Tech experts lured to capital enter job talks
More than half of the overseas technology experts who got free trips to Wellington to scope out employment opportunities have accepted job offers, or are in discussions with employers.
Ninety-three candidates were flown to the capital in May for global talent search initiative LookSee Wellington, a ratepayerbacked programme to address the city’s IT skills shortage.
At as June 30, 64 IT professionals had accepted job offers, or were in discussions or negotiations, with Wellington firms.
The scheme is run by the Wellington Regional Economic Development Agency (Wreda), with help from Workhere New Zealand.
Workhere NZ director Damian Sainsbury said the initial group of candidates was just the ‘‘tip of the iceberg’’.
As a result, they were now looking into more detailed matchmaking between Wellington employers and ‘‘the keenest, most talented candidates’’, he said.
‘‘There were plenty of highlyqualified people who caught the interest of employers but who, for a variety of reasons, were unavailable to travel to Wellington in the scheduled week or weren’t suited to roles that were available at that time but who may be now.
‘‘Employers such as Weta, Trade Me, Datacom and Totara are now re-engaging with the LookSee talent pool and we expect to see many placements over the remainder of this year and beyond.’’
Wreda business, growth and innovation general manager Dave Jones said further placements from the initial group would happen in coming months.
‘‘Finalising international recruitment takes time,’’ he said.
‘‘There’s a long list of things to be done before stepping on a plane to bring your life, and in many cases your family, to a new country. Employers recognise this, and are prepared to wait for the right people.’’
LookSee Wellington was a response to an appeal for help from the local tech sector, Jones said.
‘‘Changing the game for tech talent in Wellington was never just about five days and 100 people.
‘‘It’s about getting Wellington firmly on the radar of the global tech community, establishing and managing an ongoing pipeline of top quality international talent, while supporting the continued development and retention of local talent.’’
Candidates who accepted job offers would, in the first year of employment, return more than $300,000 to the regional economy via the cost of living, Jones said.
‘‘[That’s] without even factoring in the boost to growth … through their employers.’’
The agency is investing $300,000 in the campaign.