Job boom expected in Canterbury

After months of quake-caused misery, Christchurch should have some good news over the coming months with an expected rise in available jobs. Photo / Greg Bowker

Canterbury job seekers may soon be spoilt for choice with thousands of roles likely to be created in the next few months, the Canterbury Employment and Skills Board (CESB) says.

"Not only will these jobs be in the trade and hospitality industries as expected, but also across professional and highly skilled sectors," CESB spokesman Carl Davidson said.

CESB was established to determine the state of the labour market following the September 4 and February 22 earthquakes.

"The key function of the CESB is to bring together the supply and demand sides of the local labour market and to influence the immediate recovery, rebuild and long-term recovery plan for the Canterbury economy," Mr Davidson said.

Canterbury Development Corporation workforce strategy manager Simon Worthington said those serious about finding work "will not have an issue".

"Where we may find issues is in recruiting, particularly into highly skilled roles," he said.

Canterbury Business Leaders Group spokesman Don Elder said the region needed to attract and retain talented workers.

"A number of jobs have been created as a result of the earthquakes that didn't exist three months ago. We are working together to advertise roles and ensure we keep as many of our talented staff and their families in Canterbury," he said.

CESB - made up of members of the building and construction, information technology, health, education and industry training sectors as well as government agencies and unions - also planned to develop a 10-year labour market plan.

- NZPA