Tool comes amid prevalence of ageism in New Zealand workplaces
The Ministry of Social Development (MSD) has launched a new website that aims to take advantage of New Zealand's ageing workforce, according to reports.
The new pickyourpath.nz website aims to connect the older workforce with employers in Marlborough, Nelson, and West Coast, Stuff reported.
"This is a really great tool for the semi-retired, who might be looking to mix short-term employment with retirement and regional travel," said MSD regional commissioner Craig Churchill.
The website offers interested users with a list of "exciting industries with career development opportunities" that they can explore.
"You might begin with an entry level role and choose to train and advance in an industry or move across seasonal peaks to experience a range of industries," the website said.
It also has a calendar feature that shows which industries would require the highest number of employees at a certain time of the year.
Ageing workforce
The new website targeted the locations of Marlborough, Nelson, and West Coast as they are projected to lead the trend in the number of older workers in the future, according to Churchill.
But the commissioner said this could be an advantage as older workers are "loyal, reliable, and have longer tenure."
"They bring a lifetime of skills, experience, stability and leadership and can mentor younger workers," Churchill said as quoted by Stuff.
The website was developed by the MSD in collaboration with local industries and business agencies.
It comes amid the prevalence of ageism in New Zealand workplaces, with more than 30% of individuals over the age of 50 believing it has grown over the past five years, according to a study from the New Zealand Seniors released early this year.
