Canterbury

Find jobs, courses, business support and events in Canterbury, home to New Zealand’s digital city and largest agricultural region

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Free career advice

Get free in-person advice from a professional career expert in Christchurch.

This session can provide you with advice on:

  • Studying or training
  • Changing careers
  • Preparing your CV and cover letter
  • Job applications

Spaces are limited, so email to book your spot.

Linwood Connected Centre
When: Every Monday and Tuesday 
Where: Connected Centre, Work and Income, 154 Aldwins Road

Linwood Library
When: Thursday
Where: Linwood Library, First Floor, Eastgate Mall, Buckleys Road

Request a booking direct_careers@msd.govt.nz


Papanui
When: Monday and Thursday
Where: Connected Centre, Work and Income, 56 Langdons Road

Request a booking debbie.gray@proactive4health.co.nz


Rangiora
When: Tuesday and Wednesday
Where: Connected Centre, Work and Income, 4 High Street

Request a booking hemali.shah@careerwave.co.nz


Hornby
When: Monday - Friday
Where: Connected Centre, Work and Income, 25 Shands Road

Request a booking karen@careersavvy.co.nz


Sydenham
When: Wednesday and Friday 
Where: Connected Centre, Work and Income, 39 Durham Street South

Request a booking direct_careers@msd.govt.nz

Inspiring the Future Event

Inspiring the Future is coming to the Christchurch Careers Expo.

Through these sessions you will be introduced to different jobs that people love doing along with learning how to tackle challenges.

When: Session 1: Thursday 9 May, 11:30am - 12:30pm
Session 2: Friday 10 May, 10am - 11am

If you are a young person or know of a young person who would be interested in this opportunity, please email: connectedsydenham@msd.govt.nz

NZ Careers Expo in Christchurch

Come along to this free career event.

You’ll be able to talk with employers, training providers and support agencies from across Canterbury and New Zealand.

Come along to one or both days of the expo.

When: Thursday 9 May, 9am-3pm, and 5pm–7pm
Friday 10 May, 9am-3pm

Where: Wolfbrook Arena, 55 Jack Hinton Drive, Addington, Christchurch
(Free parking available onsite)

Find out more (external link)

Connect the Dots with Connected Oamaru

Do you need assistance with your job or study search?

Connected South Canterbury is here to help you with:

  • Your CV or Cover page
  • Learning your skills
  • Your Career or Study Pathways
  • Matching your skills to employment.

This is open to everyone and completely free, with 1-hour appointments available.

When: Wednesday 8 May, 9am – 2pm
Where: Oamaru Work and Income, 23 Coquet Street, Oamaru

For more information, please email connectedtimaru@msd.govt.nz

Work Ready Mission - Connected Path to Success

Set yourself up for work-ready success with the right tools and resources.

This series of six workshops is designed to guide you towards your employment goals.

You’ll be provided with invaluable resources and support.

These workshops are offered by Christchurch City Mission and Connected to empower you.

A certificate and coffee voucher for Thrive café will be given to those who attend all 6 sessions.

When: Fortnightly Mondays (11 March- 20 May), 1:30pm - 2:30pm
Where: Christchurch City Mission, 276-284 Hereford Street

A celebration session will be held on Monday 27 May.

If you have any questions, please email: connectedpapanui@msd.govt.nz

Te Pūkenga drop in sessions

Looking for help with your study/career direction?

Meet with Connected and Ministry of Social Development representatives and find information on employment, education and training opportunities.

Drop in and chat about:

  • Your study or training options,
  • Changing careers,
  • CVs and cover letters and
  • Hear about other ways Connected can help you.

When: Wednesdays fortnightly, 11:30am – 1:30pm
Where: Cafe, Ara Institute of Canterbury/Te Pūkenga campus, 32 Arthur Street, Timaru

Drop in or email connectedtimaru@msd.govt.nz

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Admin opportunities

Join an organisation that is a world leader in health care.

Would you like to join Te Whatu Ora Waitaha (Canterbury District Health Board) who seek to promote and protect the health and independence of the people of Waitaha Canterbury?

There are a variety of admin roles available including:

  • Kōwhai Companion Coordinator - Burwood (32 hours per week)
  • Project Specialist in Holidays Act & Payroll Systems (Fixed Term - 30/11/2024)
  • Senior Change Analyst and Administration Support (20 hours p/w Fixed Term 1/2/2025).
For more information (external link)

Waimakariri Council Jobs

Develop a professional sense while achieving your career goals.

The Waimakariri District Council offers you a wide range of recreational and lifestyle job opportunities in a very desirable location.

These include:

  • Aquatics Facilities Administrator
  • Senior Human Resources Advisor
  • Facilities Management Officer
  • Procurement Specialist
  • Land Drainage Engineer.
Learn more (external link)

Jobs in Healthcare South Canterbury

Have you considered a job in healthcare?

Support your community and get the opportunity to grow your career in health with the South Canterbury District Health Board.

Current Opportunities include:

  • Nursing
  • Hospital Administration
  • Medicine and Specialist positions
  • Dietitians
  • Pharmacists
  • Social Work.
For more information (external link)

Environment Canterbury careers

Work for an organisation who embraces a diverse workforce.

If you enjoy working with people who are open minded and fun, in a supportive working environment, look no further than Environment Canterbury. 

You will be empowered to make a difference for your community.

Current vacancies:

  • Health, Safety and Wellbeing Manager
  • Biosecurity Officer
  • Environmental Advisor - Rivers
  • Geospatial Technical Support
  • Senior River Engineer
  • Labourer/Operator
  • Functional Lead.
Learn more (external link)

Careers at Hōhepa

Hōhepa Canterbury helps people living with an intellectual disability.

Be a part of a team that help people develop to live meaningful lives in a holistic and supportive environment.

Your aroha and approach is what really matters at Hōhepa – previous experience is not a required because they provide on-the-job training.

There are multiple Support Work opportunities including Nightshift and day positions.

Check out the roles (external link)

Opportunities at MainPower

Work for a company that has distributed electricity to the North Canterbury for 100 years.

Work for MainPower who are passionate about developing their staff.

Career opportunities available include:

  • Electrical Fitter/Electrician
  • AutoCAD/GIS Technician
  • People & Culture Advisor (Fixed Term)
  • Management Accountant
  • Plant Operator
  • Overhead Delivery Representative
  • Graduate Network Engineer
  • Project Document Controller.
Discover more (external link)

Ara's current opportunities

Work at Ara Te Pūkenga - a stimulating and engaging place to work.

Current Opportunities include:

  • Event Coordinator - City
  • Admissions Administrator - Woolston
  • Automotive Tutor - Woolston
  • Nursing Practitioner - City (Casual)
  • Custodian (Facilities Management team) - Timaru
  • and more...
For more information (external link)

Selwyn Careers

Join the team that's making it happen for Selwyn.

Did you know that the Selwyn District is the fastest growing district in New Zealand?

The Council is developing and servicing many new facilities and has a variety of roles to offer you. The roles come with staff benefits and vary across Accounts and Finance, IT and People and Capability.

Some roles currently available:

  • Personal Assistant
  • Events Coordinator
  • Building Advisor
  • Swim School Instructors (Expressions of Interest)
  • Group Fitness Instructors (Expressions of Interest). 
Learn more (external link)

More Canterbury jobs

Looking for other work? Check out Kimi Mahi Mai Find a Job, Work and Income’s recruitment website.

Kimi Mahi Mai Find a Job is for anyone looking for work – you don’t have to be on a benefit. If you find a job you’re interested in, contact Work and Income to be put in touch with the employer.  

Visit Find a Job (external link)
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NZ Certificate in Foundation Skills

Are you aged 16–24 years old? Is mainstream education not your thing?

Gain NCEA qualifications through this free Youth Guarantee programme.

You can gain your certificate in foundation skills level 1 and 2 as well as NCEA level 1 and 2.

YMCA can support you into further study, apprenticeships, and employment. You’ll get one-to-one support from skilled tutors,
which is a big advantage in unlocking your ability to succeed. Classes are small, relaxed, and friendly.

Email: info@ymcaeducation.ac.nz for more information

NZMA Open Day

Ready to pursue your passion? NZMA has got you covered.

Experience the vibrant energy of student life at NZMA’s National Open Day.

You’ll be able to:

  • Get a glimpse into the campus and the range of courses available
  • Meet the friendly staff and tutors
  • Take part in interactive activities.

When: Thursday 30 May, 10am – 1pm
Where: 85 Peterborough Street, Christchurch Central

Learn more (external link)

Hospitality Level 2 Course

Gain hospitality-related skills to help with future jobs.

The program provides introductory lessons to help you progress in the food and beverage service sector.

You’ll learn skills required in:

  • Customer service
  • Cookery
  • Kitchen maintenance
  • Beverage making.

The 13-week course will run from 29 April to 25 July.

Graduates can progress to level 3 to specialise in food preparation.

When: Monday – Thursday, 9:30am – 4pm
Where: 95 Garlands Road, Hillsborough, Christchurch 

Discover more (external link)

Taking the First Step

Join a confidence building and pre-employment course for women.

This is a course run during school terms that can help you:

  • Discover your strengths
  • Build confidence and self-esteem
  • Develop relevant skills

The course runs for 2 days per week over 4 weeks during school term.

When: Wednesday 8 May - Wednesday 12 June, 9:30am - 2:30pm

Sign up now (external link)

Site Safety Certificate Timaru

Want to improve your job opportunities by completing an in person Site Safety qualification?

This course is an entry level course, designed to ensure everyone on-site understands their health and safety responsibilities.  Successful completion of the course gives the learner a Site Safe Passport (valid for 2 years). 

Cost: $176.00+GST per person

When: Tuesday 11 June, 8am – 12pm
Where: Benvenue Hotel, 16/22 Evans Street, Maori Hill, Timaru

Discover more (external link)

Hagley Workplace Programme

Improve your reading, writing, numeracy and communication skills in the workplace.

Do you want to contribute more to staff meetings, improve your computer skills, understand your employer’s health and safety requirements, or be able to write a formal report?

Hagley can match you with a tutor to provide face to face support and tailor a programme to suit your learning needs.

When: Term 1: Monday 29 January - Friday 12 April
Where: Hagley Adult Literacy Centre, 102 Champion Street, Edgeware, Christchurch

Phone: 03 364 5212, or email: halcadmin@hagley.school.nz to talk about your training needs.

For more information (external link)

NZMA Youth Guarantee Courses

Are you 16-24 years and need training to prepare you for your future?

If you're not sure what to do, take the first step with a Level 2 Foundation course or one of NZMA's excellent Level 3 courses. 

Why should you choose these courses?

  • Your study will be completely free
  • Classes are small and tutors are awesome
  • You'll gain qualifications and skills that will help you get a job
  • You won't be stuck in the classroom all day

 Courses you can choose:

  • Foundation Skills (Level 2)
  • Foundation Skills - Trades (Level 2)
  • Foundation Skills in Esports (Level 2)
  • Certificate in Carpentry Trade Skills (Level 3)
  • Certificate in Trade Skills - Paint and Plaster Strand (Level 3), and more. 
Find out more (external link)

Careers in Early Childcare

Are you considering a Career in Early Childhood?

Whether you want to study online, attend classes face-to-face, or a mix of both, you can do it with Te Rito Maioha courses.

The programmes have a focus on biculturalism and believe that all schools and teachers should integrate the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi into their curriculum.

Courses available include:

  • NZ Diploma in Early Childhood Education (Home-based Care)
  • Teacher Education Refresher (TER) Courses
  • Bachelor of Teaching
  • Postgraduate Diploma: Infant and Toddler Learning and Development

Plus, more courses available.

Find out more (external link)

Pathways to study, work, and training

If secondary school wasn’t for you, check out Youth Guarantee Scheme.

The Youth Guarantee Scheme provides a pathway from school, where you will have a wider range of learning opportunities, free training, and education for one year.

There are limited spaces, if you are interested, applications should as early as possible before courses begin.

Youth Guarantee Scheme Courses available in the Christchurch campus include:

  • Automotive Engineering
  • Construction
  • Electrical Trade Skills
  • Hair Dressing (Salon Support)
  • Collision Repair and Automotive Refinishing
  • Refrigeration and Air Conditioning.

Apply online or call 0800 40 33 37 to enrol for a course.

Discover more (external link)

Digiboost Webinars

Do you want to boost your digital skills in the workplace?

Ara's Digiboost webinars are a convenient way to enhance you and/or your staffs' computer skills to increase capability
and productivity in the workplace.

There are a range of offerings available at a cost:

  • Introduction to Microsoft Teams
  • Excel Basics
  • Outlook calendar and tips, and more.

For more information visit the website or email: engagement@ara.ac.nz

For more information (external link)

Māori & Pasifika Trades Training

Are you Māori or Pasifika aged 16-40, and interested in Trades courses?

Here’s an exciting opportunity to learn a trade. You might even be able to get a scholarship to pay your course fees.

You will be supported in your learning, receive one-on-one career coaching, and gain help to find work.

Courses include:

  • Certificate in Carpentry Trade Skills (Level 3)
  • Certificate in Electrical Engineering (Level 3)
  • Certificate in Plumbing, Gas fitting and Drain laying - Pre-Apprenticeship (Level 3)
  • Certificate in Trade Skills - Paint and Plaster Strand (Level 3).

Go online or call 03-366 3489 to find out more.

For more information (external link)

Choose your course

Whatever level you’d like to study at, you can find a course to suit you in Canterbury.

Click on the link below to find the field of study and type of qualification to interest you. Qualifications range from certificate level 1-3 to doctorates.

Find your course now (external link)
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Upskill online

Gain a certificate through a range of short courses.

Whether it’s new staff you need to upskill quickly, or experienced people who need a refresh, these courses are practical and contain information you need to know to help protect and build your business. These courses can be completed anytime and anywhere.

Choose from any of these courses:

  • Hospo Safe – your online food and workplace safety essential
  • Introduction to Customer Service Skills
  • Introduction to Visitor Experience
  • Resolving Customer Complaints Effectively.
For more information (external link)

Women in Business Forum

For the first time since 2019, the Women in Business Forum is back!

Join this evening of networking, learning, and exchanging insights.  

You’ll hear from guest speakers including Jeuneora founder, Monique Kaminski who will bring unique perspectives in a panel discussion, hosted by Business Canterbury Chief Executive, Leeann Watson.

More speakers will be announced in the coming weeks.

When: Thursday June 13, 4pm - 6:30pm
Where: Haere-roa (UCSA), Tī Kōuka Room, 90 Ilam Road, Christchurch

Price: Business Canterbury Member
Early Bird: $85 + GST
Standard Ticket: $100 + GST

Non-Member
Early Bird: $100 + GST
Standard Ticket: $115 + GST 

Learn more (external link)

Immigration Law Changes Webinar

Free online webinar to gain clarity and direction on the recent immigration reforms.

This is a free online webinar for managers, office/HR administrators and business owners who want to know more about recent changes in New Zealand's immigration laws, and its impact.

Key Points that will be covered:

  • Government context on why the changes were made
  • Implications of the AEWV (Accredited Employer Work Visa) changes on your business
  • How to adapt to the new immigration landscape
  • Workforce planning ideas
  • Government priorities and changes to come.

Speakers:

Tash Rae – Senior Associate, Anderson Lloyd
Rachel Simpson - Education, Skills and Immigration Manager at BusinessNZ

When: Monday 27 May, 11am - 12pm

Learn more (external link)

Sustainable Businesses Webinar

Free online webinar to begin your sustainability journey for your business.

Are you not sure where to begin in making your business more sustainable? Through these sessions, you can learn from experts in the field and put together an action plan to initiate sustainable practices within your organization.

Speaker:
Jonathan Pooch - Founder and Managing Director of DETA

When: Thursday 13 June, 10am - 11am  

Discover more (external link)

Need HR advice?

Access expert guidance and best practices support with Business Canterbury.

The HR Advice Module offers you expert advice, guidance and peace of mind that you are meeting employment law obligations.

Included in this module:

  • 12 HR Adviceline calls
  • 3 hours of HR consultancy per year
  • Access to the latest HR/Employment Relations Act Case Law

Cost: Business Canterbury Member $45+GST per month, Non-member price: $55+GST per month

Learn more (external link)

Free business assessment

Are you looking for advice, focused on building capability and growth?

ChristchurchNZ is your local Regional Business Partner for the Canterbury region.

The Regional Business Partner Network provides an invaluable resource through information and support to help you achieve your business goals.

The Regional Business Partner Growth Advisors can meet with you for:

  • A free business assessment to take a birds-eye look at your whole business
  • Identify the next steps in your business and provide you with an action plan, and
  • Connections to experts and resources to set you in the right direction.
Find support (external link)

Start-Up Guidance

Discover a free hub for business resources.

Business but Better is a free hub for business resources, created by ethical entrepreneur Brianne West. Here you can gain digital membership and entry into an active community of mission-led brands who want to sell out (without selling out).

You can get loads of guidance and resource towards starting up or growing a business that is financially sustainable.

Discover more (external link)

Your business and tax

Attend face to face seminars or webinars to guide you setting up your business correctly to meet your tax obligations.

Inland Revenue (IR) offers three practical sessions:

  • Starting a business? Introduction to Business offers information on the different ways to structure your business, expenses you can claim, and how income tax and provisional tax works.
  • Are you registered for GST or thinking of registering for GST? GST is to help you learn who needs to register for GST, what GST is charged on, what information must be recorded and how to send this to them, and ceasing your GST registration.
  • Are you employing? The Employers session covers who needs to register as an employer, and what information must be recorded and how to send it to IR.

With a choice of format, don't miss out and register today!

Check your options (external link)

Drop-in or make an appointment to visit your local Connected centre to find out about how government agencies can help you find a job, training or business support.

Hornby

MSD/Work and Income Employment Centre
25 Shands Road
Hornby
Christchurch 8042

Linwood

MSD/Work and Income Employment Centre
154 Aldwins Road
Linwood
Christchurch 8011

Papanui

MSD/Work and Income Employment Centre
56 Langdons Road
Papanui
Christchurch 8053

Sydenham

MSD/Work and Income Employment Centre
39 Durham Street,
Christchurch

Rangiora

MSD/Work and Income Employment Centre
4 High Street
Rangiora 7400

Timaru

MSD/Work and Income Employment Centre
14 Strathallan Street
Timaru 7910

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