Big rise in jobs for students

Otago students won't be short of an opportunity to earn a dollar or two this summer.

Student Job Search figures show there are 2813 jobs available this summer - 905 more than the 1908 on offer during the 2011-12 summer break.

Student Job Search chief executive officer Paul Kennedy believed the increase was because of ''one or two companies'' which had asked for more help than usual.

The figures come at the end of a successful year for Student Job Search in New Zealand.

An Elvis impersonator and a candy-making Oompa-Loompa were among the 50,784 positions on offer this year, and the busy summer season is looking good with 22,000 jobs posted across the country since September.

Mr Kennedy said the number of jobs had increased significantly nationwide since 2011. This was great news for the thousands of students in need of cash to help fund next year's studies and gain work experience over the long summer break, he said.

''We have a willing and highly skilled student workforce - you only have to look at their contribution to the Christchurch earthquake clean-up to know that.

''Whether you need a shop assistant, someone to help with the harvest, do your accounts or impersonate `the King', there is likely to be a student who is up for the job.''

Mr Kennedy said students were popular with employers because they brought vibrancy to the workplace and weren't afraid to roll up their sleeves and get stuck in.

''Employers know they're getting someone who's keen, flexible and good value for money.''

Mr Kennedy said the number of jobs for students offered in Canterbury had increased considerably, an indication the city was getting back on track.

''So far this year we have had over 8000 jobs in Canterbury on offer - that's up 30% on last year, which is great for students and a great sign for the city of Christchurch.

''There's a huge variety, from haymaking to retail.''

SJS summer job numbers
2011: 1908
2012: 2813

- john.lewis@odt.co.nz