Construction jobs in NZ: How to get started in the industry

The construction industry is very diverse, with dozens of potential career paths available. That includes:

When you think of a builder, you’re really thinking of a carpenter. They work with wood to build and repair foundations, roofs, walls, windows and doors. 

To become a carpenter you’ll need to complete an apprenticeship and a New Zealand certificate in carpentry overseen by the Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation (BCITO) . This usually takes three to four years. 

Electricians work with electrical systems, lights and equipment in buildings. 

To get qualified you’ll need to complete a 3 - 4 year apprenticeship and get a trainee limited certificate from the Electrical Worker’s Registration Board. 

Read more about how to become an electrician.

Some joiners work without a qualification but most employers prefer to hire joiners who are qualified (or are working towards it). To get qualified you’ll need to complete a 3 to 4 year apprenticeship overseen by The Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation.

Many people choose to learn and practice all three of these trades together, but you can do each separately. 

It’ll take 2 to 4 years to get qualified, depending on what path you take. You’ll need to do an apprenticeship supervised by either ATT or Masterlink, and gain an NZ level 4 certificate. To begin practicing you’ll need to register with the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board. 

Read more about plumbing qualifications in NZ. 

Quantity surveyors manage construction budgets and provide detailed estimates of costs. They’re in hot demand in New Zealand right now, so job prospects are good. 

You’ll need a New Zealand Diploma in Construction with quantity surveying or construction management strands to get a job and possibly a bachelor’s degree in construction. This takes 2 to 4 years. 

Diplomas in construction are available from most polytechs in New Zealand, while bachelor’s degrees majoring in construction are available at both Massey University and most polytechs. 

Bricklayers, well, lay bricks, to construct buildings and other structures. You don’t necessarily need one to get hired, but most employers prefer bricklayers who are qualified.

To get qualified, you’ll need to complete an apprenticeship and gain a Certificate in Trowel Trades Brick & Block Laying (Level 4) overseen by the Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation.

Cabinet makers craft fittings and furniture for boats, homes and other structures, usually using wood. There’s a huge demand for them at the moment, so job prospects are good. 

To get qualified you’ll need to do an apprenticeship with a Level 4 certificate in furniture available from Competenz. 

Glaziers install glass in homes, buildings and boats. If you’re able to learn the trade on the job you won’t need a qualification, but generally employers prefer glaziers who have an NZ Certificate in Glazing. 

These are overseen by the Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation.

Roofers install and repair roofs. To get qualified you’ll need to do an apprenticeship and get an NZ Certificate in Roofing overseen by Industry Connection for Excellence (ICE) and Vertical Horizonz.