Do you know someone who has moved overseas in the last two years or openly expressed their willingness to do so? According to Stats NZ,72,900 NZ Citizens left the country to live overseas in 2024, with a further 46,500 in the year to June 2025. The demographic is seemingly weighted towards young talent, hence the exodus being termed, ‘The Brain Drain’.
Having attended the most recent CCNZ (Civil Construction New Zealand) Auckland Branch meeting, I am optimistic that this trend can stop in its tracks. Key training opportunities are heavily subsidised and in some cases, free, which is a key strategic step being taken to upskill Civil Construction workers. This is good timing in anticipation of large scale works that are to begin “before Christmas” according to Mr Luxon. It is hoped that the strong work pipeline will concurrently cease the Brain Drain, upskill current workers and even, entice talent back to NZ.
Free & Heavily Subsidised Training Opportunities
1. Connexis “Training Booster” – Reduced Fees Available Now
From 4 August to 31 October 2025, reduced learner fees on targeted infrastructure training programs (civil, energy, water). These qualifications are industry-developed, NZQA-recognised, and widely respected.
2. Learning Works – Fully Funded!
•Level 3 Introduction to Team Leadership (Fully Funded –September/October options)
The Introduction to Team Leadership (Level 3) programs is designed to give new team leaders (or those wanting to move into leadership) the practical skills and knowledge to contribute to effective team performance and be effective in a leadership role within a team.
• New Zealand Certificate in Business (First Line Management) (Level 4) (Fully Funded – September/October options)
The First Line Management (Level 4) program is designed to give experienced and aspiring managers the practical skills and knowledge to lead effective teams and manage workflows to achieve team and business objectives
Key Auckland Civil Projects In Progress and Many More Coming. Get Your Clients Ready!
Value Add: Ask Yourself
- Fast forward to a strong workload and pipeline. Who in your team do you see as an emerging leader?
- What are you offering this person/people in relation to training and development?
- What projects are you targeting to tender for? Are they aware of key dates to submit tenders? Check out Regional Breakdown of Upcoming Projects linked above.