Construction

Gain in-demand skills to enter one of the fastest-growing industries in New Zealand.

Strong pay

According to careers.govt.nz (Tahatū), building and construction managers usually earn $95,000 to $155,000 a year, with a full reported range of $70,000 to $197,000. Construction project managers usually earn $92,000 to $204,000 a year, and senior construction managers and project directors usually earn $120,000 to $224,000 a year and can earn more. Diploma-qualified graduates typically start at the lower end of these ranges while working under a supervising practitioner, with pay growing in line with experience and the size and complexity of the projects they manage.

High job prospects

Construction is New Zealand's fifth-largest industry, contributing 6.3% of GDP and employing around 308,500 people. The MBIE National Construction Pipeline Report 2025 projects total construction activity rising from $55.7 billion in 2025 to $65.4 billion by 2030, with more than 200,000 new homes consented over the six-year forecast and infrastructure activity reaching $19.6 billion by 2030.

Auckland accounts for over a third of New Zealand's construction activity, particularly for housing, but there are opportunities elsewhere including major roading projects, the ongoing Christchurch rebuild, and Wellington's earthquake-strengthening work. Demand is consistent for site managers, project managers and construction supervisors across residential, commercial and infrastructure projects.

International students

Construction managers and project builders are recognised as in-demand roles across New Zealand. International graduates with a full-time job offer and the right experience and qualifications may find it easier to apply for a visa with this background.

Source: Immigration NZ

Domestic students

To enrol in this programme, you will need a minimum of 50 NCEA credits at Level 2, including 12 credits in Maths, and a minimum of 12 Literacy credits at NCEA Level 1, or be able to demonstrate equivalent knowledge and skills.

You will also need access to a laptop, desktop computer or tablet and a reliable internet connection to complete this programme.

International students

• A minimum of 50 NCEA credits at Level 2, including:
• 12 credits in maths, and
• a minimum of 12 Literacy credits at NCEA Level 1
• OR be able to demonstrate equivalent knowledge and skills.
• Click here for equivalent academic entry requirements by country.

If English is not your first language, you must provide:

• New Zealand University Entrance, OR
• Overall Academic IELTS 6.0 with no individual band score lower than 5.5 (achieved in one test completed in the last two years), OR
• Acceptable alternative evidence of the required IELTS (see here for NZQA proficiency table).

We do not accept international learners under the age of 18 at the time of enrolment.

Site and Project Management

You will learn to manage construction site logistics, resource allocation and construction activity for small, medium and large construction programmes. You will be able to manage site establishment and provision of site services for short and long duration projects, and create technical sketches to communicate information relevant to construction projects.

Leadership and Wellbeing

You will apply leadership principles to manage construction site teams, and learn how to support the physical and mental wellbeing of a diverse construction site workforce.

Regulatory Environment

You will develop an understanding of the roles, standard documentation and administrative requirements of the construction industry, and learn to operate within the statutory and regulatory frameworks that apply to the New Zealand building and construction industry.

Contract Administration

You will learn to plan and monitor construction contracts, evaluate tender submissions, manage variations and control expenditure during the construction phase. You will also analyse, select and administer construction contracts and value building works up to and including final account statements.

Construction Technologies

You will gain knowledge of structure and structural principles for building work including foundations, substructure, building envelope and the interior, and passive fire protection systems for medium and large buildings. You will learn to evaluate and select materials and finishes, taking into account environmental impacts.

You will study a total of 240 credits, made up of sixteen 15-credit courses across two years.

This diploma is a recognised stepping stone toward becoming a Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP) in the Site licence class. The Construction Management strand is specifically designed to support a streamlined application pathway to LBP Site Licence Classes 1, 2 and 3.

• Site 1 covers coordination and oversight of Category 1 buildings (simple residential).
• Site 2 covers coordination and oversight of Category 1, 2 and 3 buildings (including more complex residential and small to medium commercial).
• Site 3 covers management of Category 1, 2 and 3 building projects.

The diploma builds the technical knowledge that underpins these competency requirements. To be licensed, you also need to demonstrate relevant on-site experience and pass the LBP competence assessment, so the diploma works best when paired with industry work experience either during or after your studies. Full eligibility criteria, application steps and fees are set by the LBP Board (lbp.govt.nz).

After graduating with the diploma, you can gain direct entry into the final year of our Bachelor of Construction (Construction Management) (Level 7). Postgraduate study options at New Zealand universities include Postgraduate Diploma and Master's qualifications in Construction Project Management.

You will have access to classes each week where you can ask your lecturers questions about your assessments and learning. Future Skills is a signatory to the Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice. Student Success and Student Services staff are available to support you across all delivery modes, including additional academic and pastoral support tailored to individual and group needs.

Will this qualification be recognised in the industry where I will work?

Yes, this qualification is NZQA approved (Ref# 2420) and recognised by New Zealand employers.

What will I earn after graduating with this qualification?

According to careers.govt.nz (Tahatū), building and construction managers usually earn $95,000 to $155,000 a year, with a full reported range of $70,000 to $197,000. Construction project managers usually earn $92,000 to $204,000 a year. Diploma-qualified graduates typically start at the lower end of these ranges while working under a supervising practitioner.

What do my job prospects look like?

Demand for site managers, project managers and construction supervisors is consistent across residential, commercial and infrastructure projects, particularly in Auckland. The MBIE National Construction Pipeline Report 2025 projects total construction activity rising to $65.4 billion by 2030, indicating sustained demand for construction managers over the medium term.

Is this high demand likely to continue?

Yes. With infrastructure activity projected to reach $19.6 billion by 2030 and more than 200,000 new homes consented over the six-year forecast period to 2030, demand for construction management capability is expected to remain strong.

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.

Do I need to have any computer skills?

Yes, you will need basic computer skills to be successful in the programme.

What are the benefits of this qualification?

This diploma is specifically designed to support a streamlined pathway to the Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP) Site Licence Classes 1, 2 and 3, paired with the relevant industry experience required by the LBP Board. After graduating, you can also gain direct entry into the final year of our Bachelor of Construction (Construction Management) (Level 7).