Vietnamese workers with AI skills: could New Zealand employers want you?

Tips · 2026-09-07 · 3 min read

Do you work with data, software or computer systems? Are you thinking about a job in New Zealand? Then this news may interest you. New Zealand employers are changing how they hire. Some of the change may help people with real skills.

What is changing?

Many New Zealand firms are hiring fewer beginners. Roughly a third have already slowed entry-level hiring. Almost nine in ten expect to cut it more over the next three years.

Learning on the job has also become harder. In this survey, New Zealand was hit harder here than any other country.

This is hard for young local graduates. But there is another side. If firms cannot train beginners, they look for people who can already do the work. Experienced workers from other countries may be part of that picture.

Jobs are changing fast

In New Zealand, 53% of firms say some jobs have been removed completely. In China, only 11% said this, because most firms changed the job instead.

What does this mean for you? Job adverts can change quickly. Read new adverts often. Do not trust an old job description.

Show your skills, not only your degree

For entry-level jobs, two-thirds of New Zealand companies say AI tool certificates or coding bootcamps are critical. They rate these above problem-solving and a portfolio of work. A degree alone is rarely seen as essential.

You can start now:

Get certificates for tools you use.
Keep examples of finished projects.
Be ready to explain how you solved a problem.

Keep your degree and certificates safe too. Visa rules often ask for certified English translations of Vietnamese documents. Vocational certificates and degrees are usually assessed again abroad, so plan for this early.

Where is the opportunity?

Nearly half of New Zealand firms say old systems slow down their AI plans. And 45% say they cannot find enough skilled people. Employers pay AI specialists an average 21% more than comparable tech roles.

Workers who understand AI in real work do best. This means managing systems and changing the way work is done. Only knowing how to write code is not enough.

Ask about AI rules at work

Only about a quarter of New Zealand employers say they know the local rules well. Just one in five has a formal policy on staff using AI. Before you accept a job, ask the employer how AI tools should be used.

Stay safe while you search

Deal only with licensed organisations and real employers. Never pay an unlicensed broker. Be careful with anyone who asks for money upfront to secure a job or a visa.

Simple checklist

Write your CV in clear English.
Gather certificates and project examples.
Ask for the Judicial Record Certificate No. 2 (Phiếu lý lịch tư pháp số 2) when a police certificate is requested.
Take IELTS or PTE if the visa or employer needs it.

You can read about work visas on the official New Zealand Immigration page. Take one step at a time. Your skills can speak for you.

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