)) and the Immediate Skill Shortage List (formerly the Occupational Shortages List (OSL)) are the result of consultation with Government agencies, industry training organisations (ITOs) and unions.

Key changes

Long Term Skill Shortage List (formerly the Priority Occupations List (POL))

• Civil Engineering has been expanded to be called Professional Engineers which will include Roading, Design, Structural, Mechanical, Geotechnical, Electronic, Project, Transport/Traffic, Fire, Civil, and Environmental engineers, and the qualifications requirements for these occupations have been amended.
  
• The skills list for Information Communications Technology (ICT) has been amended to reflect actual skill shortages.
  
• Orchard Managers, Agronomist/Crop Production Managers and Grower Managers, and Automotive Electricians, Fitter & Turner, Cabinet maker, Boatbuilder, Carpenter/Joiner, Fitter Welder, and Plumber have been added.
  
• Automotive Mechanics (petrol and diesel) have become two separate occupations: Diesel Mechanic and Motor Mechanic.
  
  

Immediate Skill Shortage List (formerly the Occupational Shortage List (OSL))

Added to all regions

• Chip sealing, Asphalt or other Technical Manager (Roading and Infrastructure) Construction and Maintenance Managers (Roading and Infrastructure) Crane Operators, Crop Foreman, Dairy Farm Managers (and amended to read Farm Manager (Dairy, Sheep/Arable, Beef), Electronic Service Technician, Foreman (Roading and Infrastructure), Florists – Senior, Flooring Tradespersons, Glazier, Heavy Vehicle Drivers, Orchard Foreman, Osteopath, Pig Farm Manager, Plastics Die Setter, Roofing Tradesperson, Scaffolder, Sheet metal worker, Shepherd, Ski and Snowboard Technicians
  
  

Added to some regions

• Analytical Chemist added to North Island regions
  
• Beekeepers added to South Island regions
  
• Dental Assistants added to the Auckland region
  
• Shearer (wool harvester) added to Auckland, Wellington and Canterbury regions
  
  

Extended to all regions

• Accountant – Chartered, Arborist, Assistant Herd Managers, Autoglazier, Cardio/Respiratory Technician, Chef (added with mandatory qualifications and experience), Early Childhood Education Teacher (replaces Early Childhood Education Supervisor), Hospitality Supervisor, Microbiologist, Post Doctoral fellows, Trackwork rider, Travel Consultant – Senior
  
  

Extended to other regions

• Coach builder has been extended to include the Waikato region
  
  

Extended occupation

• Land Surveyors has been extended to include Licensed Cadastral Surveyors
  
  

Removed

• Horse Trainer
  
• Plastics Research and Development (replaced with Plastics Die Setter)
  
• Early Childhood Education Supervisor (replaced with Early Childhood Education Teacher)
  
  

Removed and added to the Long Term Skill Shortage List (formerly POL)

• Boatbuilder, Cabinet maker, Carpenter/Joiner, Design Engineer, Electronic Engineer, Fitter and Turner, Plumber, Structural Engineer, Traffic Engineer, Welder
  
  

Renamed

• Doctors – renamed Medical Doctors
  
• Dairy Farm Managers – amended to read Farm Manager (Dairy, Sheep/Arable, Beef)
  
• Electronic Repairs Trades People – renamed Electronic Service Technician
  
  

Qualifications updated

• Teachers
  
  

The consultation process

As part of the six-monthly occupational shortage review, the Department of Labour (Workforce) piloted a new public submission and consultation process, which aimed to be more facilitative, transparent and easier to use. We would like to thank all the employers and industry bodies that participated in the process.

Timing of future reviews

Subsequent biannual reviews of the occupational skills shortages lists will be timed to coincide with the release of new policy.