overview.

Construction is one of the best-performing sectors for employment in New Zealand, seeing the strongest growth in jobs over the past few years, with the trend to continue until 2026. Demand is high, which makes construction not only a good sector to be in if you’re qualified, but also a good one to get into through apprenticeships, graduate training and other entry routes.

The openings on offer include a range of professional roles in areas such as contract administration, site management and construction project management. The latter is notable in being consistently one of the most in-demand roles within the economy as a whole, with pay to match.

Construction remains a highly male-dominated industry – women make up twelve per cent of Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation (BCITO) apprentices – but this is changing. Industry bodies are keen to attract more women to broaden the talent pool and help bridge any skill gaps.

key facts.

  • employment

  • education and training

    • Formal qualifications from Vocational Education and Training (VET) to university degrees in relevant topics. 

  • impact of new technologies

    • Computer-aided design and use of digital tools in construction planning and project management.

  • impact of net zero

    • Move to reduce emissions in construction and finished buildings.

in-demand skills & qualifications.

  • tasks and duties

    • Do site visits during construction.
    • Meet with the construction crew.
    • Oversee the process.
    • Signing off on elements of work as they're completed.
    • Resolve any problems that may arise.

  • training and qualifications

    • To become a registered architect, you will usually need a Bachelor of Architectural Studies and a Master of Architecture (Professional).
    • In addition, you’ll need to be registered with the New Zealand Registered Architects Board, which requires the completion of between three and five years of postgraduate work experience.

in-demand skills & qualifications.

  • tasks and duties

    • Coordinate subcontractor and material standards.
    • Ensure construction meets with current plans.
    • Provide technical support to office staff and suppliers.
    • Communicate with clients about the progress of the construction.

     

  • training and qualifications

    • To be a Site Manager, you usually need to have completed an apprenticeship in a trades area and be working towards or have obtained a formal qualification in building or construction management. 

in-demand skills & qualifications.

  • task and duties

    • Creating drawings and models of building structures.
    • Researching construction materials.
    • Ensuring designs meet building code regulations and representing architects on building sites.

  • training and qualifications

    • To become an Architectural Technician, you will need to have at least the minimum qualification of a New Zealand Diploma in Architectural Technology (Level 6).

  • further opportunities and pathways

    • As an Architectural Technician, you can sub-contract for a number of companies at a time.
    • Plus, with further studies, you can choose to specialise in a specific sector – commercial, industrial, or residential projects – or develop expertise in a particular domain, like sustainable design.

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in-demand skills & qualifications.

  • tasks and duties

    • Read and interpret construction documentation like architectural and engineering plans.
    • Apply their knowledge of building methods and materials to estimate and monitor costs from concept to completion.

  • training and qualifications

    • To become a Quantity Surveyor, you need either a New Zealand Diploma in Quantity Surveying or a Bachelor of Construction (Construction Economics or Quantity Surveying), which will make it easier to step up into management.

in-demand skills & qualifications.

  • tasks and duties

    You’ll usually move from one project to the next, working on a particular building or structure until it’s finished, spending plenty of time on site.

    • Liaising with architects and engineers is a daily part of the job. But negotiating with and ensuring a good deal from outside contractors is equally important.
    • You’ll plan a project from start to finish, oversee the day-to-day running, report on progress, develop contacts with senior staff for each project, and ensure health and safety standards are met.
    • The job is varied but can involve long hours, particularly as deadlines loom or a project nears completion. 

     

     

  • training and qualifications

    • The role is a multi-faceted one and you will need a degree in a related area, such as civil engineering, building science, construction management, or construction science.
    • Equally important though is your construction industry experience – this isn’t an entry-level role.
    • You’ll need to have several years’ experience working in the industry, a strong understanding of project management, construction procedures and principles, and relevant knowledge of health and safety laws. It is sometimes possible to enter via an apprenticeship and work your way up as you gain experience, but most people follow the degree route.
    • Not only will you need excellent time management and planning skills, but also financial planning and budgeting skills.
    • Communication is very important. You’ll be smoothing the way between site workers, architects, stakeholders, council planners and engineers. That’s a lot of interested parties to juggle, so your diplomacy skills need to be on point too.

     

  • career switch

    • Recruiters with a background in HR see project management as a natural progression. Project managers from other sectors like IT, manufacturing or with a background in the supply chain are also in-demand for roles in construction.