The initiative aims connect employers with work-ready candidates from the Ministry of Social Development's pipeline
The Ministry of Social Development (MSD) and the New Zealand Chambers of Commerce have joined forces to launch a new program aimed at supporting businesses in recruiting talent.
ChamberWorks will connect employers with pre-screened, work-ready candidates from the MSD's talent pipeline, which is the largest in the country.
"Businesses can share a vacancy and access a shortlist of candidates who have already been screened. That saves time, reduces risk and gives employers more confidence in their hiring decisions," said Simon Bridges, CEO of the Auckland Business Chamber, speaking on behalf of the New Zealand Chambers of Commerce.
"The Chambers are trusted by business communities across New Zealand. MSD brings scale and access to talent. Bringing those strengths together just makes sense."
ChamberWorks, which will be delivered free of charge through 23 Chambers of Commerce across New Zealand, will also support businesses in building strong teams by granting access to free training, online learning, and wellbeing support.
"This isn't about adding another layer of bureaucracy. It's about removing barriers," Bridges said.
"Helping more Kiwis into work while supporting businesses to grow is good for employers and good for New Zealand."
Recruitment challenges in NZ
The new program comes in the wake of recruitment challenges faced by employers in New Zealand.
Data released by Robert Half in February revealed that 98% of Kiwi employers find it difficult to identify standout candidates amid an increase in "overqualified applicants" in the past year.
Social Development Minister Louise Upston said ChamberWorks will support more successful job placements and help employers find the "right people" for their vacancies.
"It aligns workforce needs with jobseekers, meeting a gap in the market. Employers frequently tell me recruitment is one of the biggest challenges they face," Upston said in a statement.
"Along with MSD, I share the Chambers' commitment to supporting businesses to build capable teams and getting jobseekers into work. Working together, we can deliver more."
