If you’re a Taranaki employer desperate for skilled labour but worried about the cost of attracting migrant employees, helpful advice is at hand.

Venture Taranaki will host the New Zealand Immigration Service’s regional employer roadshow on December 3, and those wanting to find out more about attracting employees from outside the region and country can attend free of charge.

Venture Taranaki project manager Carrie Thorne says the roadshow offers tools and information on options available to Taranaki employers to help alleviate skills and labour shortages.

“Some Taranaki sectors are experiencing extreme skills and labour shortages, particularly in manufacturing, engineering, and oil and gas,” Ms Thorne says.

“This is beginning to seriously affect some businesses, so much so that in one sector, there is actually an informal employee-sharing system in place to help plug the gaps when demand fluctuates throughout the year.

“Other organisations will also be present to showcase what services are available locally in terms of resettlement, recruitment and retention.  A local employer will speak on their experiences, and there will be opportunities for networking during the event.”

“If you are an employer experiencing problems with attracting the right skilled staff, you must attend this important and invaluable opportunity to explore your options.

The roadshow will be held on Monday, December 3, from 2pm to 6pm at the Plymouth Quality International Hotel.  The timetable includes presentations on how and where to target skilled migrants, immigration policy and process, and retaining skills needed in the workplace.

Those keen on more information about the roadshow should contact Ms Thorne on (06) 759 5158 or email her at carrie@venture.org.nz.  Bookings must be received by Wednesday, November 28, to wendy@venture.org.nz, and a full timetable can be located on the regional skills page of the business section of Venture Taranaki’s website www.taranaki.info.