Skilled shortages slide in New Zealand

Continuous training and upgrading employee skills could be the key to survival for the New Zealand printing industry.

According to the recently released PrintNZ Industry Report 2008, employers are investing heavily in the training of their staff. This has resulted in skill shortages easing significantly in the industry over the past year, most dramatically shown by the lower vacancy rate in businesses at the time of the survey. Only 10 per cent of respondents had vacancies, compared to 22 per cent a year ago.

Optimism in the industry is a rarity, but 58 per cent of respondents still expect that their business will continue to grow in the next 12 months, while half of those participating in the survey expect the industry to grow overall in the following three years.

One respondent remarked that: “I see a healthy industry with opportunities for good business operators. There will be emphasis on new technology and perhaps less labour-intensive. I think our industry will continue to grow in line with the general economy.”

From the second half of the survey, Infometrics reported that the number of businesses in the printing and allied industries for the year ended 31 March 2007 had grown by 2.7 per cent, but the number of people employed has decreased by nearly 1 per cent.

Trading conditions are predicted to tighten considerably in 2009 as the consequences of the global credit crunch undermine any prospects of economic recovery. Falling commodity prices, fewer prices and declining construction activity are expected to stunt job prospects and spending this year.

This year’s Industry report drew responses from 229 members covering 6482 employees and $1460 million in sales. According to Joan Grace, chief executive of PrintNZ, the results of the survey provide a valuable information source when compiling reports for management in New Zealand and overseas.

“We … regularly use the information in this report when asked for data on the printing industry,” Grace said.

“Having this report available helps us to provide credible answers to support communication with Government, other industry groups and the wider print-buying community.”