Chances of getting a job as a fabrication engineer are average for those wanting to enter the role.
Employers prefer to employ experienced workers, who have a good chance of getting work because:
- not enough people are being trained to meet the demand for workers
- trained workers are leaving New Zealand to work overseas for higher pay rates
- New Zealand manufacturers need workers to build machinery components for export.
Some types of fabrication engineers in high demand
The jobs of metal fabricator and sheetmetal trades worker appear on Immigration New Zealand’s regional skill shortage list. Metal fabricator also appears on Immigration New Zealand's construction and infrastructure skill shortage list. This means the Government is actively encouraging skilled fabrication engineers from overseas to work in New Zealand.
According to the Census, 4,206 fabrication engineers worked in New Zealand in 2018.
Types of employer varied
Fabrication engineers work in a range of industries, including:
- building and construction
- automotive engineering
- marine construction
- machinery and equipment manufacturing
- specialised craft and equipment making and repair.
Ten percent of fabrication engineers are self-employed.
