Where to live for work.

[wilsonm2]

Hi,
First of all this is my first message and are new to this forum. I am due to fly into Christchurch in September 04 for a three week holiday to have a look around as you can only get so much info on the net. I was offered a job in Ashburton and that has swayed me in where i would like to live but i am not sure if this is the right move for work. I am a welder by trade so i am not sure where the jobs are. I am going to start the process of emigrating so any pointers in this would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance
Mark

Hi Mark

(Good) Welders are in short supply in many rural communities, and just outside of Christchurch there are plenty of these.

Anywhere there is cropping you should find work.

There are a great number of welders in NZ as most local polytechs and colleges offer this course. As we are an active bunch we are always breaking things (like trailers, trampolines, farm equipment etc etc, which all need to be welded back together)

Many new houses are also being built with steel frames so again your expertise may come in handy.

Ashburton seems a funny choice for a first start but you will be made to feel very welcome there as the local community is great.

Hope all goes well for you.

Regards

Glenn

Mark,

We're also in the process of relocating to Christchurch from the UK and have been there three times on scouting missions this year. There's quite a good mix of industry in that area but, in my experience, the opportunities dry up quickly as you head south of there.

There are some excellent docs from the NZIS that show you the key industries in each NZ region - it might help you get a feel for where your skills might be most in demand. Some of the regions also publish lists of key shortages which might help you get a feel for demand.

Alan.