Career change 'a way to get back to work'

Toleafoa Miller from Massey (R) talks at the job expo to Peter McIlwaine from the NZ Radio Training School. Photo / Dean Purcell

Jittery job-seekers came in their thousands to the New Zealand Job Expo at the weekend - and many were told that dramatic career changes might be needed.

More than 5000 came knocking for jobs and training opportunities from more than 70 exhibitors at the North Shore Events Centre.

They were there amid rising unemployment which topped 50,000 this month - almost three times the 17,710 recorded at the same time last year.

Expo general manager Helen Vincent said the mood of those coming to the event had changed drastically from a year ago.

"There is tension in the air. Last year there were people in a job looking around thinking, 'What else can I do?' This year people have to actively consider going down another career path."

However, there were opportunities. Ms Vincent estimated about 1000 jobs were available across a range of sectors including tourism, transport, the armed forces, hotels and entertainment industries.

Australian recruiters trying to attract health workers and arborists also attended.

"Jetstar - huge commercial growth. SkyCity hotels - again huge commercial growth. People who are experiencing growth, it doesn't matter in a recession. Businesses need employees," Ms Vincent said.

Westport Deepsea Fishing School's Peter Maich was trawling for students.

Unemployed people or those looking for a change did not automatically see the benefits of getting into the fishing industry, he said.

"Most turn their noses up at first," he said, before they see long-term stability and competitive starting rates at $50,000.

Scott Jackson from cvb.co.nz, a job-hunting and recruiting company, said that a year ago, jobseekers were more blasé about opportunities. If they did not like a particular job, they were happy to wait.

That was no longer the case, Mr Jackson said.

"They're having to put in a lot more effort. We think they're being more flexible. We're seeing more people put in the hard yards."