Trades & Services

What You Could Do

Career Opportunities in Trades & Services

Job roles across New Zealand’s trades and services sector are diverse, and many careers do not follow a single, clearly defined pathway.

Because the sector spans multiple industries — including finance, education, tourism, logistics, policy, and business services — entry routes and skill requirements can vary widely.

One of the best ways to explore your options is to:

✅ Research different roles
✅ Understand required qualifications
✅ Identify transferable skills
✅ Build experience where possible

Example Career Paths

Here are just a few roles you could consider:

Trade Support / Operations Assistant

These professionals support trading, investment, or financial service teams.

Responsibilities may include:

• Client and stakeholder support
• Reporting and documentation
• Administrative coordination
• Risk and compliance assistance
• Data and process management

Strong organisational skills and attention to detail are essential.

International Student Recruitment Advisor

These roles help promote New Zealand as a study destination and guide prospective international students.

Duties may involve:

• Advising students on study options
• Explaining entry requirements
• Supporting visa and enrolment processes
• Providing settlement guidance
• Representing institutions globally

Knowledge of New Zealand’s education system is highly valuable.

Import / Export Coordinator

Import/export professionals manage the movement of goods across borders.

Responsibilities include:

• Preparing shipping documentation
• Coordinating logistics and transport
• Managing customs processes
• Ensuring regulatory compliance
• Tracking and verifying deliveries

Attention to detail and regulatory awareness are critical.

Tourism & Destination Officer

These professionals promote regions, experiences, and visitor opportunities.

They may work with:

• Tourism organisations
• Regional development agencies
• Local councils
• Travel and visitor services

Focus areas include marketing, partnerships, and visitor engagement.

Policy & Regulatory Advisor

Policy professionals help shape industry standards and frameworks.

Responsibilities may include:

• Developing policies and guidelines
• Supporting compliance and regulation
• Engaging with industry stakeholders
• Monitoring sector trends
• Advising government or organisations

Beyond These Roles

These examples represent only a fraction of available careers.

The sector also relies on:

• Administration professionals
• Marketing & communications specialists
• Finance & accounting teams
• Human resources
• IT & digital support

A Flexible Career Landscape

The trades and services sector offers:

✅ Broad career diversity
✅ Multiple entry points
✅ Transferable skill development
✅ Domestic and international opportunities

Whether you’re starting your career, changing direction, or upskilling — there are many pathways to explore.

Graduate Outcomes & Gender Split

Graduate Outcomes

Graduate employment surveys provide helpful insights into career prospects across different fields of study.

While there is no single degree required to enter New Zealand’s trades and services sector, your study choice will often depend on the industry segment you’re interested in.

Because this sector spans diverse areas — including agriculture, business, finance, tourism, logistics, technology, and policy — there are multiple academic pathways that can provide a strong foundation.

Relevant Degree Areas

Some common and valuable fields of study include:

Agriculture & Environmental Studies
Supports careers across primary industries, sustainability, resource management, and environmental services.

Business & Management
Prepares graduates for roles in operations, administration, marketing, consulting, and leadership.

Economics & Finance
Provides pathways into trade, investment, policy, banking, and advisory careers.

These qualifications develop transferable skills applicable across many sectors.

Employment Trends

Graduate outcomes in New Zealand typically show:

• Strong overall employment rates across business-related disciplines
• Solid demand for agriculture and environmental expertise
• Broad career flexibility across service industries

It’s important to remember that graduate data may not fully reflect those who are:

• Working part-time
• Self-employed
• Freelancing or contracting
• Pursuing further study

Overall, employment outcomes across these study areas remain encouraging.

Gender Representation

Gender balance within the trades and services sector varies widely depending on:

• Industry segment
• Occupation type
• Seniority level

Due to the breadth of the sector, workforce representation differs across:

• Agriculture
• Finance
• Tourism
• Business services
• Technology
• Logistics

Rather than a single industry-wide split, there are different pockets of representation across roles and specialisations.

Encouragingly, diversity and inclusion continue to be growing priorities across New Zealand workplaces.

A Sector Offering Flexibility

The trades and services industry offers:

✅ Diverse career entry points
✅ Broad study relevance
✅ Transferable skill development
✅ Opportunities across multiple industries

Average Salary

Current surveys in the sector indicate the median salaries for full-time roles in this industry as:

• Trade Support Assistant Roles: $56-$60,100
• Senior Trader Roles: $100-$157,000
• International Student Recruitment Officer: $71-$87,000
• Tourism Officer Roles: $71-$90,000
• Services and Trades Policy Officer: $92-$122,000

Salaries can be pretty varied, with lower expectations for entry-level roles. Salaries are also determined by several factors, including:

• The segment of the industry you work within.
• Your job title and seniority.
• The amount of experience you have.
• Location, some rural areas may pay less than roles in main cities.

Industry Growth

Industry Contribution

New Zealand’s trades and services sector represents a substantial portion of the national economy, contributing significantly to GDP and supporting a large share of the country’s workforce.

Service-based industries play a critical role in driving economic activity, innovation, and international engagement.

Exports & Global Reach

Services contribute strongly to New Zealand’s export earnings across areas such as:

• Education
• Tourism
• Financial services
• Technology & digital services
• Environmental services
• Engineering and consultancy expertise

New Zealand is widely recognised for delivering high-quality professional services in global markets.

Key Growth Areas

Several segments of the services economy continue to show strong momentum:

Technology & Digital Services
Including software, fintech, cybersecurity, and digital platforms.

Education Services
International education and training programmes.

Tourism & Experience Economy
Visitor services, travel, and hospitality.

Professional & Business Services
Consulting, advisory, and specialist expertise.

Environmental & Sustainability Services
Climate, resource, and environmental management solutions.

Rising Demand for Skills

As service industries evolve, demand continues to grow for professionals with strengths in:

✅ Technology & digital capability
✅ Communication & client engagement
✅ Problem-solving & critical thinking
✅ Business & commercial awareness
✅ Adaptability & innovation

Technology-enabled roles are expected to see particularly strong growth in the coming years.

A Sector of Opportunity

Careers across trades and services offer:

• Broad industry choice
• Global mobility
• Diverse entry pathways
• Strong long-term demand

Whether your interests lie in business, technology, education, tourism, or specialised services — this sector provides extensive career possibilities.

Qualifications and Entry Pathways

Qualifications & Study Pathways

Depending on the segment of the trades and services sector you wish to enter, completing a degree can provide a strong foundation of specialised knowledge and transferable skills.

Relevant bachelor-level study options may include:

• Bachelor of Economics or Finance
• Bachelor of Business or Management
• Bachelor of Tourism Management
• Bachelor of Environmental Policy / Environmental Studies
• Bachelor of International Relations

These programmes can support careers across business, trade, policy, tourism, sustainability, and professional services.

Vocational & Industry Training

For many career pathways, vocational education offers practical and targeted preparation.

Examples include:

• New Zealand Certificates
• Diplomas
• Industry-recognised credentials
• Specialist technical training

Vocational routes are often well suited to applied, operational, and technical roles.

Apprenticeships & Workplace Learning

Some careers may be accessed through:

Apprenticeships
Traineeships
Employer-led training programmes

These pathways allow you to:

✅ Earn while you learn
✅ Build real-world experience
✅ Gain recognised qualifications

Work Experience & Entry-Level Roles

After leaving school, you may pursue:

• Entry-level positions
• School leaver programmes
• Internships or cadetships
• Administrative or operational roles

Many employers provide ongoing development and support further study.

Strong skills in:

• Communication
• Numeracy
• Organisation
• Problem-solving

are highly valued.

Do Your Research

Requirements vary depending on:

• The role
• The industry segment
• Employer expectations
• Qualification pathway

Always review job descriptions and training prerequisites carefully.

A Pathway for Everyone

Regardless of your academic background, experience level, or preferred direction:

✅ Degree pathways
✅ Vocational study
✅ Apprenticeships
✅ Workplace entry

There are multiple routes into New Zealand’s trades and services sector.

Best Places to Study

Where to Study

Where you choose to study will depend on factors such as your career goals, preferred specialisation, learning style, and location. Some institutions are particularly well regarded for economics, business, and commerce-related programmes.

Here are several leading New Zealand universities offering strong pathways in these fields:

University of Auckland
Highly regarded for business, economics, finance, and commerce.

University of Otago
Well known for economics, finance, and business disciplines.

Victoria University of Wellington
Recognised for commerce, public policy, and economic studies.

Massey University
Offers a wide range of business, management, and finance programmes.

University of Canterbury
Provides respected qualifications in commerce, economics, and business analytics.

Choosing the Right Institution

The best study option will align with:

✅ Your intended career pathway
✅ Preferred major or specialisation
✅ Academic strengths
✅ Campus experience & location
✅ Industry connections

Both university and vocational education providers can support careers in business, trade, finance, and professional services.

Where to Learn More

Learn More About Trades & Services Careers

You can explore career pathways, industry insights, and professional development opportunities through organisations that support and advocate for trades and services sectors in New Zealand.

Some great places to start include:

New Zealand Trade & Enterprise (NZTE)
Supports businesses expanding internationally and provides insights into trade and export-related careers.

Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment (MBIE)
Offers labour market information, industry research, and career resources across multiple sectors.

Commerce Commission New Zealand
Regulates competition and fair trading, with careers linked to economics, law, and business regulation.

Business.govt.nz
Practical resources for businesses, startups, and those interested in commercial and advisory roles.

Marketing Association New Zealand
Professional body supporting careers in marketing, branding, and customer strategy.

Public Relations Institute of New Zealand (PRINZ)
Industry organisation for communications and public relations professionals.

Research Association New Zealand (RANZ)
Represents market and social research professionals.

Why Explore Professional Bodies?

These organisations can help you:

✅ Understand industry pathways
✅ Access career resources
✅ Stay informed on sector trends
✅ Build professional networks
✅ Discover emerging roles

A Broad & Diverse Sector

Trades and services careers span industries including:

• Business & consulting
• Economics & policy
• Marketing & communications
• Research & insights
• Trade & export services
• Technology & innovation

Each state will also have several professional organisations that can help you learn more about the industry, network, and develop your career.