Careers and opportunities in Canterbury

Find out about work and training options in Canterbury, the local labour market, and sources of help and support in the region.

What's on this page?

Learn about the Canterbury labour market

A farmer in a field of cows

Agribusiness is key to economic growth in Canterbury

The following industries have been identified by the Canterbury Development Corporation (CDC) as key to the future of Christchurch:

    • Agribusiness
    • Construction
    • Health
    • Information and communication technology (ICT)
    • Value-added manufacturing
    • Professional services.

 

Other sources of labour market information from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) include:

Canterbury skill shortage list

Immigration New Zealand's Canterbury skill shortage list outlines occupations that are expected to be in shortage during the rebuild of Christchurch. The Government is looking to attract skilled workers, including people from overseas, to work in these occupations.

Free presentations on the future Canterbury labour market

Careers New Zealand staff are offering free presentations on Canterbury’s future labour market needs. These presentations are available to people in the region who influence young people’s career and study, including:

 

  • parent groups
  • parent/teacher groups
  • rūnanga or hapū
  • boards of trustees
  • school staff at any year level
  • social services teams
  • youth workers
  • church groups.

To arrange a presentation, please contact Careers New Zealand on 0800 222 733 or careers@careers.govt.nz.

Get help finding work

Close-up of two tradespeople working on a roof

Demand is good in Christchurch for many building trades workers

Regional Job Matcher

You can use our Regional Job Matcher tool to help you find Canterbury vacancies from Trade Me that match your skills.

Canterbury Skills and Employment Hub

The Canterbury Skills and Employment Hub is a government-run service that connects job seekers with Canterbury employers who have vacancies.

Other job hunting help

Our website also has information on job search techniques and interview skills.

Key links – living, learning and working in Christchurch

A man working at a laptop

Canterbury's ICT industry is set to grow

Browse the links below to find out about a range of Christchurch-related information, including local education institutes, and organisations geared at helping young people.

Education and training information

Tertiary providers in Christchurch:

Apprenticeships and workplace training:

Information for English language and international students:

Financial help:

Updated 3 Aug 2017