Top 10 Essential Tech Skills New Zealand Employers Seek in 2024

In 2024, having in-demand tech skills is key to landing a sweet job, especially in New Zealand.

Tech skills are so crucial that 92% of job openings require digital expertise these days, and it's only going to get more intense. Staying up-to-date with the latest trends gives you a major advantage over other candidates.

A survey found that 65% of Kiwi businesses believe tech-savvy employees are essential for staying competitive.

This post will break down the top 10 essential tech skills NZ employers want in 2024, based on research from industry pros.

Get ready to learn about:

1. Advanced data analysis using programming languages like R and Python
2. Cloud computing platforms such as AWS and Azure
3. Cybersecurity skills to tackle rising threats
4. Artificial intelligence and machine learning tools
5. Web development frameworks like React and Angular
6. Mobile app development with Flutter
7. DevOps practices for efficient software delivery
8. Blockchain technology and real-world applications
9. UI/UX design principles for user-friendly products
10. SQL and database management fundamentals

As Bill Gates said,

"The internet is becoming the town square for the global village of tomorrow."

Gaining these future-proof tech skills will definitely give you an edge in 2024's job market.

In this digital age, being a whiz at data analysis with Python and R is like having a superpower for landing those high-paying tech gigs in New Zealand.

These skills are hotter than a summer day, with 92% of employers saying it's crucial for driving innovation and growth in 2024.

Major industries like finance, healthcare, retail, manufacturing, and even the government are on the hunt for data wizards to help them make sense of all the info they're swimming in.

With Python and R under your belt, you can work some serious magic – crunching numbers, visualizing data, and predicting trends like a boss.

The job market in New Zealand is looking fabulous for data analysts in 2024.

Companies are desperate for folks who can turn raw data into pure gold insights that'll give them a competitive edge.

So, if you're ready to level up your skills and get in on that data action, check out these wicked learning resources:

• Data Analysis with Python on Coursera - This course is ideal for learning Python data analysis skills.
• Harvard University's Data Science Professional Certificate on edX - Earn a professional certificate to demonstrate your knowledge.
• Introduction to Python for Data Science on DataCamp - A beginner-friendly course for introducing Python concepts.
• R-Bloggers – A killer blog all about R programming and data analysis.

Cloud computing is the real deal, and it's only getting bigger in 2024. These AWS vs Azure giants are battling it out for the top spot, and you better be ready to cash in on this action.

According to the experts, businesses are expected to spend a mind-blowing $591.8 billion on public cloud services next year, with growth rates skyrocketing by over 20% annually.

That's some serious cash flow, and it's all thanks to the convenience, scalability, and cost-saving benefits of these cloud solutions.

Now, when it comes to the big players, AWS and Azure are leading the charge.

While AWS has been around longer and offers a massive range of services (over 200, can you believe that?), Azure has its own strengths, like seamless integration with Microsoft's ecosystem and advanced hybrid cloud capabilities.

Plus, a whopping 61% of enterprises are all about that multi-cloud strategy, combining the best of both worlds.

But here's the real tea: to truly ball out in this cloud computing frenzy, you gotta get certified.

These certifications from AWS and Azure are like golden tickets to higher-paying gigs and a serious competitive edge.

AWS offers a variety of certs, like the Cloud Practitioner, Solutions Architect, and Developer Associate levels. Azure, on the other hand, has options like Fundamentals, Administrator Associate, and Developer Associate.

With online resources, training courses, and practice exams at your fingertips, scoring these certifications is totally doable.

Bottom line, as businesses continue to embrace the cloud, certified pros in AWS and Azure will be in high demand come 2024.

As Microsoft's CEO Satya Nadella said, "We've lived through an era of cloud computing; we're now entering a new era of intelligent computing." So, get your head in the game and start prepping for these certifications – the future is cloudy, but the opportunities are bright.

The internet can be a scary place, with hackers and cybercriminals always trying to mess things up. But that's where cybersecurity experts come in to save the day! According to this article, cybersecurity is going to be even more critical in 2024, with threats like ransomware attacks and supply chain risks on the rise.

That's why companies are looking for skilled professionals who can protect their systems and data.

If you want to get into the cybersecurity game, certifications are the way to go.

Some of the hottest ones in 2024 are:

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): This shows you know how to manage security risks and operations.
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH): With this cert, you'll learn to think like a hacker and find weaknesses before the bad guys do.
• Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP): As more businesses move to the cloud, this certification proves you can keep their data safe in the virtual world.

But what if you're just starting out? No worries, there are plenty of beginner-friendly courses to get you up to speed.

This article lists some great options, like Codecademy's "Introduction to Cybersecurity" and Coursera's "Cybersecurity for Everyone" specialization.

Or, you could go for the CompTIA Security+ Certification to learn the basics and get certified at the same time.

With cybersecurity being such a hot topic in New Zealand, companies are scrambling to find experts who can protect their digital assets.

By investing in your cybersecurity education and getting certified, you'll be in high demand and ready to take on the bad guys!

AI and machine learning are Cybersecurity Specialist skills that are totally blowing up in New Zealand right now.

By 2024, they're expected to be a major game-changer across industries like healthcare, finance, agriculture, and manufacturing. Companies are using AI/ML to streamline operations, make smarter decisions, and deliver personalized experiences that just click with customers.

If you're looking to level up your AI/ML skills, tools like TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit-learn, and Keras are where it's at.

These open-source libraries and frameworks make it way easier to build and deploy AI/ML models, so you can Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile with some seriously impressive projects.

And let's not forget the cloud-based platforms like Google Cloud AI, Amazon SageMaker, and Microsoft Azure Machine Learning – these offer scalable and cost-effective solutions for tackling AI/ML workloads.

For those just starting out, here are some cool projects to sink your teeth into:

1. Image Recognition: Build a model that can classify images based on their content – think identifying objects, facial recognition, or distinguishing between different types of animals.
2. Sentiment Analysis: Develop a system that can analyze text data (like customer reviews or social media posts) and figure out whether the sentiment behind it is positive, negative, or neutral.
3. Predictive Maintenance: Use machine learning algorithms to predict when equipment or machinery is likely to fail, so you can stay ahead of the game with proactive maintenance and reduce downtime.

These hands-on projects are a great way to get in-demand tech job experience and build a portfolio that shows off your AI/ML skills to potential employers.

As Dr. Susan Johnson, AI expert and founder of Nanogirl Labs, says,

"The future is here, and it's driven by data and AI."

So, upskilling in these cutting-edge technologies is going to be crucial if you want to slay in the digital landscape of 2024 and beyond.

Web development is where it's at in 2024, and New Zealand employers can't get enough of it! The demand for websites and web apps is skyrocketing across industries.

And when it comes to building slick, dynamic interfaces, two titans are ruling the game - React and Angular.

React, the brainchild of Facebook, is all about creating reusable UI components.

Its Virtual DOM and one-way data binding make it crazy fast and efficient. Angular, on the other hand, is Google's full-fledged framework. It's a bit more opinionated and packs a punch for complex web apps with its two-way data binding and modular structure.

But fair warning, Angular has a steeper learning curve, so be ready to grind!

If you're looking to level up your web dev skills in NZ, these resources are absolute gems:

• FreeCodeCamp: This online platform has killer courses on React, Angular, and all the web dev fundamentals you need, plus certs and a community.
• The Net Ninja: This YouTube channel breaks it down with beginner-friendly tutorials on React and Angular, from basics to advanced stuff.
• React Docs and Angular Docs: The official docs from React and Angular are your bibles for referencing all things web dev.

According to a recent survey, web dev skills like React and Angular are some of the hottest commodities for NZ tech employers, with an 18% spike in demand expected by 2024.

So if you grind and master these technologies, you'll be golden for scoring sweet career opportunities in the ever-evolving web dev world!

Tech heads! The mobile game in New Zealand is about to get wild. Mobile traffic is set to explode by nearly 50% by 2024, which means businesses better have their apps on lock.

It's all about that handheld life, and companies that don't hop on the mobile train will be left in the dust.

Enter Flutter, the mobile app dev framework from Google that's taking the scene by storm.

This bad boy lets you create apps for iOS, Android, and even the web, all from a single codebase. Talk about efficiency! Plus, with hot reloading, you can see code changes instantly, making development a total breeze.

And let's not forget the insane collection of customizable widgets that'll have your apps looking sharp.

If you're trying to level up your mobile dev skills, there are plenty of resources to get you started.

Udacity's Flutter Mobile Apps course is a solid intro, and the Bootstrap into Flutter guide from the Flutter crew is perfect for those transitioning from other frameworks.

With the mobile market in NZ set to blow up, now's the time to get your Flutter game tight.

Check this out, DevOps is the real deal these days! It's all about streamlining the dev process and getting that code out there fast, like greased lightning! Companies are seeing major benefits like quicker time-to-market, better resource utilization, and a serious boost to innovation velocity.

Plus, you get that enhanced security game on lock!

The DevOps toolbox is stacked with crazy cool stuff that's gotta be on your radar. We're talking Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) to automate the whole build-test-deploy flow. Infrastructure as Code (IaC) lets you manage that infrastructure through code, keeping everything consistent and repeatable. And don't sleep on containerization with Docker and Kubernetes - that's how you package apps and dependencies for efficient deployment and scaling.

DevOps is also about monitoring and logging to keep an eye on system performance and troubleshoot like a boss.

And let's not forget the DevSecOps wave, where security gets baked right into that continuous dev cycle.

If you're new to the DevOps game, there are plenty of resources to get you started.

Check out platforms like Qentelli for a comprehensive list of DevOps tools, or hit up online courses from Udacity, Linux Academy, and edX to level up your skills.

DevOps is a journey, but trust me, it's worth the ride!

Blockchain is the future, no doubt about it! This dope tech is set to revolutionize industries in 2024.

It's a decentralized database that securely stores data in chronological blocks, making it virtually tamper-proof. Major trends include DeFi (decentralized finance) disrupting traditional banking, NFTs going beyond digital art, and blockchain integrating with IoT for enhanced security.

In New Zealand, the government is all in, exploring emerging blockchain techs like zero-knowledge proofs for privacy, decentralized identity management, and sustainable, energy-efficient consensus mechanisms.

The country's blockchain market is booming, with the finance sector leading adoption.

Even major banks like ANZ are using blockchain for trade finance and payments.

If you want to skill up, tons of online courses are available. Check out UC Berkeley's Blockchain Fundamentals on edX, Coursera's Blockchain Specialization, or IBM's free Blockchain Essentials course.

The opportunities in this space are endless, so get ready to ride the blockchain wave in 2024!

In 2024, nailing the UI/UX (User Interface/User Experience) game is going to be a total must if you want your products to slay the competition.

Businesses are all about crafting those slick digital experiences that keep customers hooked. According to the Nielsen Norman squad, a sick UI design can boost conversion rates by a whopping 200%.

For newbies looking to level up in this field, mastering the fundamentals of UI/UX is key.

Some core UI/UX principles to keep in mind are:

• User-centered design: Building products tailored to what end-users need, how they act, and what they dig.
• Visual hierarchy: Organizing info in a visually appealing way that just makes sense.
• Consistency: Keeping that look, feel, and interaction on point throughout the product.
• Usability: Making sure the product is a breeze to navigate, comprehend, and use.

If you're hyped to pursue a UI/UX career, there's a ton of online courses and resources to get you up to speed.

CourseTalk's report highlights some top-rated beginner UI/UX courses for 2024:

1. "Introduction to User Experience Design" by Coursera
2. "The Complete App Design Course" by Udemy
3. "UX Design Fundamentals" by LinkedIn Learning

As Sarah Martin, co-founder of Adaptive Path, said, "Good design is about making products genuinely useful and usable for people." By leveling up your UI/UX skills, you can craft digital experiences that don't just captivate users but also drive serious business success.

Database skills are the real deal if you wanna make it big in tech these days! With data exploding like crazy, companies need peeps who can tame that wild beast and make sense of it all.

Databases are as critical as the invention of writing - no joke! They're the backbone for storing and managing all that juicy info businesses thrive on.

When it comes to SQL databases, there are a few stars that shine bright in 2024.

MySQL is still a fan favorite, especially for web apps and smaller companies, thanks to its open-source cred and user-friendly vibe.

But PostgreSQL has been making waves too, with its robust features like JSON data support.

And let's not forget the big kahuna, Microsoft SQL Server - a go-to for enterprises seeking tight integration with Microsoft's ecosystem.

If you're just starting your SQL journey, no worries! There are tons of awesome resources to get you up to speed.

• Interactive courses: Check out interactive courses on sites like Codecademy and Khan Academy.
• Online communities: Join the vibrant online communities on Reddit's SQL subreddit and Stack Exchange. They've got your back with tips, troubleshooting, and networking opportunities galore.
• Beginner-friendly courses: For a curated list of beginner-friendly SQL courses and materials, look no further than The Complete SQL Bootcamp on Udemy, edX's Databases: SQL course, Coursera's Learn SQL Basics for Data Science, or the interactive SQLBolt tutorial.

With data ruling the world, mastering SQL and database skills is a surefire way to stay ahead of the game!

To figure out the top 10 essential tech skills for 2024, we did some seriously thorough research, combing through industry insights, job market data, and even getting the lowdown from experts themselves.

We hit up some major sources, like the Tech Future Institute, NZ Tech, and the Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment (MBIE) to get the scoop on emerging trends, skill demand projections, and what different sectors are looking for.

But that's not all – we also dug deep into job postings on sites like Seek and TradeMe Jobs to see what skills employers are actually hunting for.

And to really nail it, we reached out to seasoned pros, educators, and thought leaders in the tech world to get their take on the skills that'll be game-changers in 2024.

We started with a list of skills based on how often they popped up in job postings, industry reports, and expert recommendations.

Then, we put that list through its paces – cross-checking it against projected industry growth and emerging tech trends, evaluating how impactful and long-lasting each skill might be in the job market, and even getting the stamp of approval from industry associations and academic institutions.

The final top 10 is a killer lineup of the most critical, future-proof tech skills that'll help Kiwis crush it in New Zealand's ever-evolving job scene in 2024.

As Jennifer White, Director of the Tech Futures Institute, said, "Staying ahead of the game is everything in today's tech world. Our research is all about giving New Zealanders the skills they need to succeed in the years to come."