Job uncertainty in New Zealand: Turn crisis into career advancement

A job coming to an end can sometimes also feel like the end of comfort and familiarity, and often brings feelings of anxiety. Thousands of public sector roles might be at risk in New Zealand, but what seems like a crisis might just be the opportunity you've been waiting for.

According to Stuff, 5,867 public sector roles have been, or potentially will be, disestablished as part of the cost-saving drive. The cuts are affecting several areas, including the Ministry of Business, Ministry of Health, Education, Department of Conservation, and local councils.

While this time can understandably feel daunting, it’s also a perfect opportunity to explore new horizons, retrain, and redefine your career path.

The main forces behind these job cuts include budget constraints, shifts in government policy, and a push for greater efficiency and digital transformation. The New Zealand government is facing financial pressures due to the post-Covid economy and needs to reprioritise funding. This means cutting costs in some departments and embracing technology to replace manual processes, especially in roles seen as non-essential.

Although the short-term outlook seems challenging, the long-term opportunities offer a silver lining for those affected by job cuts. New Zealand’s changing landscape encourages people to reassess their skills and consider retraining in booming sectors like IT. These industries have an increased demand for skilled professionals, offering promising career paths for those willing to learn and adapt. This transition period is not only a chance to gain new skills but also an opportunity to pursue roles that may provide greater job satisfaction and stability in the future.

Seize the opportunity to retrain and thrive in booming industries

If you’ve been personally affected by the national job cuts, this could be the break you need to think about what you really want from life. More money, more flexibility, and more stimulating roles could be within your reach if you make good use of this time. Moving away from the public sector and into private industry may suit your life and career goals better and provide certain benefits you may have been missing.

Changing careers can lead to personal development, skill enhancement, and increased job satisfaction. Diversifying your skill set can offer greater economic stability and adaptability in the face of future uncertainties.

In the wake of New Zealand's public sector changes, Learning People continues to offer a robust solution for those seeking to enter the tech, coding, data, and project management fields. With a range of industry-leading courses, Learning People provides comprehensive education and certification programmes tailored to these high-demand sectors.

Learning People stands out with its StudentCare™ programme, where dedicated mentors guide students throughout their learning journey, offering personalised support and motivation. This hands-on approach ensures that learners stay focused and confident as they acquire new skills.

Additionally, Learning People has a Career Services programme designed to prepare students for job searches and interviews, boasting a 97% employment success rate after completing the 3-phase programme. This service provides practical assistance in crafting CVs, building LinkedIn profiles, and mastering interview techniques, enabling students to transition smoothly into new roles.

For those unsure of their next career move, Learning People provides guidance on assessing skills and interests, helping individuals identify their ideal career path. There’s never been a better time to explore retraining opportunities and embrace a rewarding career change with Learning People.