Practical learning to get you closer to skilled employment.

As licensed immigration advisers, we work with domestic students, international fee-paying students, post study work visa holders, accredited employer work visa holders, partnership-based work visa holders and residents. A common theme is the gap between previous qualifications and practical skills or communication skills. Here are a few themes that would resonate with you.

The distance between a qualification and a job offer

A recurring pattern sits behind our upskilling pathways. Internationally qualified people complete a New Zealand qualification, begin applying for work in their field, and receive a consistent response: the role requires New Zealand experience, or you have not been successful on this occasion.

Learning should connect with real goals.

People need to understand which skills New Zealand employers value, how learning connects with work and which option is appropriate for their goals.

Employers expect people to communicate clearly, work well with others, use relevant tools and provide practical examples of their abilities during the interview. These expectations can be challenging whether someone is looking for their first full time or part-time employment in a skilled occupation, returning after a break, adapting to a new workplace or developing their career.

Why are New Zealand employers not likely to call me for an interview? I have skills based on my overseas experience and qualification.

Most New Zealand businesses are small to mid-sized businesses and do not have the resources to verify overseas experience or qualification. When a small business owner advertises and receives a CV, the employer is looking for local experience to verify or review practical skills that you can demonstrate. New Zealand employers expect you to be skilled in your profile as they do not have the time to train you for a role.

What else does a New Zealand employer want?

Forward thinking professional who has a good understanding not only of the role but also has a good understanding of the industry, ecosystem and domain. Communication skills with internal and external stakeholders. In a nutshell, a doer who can perform form day 1. New Zealand employers appreciate practical plans, hardworking, sincere and honest employees. Team spirit is very important, and no task is big or small.

Why us?

Our role is to make that preparation more practical. We provide focused learning and career-readiness support and work with organisations seeking to develop their teams. We help people build capability, but we do not promise employment or a particular career outcome.