Students outnumber jobs almost 2-1

Students seem to outnumber jobs available in Hawke's Bay

Students job hunting in Hawke's Bay are about to find out 779 does not go into 449.

Data released by Student Job Search revealed between October 2013 and February 2014 almost double the number of students looking for summer jobs than there were jobs available.

Student Job Search business development manager Shalesh Vasan, says the number of students seeking jobs is high at this time of the year.

"Traditionally, the summer period from November-February is the busiest time for Student Job Search and this year is looking to be no different.

"Students have finished or are finishing their exams and are looking for summer work so that they can help pay for their summer entertainment/recreational activities, Christmas shopping or even save for the year."

Havelock North High school graduate Anna Milne already knows it's a tough market as she's watched friends trying to get work.

"It's really hard because there are so many people looking for jobs. I've been really lucky and have worked at Bay Blueberries for the past four summers but for a lot of my friends, they struggle to find work.

"Students need these jobs to save for uni, pay for holiday entertainment and it gives us something to do to pass time over the summer holidays. If your parents don't help you out financially, then you need a summer job."

Mirian Hirst, a partner in Bay Blueberries, said the company relied on student workers to get through the company's busiest season.

"We hire at least 20 students annually for seasonal orchard work.

"We need students over summer to help with the picking, packing and selling of our fruit.

"The students that we employ are invaluable for promoting sales and they help us in all areas of the business.

"We have some students working full-time while others hold down other jobs so only work part-time with us." NZME.