Recruitment firm Manpower says the skills shortage looks set to worsen as the economy recovers, and that companies will have to rethink the way they attract staff.

The percentage of New Zealand employers finding it difficult to fill positions has dropped significantly since 2008 as a result of recession, from 47 percent in 2008 to 39 percent in 2009 and 30 percent this year.

According to Chris Riley, general manager of Manpower New Zealand, the lower level reflects the fact that New Zealand is yet to see the full effect of economic recovery. Even during recession, however, New Zealand was experiencing chronic skills shortages.

Mr Riley said that we are seeing a ‘jobless’ recovery in many parts of the world – where economic growth isn’t matched by jobs growth.Yet where there are jobs available, employers are having difficulty filling positions.

“The issue is not about the number of potential candidates, but rather talent mismatch, because there are not enough sufficiently skilled people in the right places at the right times. Compounding the issue is that employers are seeking ever more specific skill sets and are less willing to engage in anticipatory hiring. This all adds up to a very challenging and frustrating time for employers and job seekers alike,” Mr Riley said.

TEU National president Dr Tom Ryan says the survey shows the important role tertiary education can play providing people with the skills they need for the current job market.

“Educating and training more engineers, trades people, accounting staff, IT workers and technicians – all listed as areas of skill shortages – is a valuable investment  both for New Zealand businesses facing a skills shortage and for New Zealanders who need a job,” said Dr Ryan.

Thanks to wackystuff @ Flickr for the photo