Develop a career as a building consent processing officer, building inspector or property inspector and fit part-time study around working in the field. The two-year diploma boosts your job prospects in this fast-moving sector. Gain the skills to meet Regulation 18 of Building (Accreditation of Building Consent Authorities) Regulations 2006.
Job growth
Take your place in one of the fastest growing sectors in the country. The construction sector is the fourth largest employer, with 292,800 people employed in New Zealand in the December 2021 quarter, an increase of 5.4% from the December 2020 quarter.
It provided 13,255 more jobs in March 2022 (compared to March 2021) - this is likely to be driven by the high demand for housing, with more people wanting to build or renovate their homes.
Source: MBIE Building and Construction Sector Trends Reporting Package
Building consents and Activity
A record 49,773 new homes were consented in the year ended February 2022, an increase of 25% on the year ended December 2021. The annual number of new homes consents issued were record-high for eleven months between March 2011 and February 2022.
Total building volume rose a seasonally adjusted 8.9% in the December 2021 quarter, compared to the September 2021 quarter. Residential building activity rose 5.2%, while non-residential building activity rose 15.8%. Annually, the actual volume of building work put in place for the 2021 year was up 10.1%, when compared against 2020.
Source: MBIE Building and Construction Sector Trends Reporting Package
Better Pay
Building Surveyors usually earn between $61,000 and $112,000 per year.
Source: careers.govt.nz
General Admission – Academic and English Requirements
You will need to have a minimum of 50 NCEA credits at Level 2 or above, including 12 credits in English or a related subject at level 2 or above, and a minimum of 10 Numeracy credits at Level 1 or above or be able to demonstrate equivalent knowledge or skills. These include a maximum total of 16 in the best four Sixth Form Certificate subjects including English or a related subject, or completion of a trades qualification at Level 3 or above using English as the language of instruction, or completion of the New Zealand Certificate in Building Regulatory Environment (Level 4).
Special Admission
You will need to be 20 years old by the first day of study and have sufficient evidence of aptitude, work or life experience that would indicate a successful outcome in your qualification. This can comprise written evidence, an interview, referee checks or a combination of these.
In-Employment Admission Requirements
You will need to provide evidence from your employer confirming you are employed in a technical role in the field of building control and that the employer is able to provide a range of duties, hours of work, technical supervision, and observational assessment by a technically competent officer to ensure that the requirements of the qualification are met. Your minimum related hours of work for year one are 574 hours, and for year two are 502; a total of 1076 hours for the programme of study.
Suitable employers
Employers that meet the work requirements of the In-Employment option include Building Consent Authorities, organisations carrying out the building control technical functions of processing, inspections and certification on behalf of a BCA and organisations that can provide building control technical expertise and have a recognized quality assurance programme in place.
Applications will be considered where there is a written offer of employment or an internship agreement from your employer.
Provisional Admission
If you are under 20 but can demonstrate a reasonable chance of success through other educational attainment, work or life experience, you may be eligible for entry at the discretion of the academic director.
You will normally be interviewed to confirm your industry experience or referee checks may be used.
Analyse documentation
You will gain the skills to determine compliance requirements for corrosion zones, ground bearing, piles, footings, foundations, reinforcing, concerete strength, fill and compaction, bracing demands and design, sub-floor framing, wall framing, roof structures, timber treatment, load paths, fixings and connections, underlays, wraps, cladding systems, internal linings and durability. You will assess real case study consent applications and building plans as well as participating in real and simulated building inspections.
Evaluate buildings
You will be introduced to the range of inspections a Building Control Officer undertakes for residential and commercial building projects. You will learn how to read and interpret plans and specifications, use technical equipment such as moisture meters, cameras and thermometers and use administrative resources including checklists and copies of technical information to establish compliance.
Communication
You will learn to communicate with customers and colleagues to analyse and resolve complex problems, applying professions, ethical, social and cultural practices in all aspects of your work. Gain the skills to communicate effectively in your daily work in a professional manner within the regulatory framework of a BCA or TA and in compliance with the Building Forms Regulations Act.
Risk management
You will learn how to apply risk management strategies and processes used by regulatory authorities to ensure compliance with the Building Act, 2004. You will learn how and when to manage risk when making compliance decisions. These risks are moving outside your own competency, deciding when and where to obtain guidance, assessing alternative solutions, determining if sufficient evidence is available to justify a decision, the use of new products for which no guidelines are provided and provision of discretion of processors and inspectors.
Bachelor of Construction.
You will attend in-class and online tutorials where you can ask your lecturers any questions about your assessments and learning.
Download here.
Will this qualification be recognised in the building regulatory environment?
Yes, this qualification is NZQA approved and recognised by New Zealand employers.
I have so many commitments. I am concerned I may not be able to complete the programme.
Please feel free to reach out to our Student Services team and find out how you will be supported during your learning.
What do I need to access the programme content?
You will need access to a laptop, desktop computer or tablet and a reliable internet connection to complete this programme.
Do I need to have any computer skills?
Yes, you will need basic computer skills to be successful in the programme.
Is what I am learning relevant to the building regulatory environment?
Yes, all the courses conform to best industry practice and adhere to current relevant New Zealand legislation, regulations and codes of practice.
Will I be able to cope with the academic requirements of the programme?
Our in-employment programme is built around what you already do in your workplace and is highly focussed on practical skills. Your lecturers and the Student Success team at Future Skills Academy are also available to offer any additional academic support you may need to succeed.
What is the application process?
You can find an easy step-by-step guide to applying and enrolling in a programme.
Will I be able to manage my time?
Feel free to reach out to your lecturer and our Student Support team for help setting up a study routine and maintaining a good study/life balance.
I am worried I may not be able to afford the fees.
Click here to find out more about some of the funding options you may be eligible for.
Student loans and allowances are available for learners meeting the StudyLink criteria. Find out if you are eligible by calling StudyLink on Freephone 0800 88 99 00 or visit www.studylink.govt.nz.