The Bay of Plenty region has notched up a 33 per cent increase in the number of job opportunities since November 2012.

According to figures released from SEEK the Bay of Plenty has been a standout performer in the job market in 2013 in terms of rate of growth, leading to over 6000 jobs being advertised in the region since January.

The Eastern Bay Link and a surge in commercial and residential building projects are adding to the increase in the number of jobs in the Bay of Plenty.

'Other regions in New Zealand have performed well, we are delighted to see this region which hasn't had the easiest time over the last two years shine,” says SEEK general manager Janet Faulding.

'The construction sector is currently one of the key drivers of job growth in the Bay, experiencing significant year-on-year growth of 59 per cent in the number of jobs advertised.”

Social Development Bay of Plenty regional commissioner Mike Bryant says when people are working it improves both their financial situation and social participation.

They also feel more productive and it is a real boost to their self-esteem and the economy in general.

'For the 12 months ending September 2013, in the Bay of Plenty 9,231 clients have cancelled their benefit to return to fulltime work,” says Mike.

'It's very pleasing to see steady improvement in the Bay of Plenty labour market.” Mike says the Western Bay of Plenty is currently going through a growth spurt with the building of roads, shopping malls, and new housing developments in Tauriko and Papamoa.

'Caregiving is bringing a steady increase in job opportunities as demand for workers in this industry grows.

'The great weather has certainly played a part in increasing tourism and hospitality opportunities. This is further boosted by the number of cruise ships visiting Tauranga.”

The Eastern Bay Link and a surge in commercial and residential building projects are helping spearhead the strong upswing in jobs.

'There is currently high demand for engineering and construction personnel in the Bay of Plenty, driven by new housing developments and subdivisions,” says HarperSmith Global Recruitment Limited director Stephen Smith.

'The Bay of Plenty has become a desirable place to live with its mild climate and proximity to Auckland, the region's population has grown by four per cent and these people need places to live and work.”

Hospitality and Tourism are also adding to the Bay's economic strength with a variety of events such as the Bay of Plenty Airshow and the State NZ Ocean Swim attracting visitors to the region.

Job prospects within the sector have more than doubled, with greatest demand for chefs, front of house staff and hotel managers.

'A number of large hotel chains such as Novetel, Sudima and Millennium Hotels & Resorts are currently recruiting for staff,” says Janet.

'While there always tends to be seasonal peaks in hospitality and tourism roles this growth when measured year on year still points to strong, sustained growth.”

The highest number of job opportunities sits in the trades and services industry, with 73 jobs advertised in November alone.

This was followed by healthcare and medical, with 70 jobs and then manufacturing, transport and logistics rounded out the top three with 56 jobs.

'Many businesses are feeling confident about the prospects for the local economy and this optimism is reflected in the demand for new staff,” says 1st Call Recruitment managing director Phill Van Syp.