In response to news of skills shortages, particularly a need for 200,000 more people working within the service sectors, ServiceIQ has released Regional Roadmaps and Action Plans for Northland, Bay of Plenty, Queenstown-Lakes and Otago & Southland. Christchurch City also has a roadmap and plan, as does Auckland’s tourism sector.
Dean Minchington, ServiceIQ’s chief executive, said that although the looming skills shortage is a national problem, it needs local action. “The situation is serious for service sector businesses, but there’s a silver lining too. With this growth there are opportunities for local people to get local jobs and to gain new skills as they learn on-job. It means that young people will be able to get their first job and get started on a rewarding career.”
Minchington said that supporting people into work to meet the looming regional jobs shortage will need joint effort. “Success of the regional action plans is dependent on the local service sector taking leadership and regular measurement and updates on progress.”
