From South Africa to New Zealand: How Oltman Joubert Found His New Role
For South African boilermaker and fabricator Oltman Joubert, moving to New Zealand was about more than a job change. It was a chance to give his family new opportunities and a better quality of life. “We wanted a fresh start, somewhere our two daughters could grow and have a future,” he said.
Starting the search for work in New Zealand
Once Oltman decided to make the move, his first step was research. He spent months learning about the process, costs and lifestyle differences. When it came time to look for real job options, he reached out to NZ Skills in Demand, a New Zealand‑based recruitment company that specialises in connecting overseas tradespeople with accredited Kiwi employers.
That decision fast‑tracked everything. “It only took a week to get in touch with Borey Chum at Skills in Demand,” Oltman explained. “He immediately guided us through what jobs were available and what steps we needed to take.”
The recruitment experience
Before anything was confirmed, Oltman completed an initial assessment interview. Borey and the team wanted to understand his background, qualifications and what kind of work he was interested in. “It wasn’t just about filling a role,” Oltman said. “They walked us through what living and working here would be like, what our chances were, and how to prepare for everything.”
Borey stayed in close contact throughout, helping Oltman prepare for job interviews, checking in before and after calls, and keeping him updated as offers came in. “It made a huge difference,” Oltman said. “Having someone who genuinely cared took away a lot of the stress that comes with moving to another country.”
From job offer to life in New Zealand
With a confirmed job offer, Oltman worked alongside Migration Associates to complete his Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV). The process moved quickly, and before long, his family was packing up for their new life in Aotearoa.
The move itself was a big step, but Oltman describes it as one of the most exciting parts of the journey. “It showed the strength we have as a family,” he said. “The travel was long, but the end goal made it worth every moment.”
Settling into work and life
Now based in New Zealand, Oltman is enjoying the professional growth that comes with working in a country where his skills are valued and in demand. “Everyone here has been welcoming, and the focus on health, safety and teamwork on site has really stood out. It feels good to be part of such a positive work culture.”
His advice for other tradespeople
“Don’t overthink it,” Oltman said. “Do your research, work with the right people and trust the process. If you get the chance to work with NZ Skills in Demand, take it. They make the whole path from application to job offer so much easier.”
Looking for work in New Zealand?
NZ Skills in Demand helps qualified overseas tradespeople secure jobs with accredited Kiwi employers. If you’re ready to take your first step toward your own story of success, read Oltman’s full interview on This Is New Zealand and see how others have made the move too.
