A shortage of engineering and science professionals needed for infrastructure projects in New Zealand, Australia and Asia-Pacific is driving a UK-based talent search by NZ civil and environmental consultancy Tonkin and Taylor.
Tonkin and Taylor’s engineering services leader Richard Hancy, says the shortage of engineering and science professionals needs to be addressed to meet a “perfect storm”.
Hancy says the public and private sectors are driving the boom ahead, with the New Zealand Government alone earmarking $NZ50 billion for large-scale infrastructure projects over the next ten years.
Meanwhile, the New South Wales Government has announced an $AUS20 billion plan to “turbocharge” its economy.
“As a result, planning and construction related activity in transportation, commercial buildings, water infrastructure, housing and many other sectors are getting busier and busier,” says Hancy.
“Tonkin and Taylor is deeply embedded in these investment programmes, and expects that to grow,” he says
A team of Tonkin and Taylor executives and recruiters will head for London’s Down Under Live Job Expo, taking place on February 25-26.
The move aligns Tonkin and Taylor with the New Zealand Government’s long-term goal of providing the infrastructure that contributes to a healthy economy and high living standards.
Its projected $NZ50 billion spend over the next decade includes a $NZ13.9 billion land transport programme to be commissioned by 2018, a $1.8 billion investment in local infrastructure and a further $NZ2.2 billion tagged for Crown assets associated with the Christchurch rebuild.
