Careers in this industry are all about supporting the community and caring for people, with jobs that are essential for community well-being and safety.
It’s a high employment and high growth sector, and demand for frontline jobs in these industries is expected to continue for future years.
A career in this sector may be for you if you…
- can empathise with people
- are a great communicator
- love working as part of a team
- keep cool under pressure
- have loads of compassion
- have a strong work ethic
- manage time efficiently
- enjoy helping others
HEALTH CARE
A wide range of rewarding careers can be found in health, particularly clinical jobs like nurses, doctors, midwives and health assistants – all of which usually require formal study and teritary training after leaving school.
One in six New Zealanders is now over the age of 65. Demand for healthcare workers is growing in line with the ageing population.
A wide range of rewarding careers can be found in health care including…
- Doctor
- Nurse
- Midwife
- Health care assistant
- Pharmacist
- Physical therapist
- Paramedic
- Dentist
- Optometrist
- Dietitian/nutritionist
- Radiologist
- Healthcare administrator
- Chiropractor
- Respiratory therapist
- Rehab counsellor
- Clinical laboratory technician
Jobs in the health sector you may not have heard of…
Speech language pathologist – diagonises and treats communication snd swallowing disorders
Occupational Therapist – Assist patients in developing or regaining daily living and work skills.
Patient advocate – helps patients communicate with their health care providers so they get the information they need to make decisions about their health care
Clinical research co-ordinator – manages clinical trials and ensures they adhere to regulatory requirements
Waikato Snapshot »
Waikato’s population is predicted to grow by about 40% between 2013 and 2063. This population growth is leading to a growing demand for healthcare services and the region’s advertised healthcare and medical roles increased by 17% year-on-year.
With a continued growth in the population of individuals aged 65 years and older, opportunities for work in aged care is growing rapidly. Aged care and mental health are areas experiencing increasing opportunities but there is a very consistent demand across almost all areas of healthcare.
Job and pay examples
| JOB | PAY PER YEAR | OPPORTUNITIES |
|---|---|---|
| Anaesthetic Technician | $52K to $119K | Good |
| Anaesthetist | $64K to $251K | Good |
| Audiologist | $50K to $75K | Good |
| Case Manager | $60K to $80K | Good |
| Clinical Coder | $76K to $93K | Good |
| Clinical Physiologist | $59K to $119K | Good |
| Community Development Worker | $60K to $80K | Good |
| Counsellor | $57K to $119K | Good |
| Dental Assistant | $48K to $62K | Good |
| Dental Technician | $48K to $75K | Good |
| Dentist | $129 to $254K | Average |
| Diagnostic Radiologist | $64K to $251K | Good |
| Dietitian | $59K to $119K | Average |
| Epidemiologist | $50K to $175K | Good |
| General Practitioner | $187K | Good |
| Health Promoter | $58K to $119K | Average |
| Health Services Manager | $65K to $245K | Good |
| Medical Physicist | $65K to $161K | Good |
| Midwife | $77K to $153K | Good |
| Occupational Therapist | $58K to $119K | Average |
| Optometrist | $65K to $225K | Good |
| Paramedic | $84K to $123K | Good |
| Pathologist | $64K to $251K | Good |
| Pharmacy Technician | $52K to $80K | Good |
| Pharmacist | $58K to $119K | Good |
| Phlebotomist | $52K to $82K | Average |
| Physician | $64K to $251K | Good |
| Physiotherapist | $58K to $119K | Good |
| Podiatrist | $50K to $98K | Good |
| Psychologist | $55K to $150K | Good |
| Psychiatrist | $64K to $251K | Good |
| Psychotherapist | $68K to $118K | Average |
| Radiation Therapist | $66K to $124K | Average |
| Registered Nurse | $68K to $153K | Good |
| Social Worker | $59K to $118K | Average |
| Speech Language Therapist | $55K to $119K | Good |
| Sterilising Technician | $52K to $75K | Good |
| Surgeon | $64K to $251K | Good |
*Rates are based on full time work and are an indication only.
Source: careers.govt.nz
Health Qualifications
Whether you are looking to study at the University of Waikato or Wintec, qualification options include…
UNIVERSITY OF WAIKATO
- Bachelor of Health (BHealth)
- Bachelor of Health, Sport and Human Performance (BHSHP) majoring in Community Health
- Bachelor of Nursing (BNurs)
- Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Cert. Health and Wellbeing)
- Psychology major in either a Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BSc) or Bachelor of Social Sciences (BSocSci)
WINTEC
- Bachelor of Midwifery
- Enrolled Nursing (Level 5)
- Bachelor of Nursing
- Bachelor of Sport and Exercise
- Science
- Bachelor of Physiotherapy
- Bachelor of Social Work
- Paetahi Tumu Kōrero Bachelor of Counselling
- NZ Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Level 4)
- Primary Care Practice Assistance (Level 4)
VISION COLLEGE
- NZ Certificate in Christian Ministry (Level 4)
- NZ Diploma in Christian Studies (Level 5)
SOCIAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICES
Social and community services refer to a range of public services provided by government or private organisations to support people.
These services aim to improve the wellbeing, safety and quality of people, particularly children, the elderly, individuals with disabilities and those who need extra support.
Careers in this area include:
- Social Workers
- Counsellors
- Youth Workers
- Community Support
- Disability Support Workers
EDUCATION
The education sector is all about nurturing knowledge, critical thinking and skills. Education includes a wide range of careers such as teachers, administrators, researchers and support staff.
New Zealand consistently needs well-qualified, dynamic and enthusiastic teachers who enjoy working with young people.
Teaching is demanding but rewarding career and offers the opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives.
Talking with experienced teachers, recent student teachers, careers advisors and principals can be a great help in deciding whether teaching is for you. You can also contact your nearest tertiary provider and discuss what it’s like to be in the classroom or ECE centre. They may be able to arrange for you to spend some time observing a class or centre in action.
Jobs in education include…
- Primary teaching
- Secondary teaching
- University professor or lecturer
- Early Childhood educator
- Kindergarten teacher
- Careers teacher
- Teacher aide
- Principal
- Counsellor
- Curriculum developer
- Tutor
Roles in education you may not have heard of…
Learning Specialist
Provides targeted one on one support to students with learning difficulties
Vocational instructor
provides practical training in specific areas, trades, or specific skills
Educational administrator
Managing educational programmes, and over sees education institutions.
Key Skills for working in education
- Dynamic
- Committed
- Team players
- Passionate about making a difference to tamariki and whānau
- Creative
- Good time management
- Considerate
- Compassionate/caring
- Communicative
- Energetic
Job and pay examples
*Rates are based on full time work and are an indication only.
Source: careers.govt.nz
Education Qualifications
Whether you are looking to study at the University of Waikato or Wintec, qualification options include…
WINTEC
- Te Paetahi Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education)
UNIVERSITY OF WAIKATO
- Bachelor of Teaching (BTchg) for Early Childhood, Primary and Secondary
- Graduate Diploma in Teaching (GradDipTchg)
VISION COLLEGE
- NZ Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 3 and 4)
- NZ Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 5)
Sources: careers.govt.nz, beehive.govt.nz, Hays Salary Guide 2021, New Zealand Herald, nzrecreation.org.nz, seek.co.nz, sportnz.org.nz, Toi Māori Aotearoa, waikato.ac.nz, wecreate.org.nz, wintec.ac.nz, youthguarantee.education.govt.nz
Disclaimer: While the FutureForce® Team makes every effort to ensure the information on this website is correct, the editor and publisher do not assume and hereby disclaim any liability to any party for any disruption or loss caused by error or omissions. Content is designed to complement, but not replace, the advice of a career advisor.