New Zealand Skills in Demand
New Zealand needs 1,500–2,300 additional engineers every year to meet industry demand, but the country is not producing or attracting enough engineers to fill the gap. This shortage is long‑term and worsening due to low graduate numbers, immigration challenges, and engineers leaving for overseas opportunities.
Civil, Structural and Infrastructure Engineering
These are among the most critically short skills in the country.
- High‑demand roles:
- Civil Engineers
- Structural Engineers
- Geotechnical Engineers
- Transport / Traffic Engineers
- Water & Wastewater Engineers
- Construction Engineers
- Project Engineers
Why in Demand:
New Zealand has ongoing infrastructure needs (roads, bridges, water networks) and resilience upgrades due to earthquakes and climate‑related risks.
Electrical, Power and Energy Engineering
New Zealand’s renewable‑energy focus and grid upgrades are driving demand for:
- Electrical Engineers
- Power Systems Engineers
- Renewable Energy Engineers
- Energy Efficiency Engineers
- Grid & Distribution Engineers
Why in Demand:
The country is expanding renewable capacity and modernising its power infrastructure.
Mechanical, Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering
Manufacturing and industrial sectors continue to face shortages.
- Mechanical Engineers
- HVAC Engineers
- Maintenance & Reliability Engineers
- Manufacturing Engineers
- Process Engineers
Why in Demand:
Aging workforce + growing demand in food production, manufacturing, and industrial automation.
Geotechnical, Geological and Environmental Engineering
New Zealand’s unique geography creates strong demand for:
- Geotechnical Engineers
- Geological Engineers
- Environmental Engineers
- Sustainability Engineers
Why in Demand:
Earthquake resilience, land stability, and environmental compliance are national priorities.
Digital, Automation and Systems Engineering
Engineering is becoming more digital, and NZ employers are seeking hybrid skillsets.
- Control Systems Engineers
- Automation Engineers
- SCADA Engineers
- Instrumentation & Controls Engineers
- Data Engineers (Engineering/Industrial)
Why in Demand:
Industry 4.0 adoption and digital transformation across utilities and manufacturing.
Engineering Technicians and Skilled Trades
New Zealand has a severe shortage of technical and trade‑based engineering roles.
- Engineering Technicians
- CAD Technicians
- Welders
- Fabricators
- Electricians
- Mechanical Technicians
Why in Demand:
Low apprenticeship numbers + high retirement rates.
Cross‑Sector Engineering Skills
According to multiple NZ engineering bodies, the most important skills for engineers include:
- Digital literacy
- Project management
- Sustainability and resilience knowledge
- Communication and stakeholder engagement
In Summary
Based on national skills‑shortage reports and industry analysis, the most in‑demand engineering skills are:
- Civil, Structural and Geotechnical Engineering
- Electrical and Power Systems Engineering
- Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering
- Renewable Energy and Environmental Engineering
- Automation, Controls and Digital Engineering
- Engineering Technicians and Skilled Trades
New Zealand’s engineering shortage is long‑term and requires both local training and immigration to fill the gap.
