It's a job seekers market out there, with businesses crying out for workers. Today they were out trying to attract talent to plug their staff shortages. The Ministry of Social Development's Auckland job fair, co-hosted by the Warriors Community Foundation, showcases more than 45 different employers. But whilst more than 2000 jobs were up for grabs, just 800 potential jobseekers turned up. That's two jobs for each candidate.
More than 2000 jobs were up for grabs at the Ministry of Social Development's Auckland job fair today.
The event, co-hosted by the Warriors Community Foundation, showcases over 45 different employers job seekers can choose from.
With many businesses still facing staff shortages, the 800 registered attendees comes as a breath of fresh air.
Healthcare, construction, hospo, or heavy lifting, the opportunities seemed endless at the Mt Smart Job Fair this morning.
And with a virtual reality section where people could try these different jobs digitally, it seemed employers were pulling out all the stops to attract job seekers.
Regional business support manager Joanne O'Connor said the event was about helping out the community.
They were hoping the wide range of employers would give job seekers the best options to find work, she said.
"The overall goal is to make New Zealanders independent, and the best route to independence is through employment," she said.
Sharon Lockhart of Knights Security said she was impressed with the potential recruits she had seen so far.
She hoped the difficulties of recruiting since the start of the pandemic had passed.
"I think that there are a lot of people who are still nervous of the impacts of Covid and, perhaps, anxious about re-entering real life and the work force."
The same feeling was shared by Fulton Hogan's Jess Rohr, who said the next challenge would be building on the workforce that was already there.
It was necessary to be building employee skill, and get them through the door, she said.
"We're happy to work with you and find you the best career and build you up."
A day for job seekers... but also employers desperately trying to plug staff shortages.
