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 appplications.

Spaces are limited, so email to book your spot.

Linwood

  • Connected Centre

When: Every Monday and Tuesday 

Where: Connected Centre, MSD Linwood Service Centre, 154 Aldwins Road

  • Linwood Library

When: Thursday (all day)

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

Sydenham

When: Wednesdays and Fridays

Where: Connected Centre, MSD Sydenham, 39 Durham Street South, Sydenham

Request a booking for Linwood or Sydenham dianne.mcgregor@enact.kiwi.nz

Papanui

When: Mondays and Fridays

Where: Connected Centre, MSD Papanui Service Centre, 58 Langdons Road

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

Rangiora

When: Tuesday and Wednesday

Where: Connected Centre, MSD Rangiora, 4 High Street

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

Hornby

When: Monday - Friday, Morning, Afternoon and Evening appointments available

Where: Online or by phone

Request a booking karen@careersavvy.co.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: Every Second Wednesday from 20 September, 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

North Canterbury Employment Expo

Looking for work in North Canterbury?

Come and talk with local employers about local jobs, and chat with training and support providers about options availabe to you.

People of all ages and experience levels are welcome.

When: Thursday 12 October, 5pm - 6:30pm
Where: Rangiora Baptist Church, 111 East Belt, Rangiora

No registration or appointments required, come along and discover new opportunities

Papanui study information sessions

Come to Connected/MSD Papanui and talk with someone from Ara about your interests and the study options available for you.

Explore their courses on offer and more.

When: Every 3rd Wednesday of the month, 10.15am - 11.15am
Where: Connected/MSD,56 Langdons Road, Papanui

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

Inspiring the Futures

Where stories become a world of opportunity

At Inspiring the Futures, you will have the opportunity to hear from role models in your community, learn about different jobs and why people love doing them, as well as their pathway and challenges they faced along the way.

When: Tuesday 7 November at 2pm
Where: Tūranga Library 60 Cathedral Square (Auaha Hīhī / Spark Place room)

Spaces are limited: To secure your spot email: connectedsydenham@msd.govt.nz

Free CV help Timaru

Looking for a job and needing a fresh CV?

CV assistance is being offered through Multicultural Aoraki every fortnight by experienced Recruitment consultants.

Bookings are essential for this free service

When: Fortnightly from 20 September 2023,
Where: Multicultural Aoraki, 4 Latter Street, Timaru

For more information, please call 03 687 7332 or email admin@multiculturalaoraki.org.nz

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Work together, make it better

MainPower wants to create a smarter future to deliver local value.

Their values reflect how they interact with each other, their community, and their customers: to do what’s right, make it happen, work together, and make it better.

MainPower currently has a number of career opportunities available that include:

  • Team Leader Solutions
  • Network Performance and Resilience Lead
  • Electrical Fitter/Electrician
  • Line Mechanic

If you're interested in working with MainPower and want to find out more, they'd love to hear from you recruitment@mainpower.co.nz

For more information (external link)

Work to shape Christchurch city

Join a supportive environment to connect with Christchurch city and its communities.

Work in a purposeful role that contributes to the community, city, and region.
Be part of an organisation whose efforts count not only today but for years to come.

The Christchurch City Council is hiring for a range of roles that are critical to the daily life of their community.

  • Current job opportunities include:
  • Marketing Advisor (full time)
  • Building Control Officer (full time)
  • Parks Training Programme Coordinator (full time)
  • Duty Officer – Reception roles (part time)
  • Swim Education Instructor (part time)
Find out more and register (external link)

Work in retail

Looking for retail jobs? The Warehouse Group needs you!

There are up to 50 jobs in Christchurch, at one of TWG five core retail brands: The Warehouse, Warehouse Stationery, Noel Leeming, Torpedo7 and The Market ranging from:

  • store manager
  • delivery driver
  • Christmas team member and more

For more information (external link)

Customer Service Rep roles

A Christchurch Contact Centre is currently recruiting for Customer Service Representative trainees.

In this role, you'll be at the forefront of peoples lives - often during challenging times. This means you'll lead calls with empathy and understanding to help callers navigate and resolve often complex situations and queries.

You'll be responsible and involved in making important decisions to ensure that people are given the right support. You must have the ability to adapt to new technology and learning new skills.

Hours of work will be rostered Monday – Saturday between 6.30am – 10pm. You will know your scheduled shifts well in advance.

To apply for this job please phone 0800 779 009 and quote Job ID 22328844

For more information (external link)

Hurunui College - jobs on offer

Hurunui College has several job opportunities available, with full time, fixed term, and casual on call roles available.

Hurunui College is an Area School that offers a positive work-life balance and a supportive working environment in the rural township of Hawarden, located 50 minutes north of Christchurch in North Canterbury.

Roles include:

  • 2 x Primary School Teacher roles (beginner or experienced primary trained teachers)
  • 1 x School and Community Librarian (inspire a love for reading and to support the community by maintaining their community library service)
  • 1 or more Relief Cleaners (Cleaning shifts between 3-5.30pm Monday to Friday and during holidays.)

Email your job application to the principal@hurunuicollege.school.nz for the Teacher and Librarian roles, and email Megan Johannis at mj@hurunuicollege.school.nz for the Cleaning positions.

For more information (external link)

Opportunities in Ashburton

Interested in joining a dynamic local government organisation offering rewarding and varied opportunities?

Ashburton District Council provides services and support to one of New Zealand's fastest growing and thriving communities. With a fast paced and changing community, they have an array of interesting projects and initiatives going on.

Working in a friendly atmosphere, you'll be supported and encouraged to enhance and further your career.

Current job opportunities include:

  • Welcoming Communities Advisor
  • Financial Accountant
  • Property Advisor
  • Customer Service Team Leader
  • GIS Analyst
  • Life Guard
  • Learn to Swim Instructor
  • Gym Instructor
  • Group Fitness Instructor
  • Recreation Assistant
  • Museum Volunteers
For more information (external link)

Sales Assistant

Ready to shine this holiday season?

A local well-known business is looking for customer service superstars to join their team now! With the Christmas holidays fast approaching they are looking to fill positions quickly.

You will need a positive attitude, good communication skills, the ability to interact with customers and provide good customer service.

Shifts are 2 days a week on Saturdays and Sundays. For the right candidates more days and hours will be offered as Christmas approaches. This is a great opportunity to get back into mahi in a part time capacity.

For more information (external link)

Kitchen Assistant

Spice up your career

A busy local restaurant in Sydenham is seeking a part time Kitchen Assistant/Front of House person. Kitchen duties include cleaning and/or food preparation plus front of house clearing and waiting of tables. Previous experience an advantage but not essential.

You will need to be:

  • Well presented
  • Punctual
  • Have a great attitude W
  • Willingness to learn
  • Able to follow instructions and able to work in a fast-paced environment
  • Able to work weekends and nights as required
  • Pass a Ministry of Justice check
  • Have reliable transport
For more information (external link)

Bakery Assistant

Join a sweet team

A local and busy bakery in Sydenham is looking for a part time Bakery Assistant. This role involves both administration and bakery duties. If you love food and are a customer service super star this part time position is for you.

Your responsibilities include:

  • greeting customers
  • providing excellent customer service
  • taking orders, and packaging baked goods

This could be a great opportunity for someone looking at getting experience or re-entering the work force.

For more information (external link)

More Canterbury jobs

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

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)
Student

Quick start work readiness course

Gain confidence and take the next step by strengthing your skills in reading, writing, maths and computers in a supportive environment.

Vision College offers free work readiness courses. The classes are friendly, fun and innovative, with everyone made to feel comfortable. Students can come as they are, and leave with what they need.

This programme is for those who:

  • Have been away from learning for a while.
  • Have always wanted to improve their writing, reading or maths skills.
  • Want to help their children with their reading and maths.
  • Want to achieve their learner drivers licence.
  • Want to learn basic computer skills.
  • Want to gain skills to assist them to move to other training programmes to gain a qualification.
  • Graduates of this course can pathway into either further career-oriented courses or employment.

These courses have rolling intakes. Enrol today to start at a time that suits you.

Where: 20 Twigger Street, Addington

For more information (external link)

Hospitality Course

Learn hospitality-related skills that will support your future employment opportunities in the food and beverage service sector.

The Skills Update certificate in bar and cafe operations level 2 provides introductory skills in:

  • front of house,
  • barista
  • basic kitchen
  • barback

There is an opportunity to progress to level 3 to specialise in food preparation, food service, barista, bar, or function services.

If you are interested, please contact: christchurch@skillsupdate.co.nz

For more information (external link)

Youth and community leadership

Does youth and community leadership spark your interest?

The Postgraduate Diploma in Youth and Community Leadership (PGDipYACL) is one of the only postgraduate programmes of its kind in Aotearoa that creates responsive leaders to youth, community, and global needs.

This Diploma will help you build leadership skills on top of your previous studies, and supports current leaders to develop key management and entrepreneurial skills to take back into their communities.

The course is one year part-time and starts in February 2024.

For more information (external link)

Workplace programme

Do you want to improve your reading, writing, numeracy and communication skills? This is the course for you.

Whether working full-time, part-time or casual, Hagley Adult Literacy Centre have space available for free workplace literacy and numeracy courses. They work alongside those who may have learning difficulties or English as their second language, enhancing their potential to participate more fully within the workplace.

Some examples of what they can offer include:

  • Improving everyday ‘Kiwi’ English
  • Increasing focused Listening and Speaking skills
  • An understanding of NZ Workplace Culture
  • Health and safety skills
  • Filling in forms and paperwork
  • Computing and maths
For more information (external link)

Workplace Literacy Course

Develop your skills for the workplace and help you to communicate better in your daily life.

This free Workplace Literacy course can help you with:

  • Pronunciation and understanding the Kiwi accent
  • Understanding Kiwi workplace culture
  • Health and Safety in the workplace
  • Digital skills (Word & Excel)
  • Language and terminology related to your industry and more
Find out more (external link)

Equip yourself for work

Get the help you need to take charge of your life.

Literacy Aotearoa offer friendly tutor support, small group classes and a positive learning environment. They can help you to gain confidence, independence and employment skills. Upcoming classes for term 3 include:

  • Beginner Computer
  • Driver Education (Learner Licence)
  • Literacy and Numeracy
  • Work Readiness
  • Finance and Budgeting
  • Healthy Lifestyle
  • Kiwi English

To register for any of these programmes email: info.c9@literacy.org.nz

Find out more (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)

New Zealand Certificate in Hospitality

Pre-employment qualification for people who are entering the hospitality industry in a range of basic positions.

This programme is designed to give learners hospitality-related skills that will support their future employment opportunities in the food and beverage service sector.

The programme provides introductory skills in front of house, barista, basic kitchen, and barback, for the food and beverage industry. Upon completion of this programme the graduates can progress to level 3 to specialise in food preparation, food service, barista, bar, or function services.

When: Start Monday 16 October 2023 for 13 weeks
Monday - Thursdays 9.30am - 4pm

For more information (external link)

New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing

Looking to begin you career in the health and wellbeing industry?

This programme aims to provide you with the foundation skills and knowledge required to provide person-centred care in the health and wellbeing sectors. This programme is suitable for learners beginning their careers in the health and wellbeing industry as well as those looking to re-enter the workforce. This programme will ensure that graduates can work at an entry-level in a health or wellbeing setting under general supervision.

When: Starts Tuesday 24 October
Mondays - Thursdays 9.30am - 4pm

For more information and to register

For more information (external link)

New Zealand Certificate in Electrical Engineering

Are you looking for a pre-apprenticeship programme that will provide you with knowlege and skills in safe electrical installation?

This programme will provide the electrical industry with people who have introductory and entry-level knowledge and skills in safe electrical installation, testing, commissioning, and servicing of electrical installations and equipment. Graduates of this programme are not electricians but will have an operational and theoretical knowledge of electricity production, distribution, and utilization, and can carry out a limited range of prescribed electrical work safely and ethically under general supervision in accordance with the Electricity Act 1992.

When: Starts Thursday 26th October
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays from 9am - 2pm

For more information (external link)

New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture

Are you a hobbyist horticulturalist or employed in a horticulture role?

This course is the first step towards a career in Horticulture. It is also suitable for anyone with an interest in horticulture who would like to grow plants more successfully. Graduates will benefit by having a breadth of horticulture knowledge and transferable skills valued by the horticulture community which will facilitate improved performance in the workplace and career progression.

When: Starts Tuesday 24 October 2023
Every Tuesday 5.30pm - 8.30pm and every second Saturday doing practical's out in the field.

For more information and to register

For more information (external link)
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Xero Beautiful Business Fund

Are you looking to innovate for sustainability, trailblaze with technology, strengthen community connection or upskill for the future?

The Xero Beautiful Business Fund is an initiative backing you for the future. They are offering over $750,000 in funding to Xero small business customers in various countries including New Zealand. There will be four winners from each country, each receiving $20,000. Of those winners, four will become global winners who will receive an additional $50,000. There are four categories in seven countries and no limit on how many you can enter.

  • Innovating for sustainability
  • Trailblazing with technology
  • Strengthening community connection
  • Upskilling for the future
For more information (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)

Funding for training and coaching

Build your business management capability through the Enterprise North Canterbury Fund.

As a Regional Business Partner, ENC offers services that are registered with the Management Capability Development Fund. Small businesses may qualify for subsidies through this fund to help pay for services such as training workshops, courses and coaching that build the management capabilities of their owners, operators and key managers.

To be eligible for this fund your business needs to:

  • have fewer than 100 employees
  • be registered for GST in New Zealand
  • be operating in a commercial environment
  • be privately owned or a Maori Trust
  • demonstrate a desire to innovate and grow

For more information (external link)

Starting a business?

Starting a new business is a big step, no matter its size. Learn to write an effective business plan.

There are a number of things to consider in starting a business:

  • Are you passionate about your business idea?
  • Is there a market for your idea? Are you willing to put a lot of time and hard work into making it happen?
  • What are you risking if you fail?
  • Ultimately, what do you want to get out of the business?

The most important thing about a business plan is that it helps you to map the future, to achieve your goals and increase your chances of success. You also identify any risks that might get in your way and what you will do if things go wrong.

For more information (external link)

Workplace Literacy Service

Upskill your people, get your staff operating more confidently and increase their workplace performance.

The free Workplace Literacy Service for Businesses will help you to:

  • Develop a more engaged, productive workforce through improved communication skills.
  • Improve your employees’ loyalty by making them feel valued and that the organisation cares about them.
  • Communication is key to your business running smoothly and efficiently.

Wilkinson’s Workplace Literacy Services can work with you to identify your business needs and their professional academic team will design training specific to your needs.

Find out more (external link)

Free online business start-up course

Are you are exploring starting a new small business?

This online business training is accessible 24 hours per day and in bite-sized chunks so that you can learn at your own pace. It is packed with resources, advice, videos and useful links and will take you step by step through the process of getting started.

  • Practical, useable advice and information for developing your idea into a plan
  • Take out some of the fear, by checking how realistic your idea is
  • Written and video learning materials
  • Interviews with business owners and experts who have put the concepts in these courses into practice
  • Aimed at New Zealand businesses
  • Access to the presenter of this course by e-mail so that you can ask questions or gain feedback for your implementation plans
  • A huge list of resources to help you give your business the best chance of success


For questions or more information please contact Miles Dalton at ENC: miles@enterprisenc.co.nz

Find out more and apply (external link)

Canterbury Business Growth and Support Webinars

Looking for business support? Watch the 11 pre-recorded webinars from the Canterbury Business Growth and Support virtual conference at your leisure.

These webinars are a fantastic starting point to finding out how the different organisations offer support for your growing business.

Connected.govt.nz - Connecting you to support for your business

Christchurch NZ - Hear from Christchurch's economic development agency

DigitalBoost.co.nz - Helping your business move into the digital world

The Networkers - Business networking benefits you and your business

Canterbury Employers’ Chamber of Commerce - Home and voice of Canterbury business

Enterprise North Canterbury - The economic development agency for North Canterbury

South Canterbury Chamber of Commerce - Building better business together

Ministry of Social Development - Work brokerage, financial support and more for you and your business

Inland Revenue - Here to support you, new to business or need to get on the right track

Business.govt.nz - Tools and expert advice, designed to help kiwi businesses save time and succeed

Employment.govt.nz - An introduction and an update to your rights and responsibilities as an employer

Watch here (external link)

Canterbury Insights Forum

How are our economy, workforce, and community really doing?

What will be included at the Insights forum?

  • Insights into Canterbury and Christchurch state of business
  • Perspectives from the business community of the future of doing business in Canterbury
  • Where are we performing better than the rest of New Zealand?
  • What can we celebrate, and what makes Christchurch special?

Network with your broader business community and regional stakeholders on what can be achieved via real, robust, and energising discussion.

Tuesday 7 November
7:30-9:30am

Majestic on Durham
189 Durham Street South
Christchurch

Get your ticket now
Cost $35 + GST and Booking Fees.

For more information (external link)

SME Roadshow

Join One NZ's free cyber security events

Hacks and attacks are a serious threat for every business. Join One NZ for a free cyber security info and networking event in Christchurch. Hosted by Jeremy Elwood, cyber security experts from Trend Micro and Business Mentors New Zealand will shed light on the ever-evolving risks faced by small businesses. Local IT experts will also discuss how to assess and mitigate the risks to keep you safer online.

When: Wednesday 18th October at 5.30pm
Where: The Pavilion, Hagley Oval - 63 Riccarton Ave

Reserve your FREE spot today 

For more information (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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