What is this sector about?
The construction and infrastructure sector is at the heart of building and maintaining the places we live, work and play in.
From skyscrapers to highways, it’s all about creating the structures and systems that make everyday life possible. This field is full of opportunities, offering everything from hands-on building jobs to roles in design, engineering and project management.
As cities grow and technology advances, the demand for smart, sustainable infrastructure is growing, making this an exciting and impactful industry to be a part of.
Construction
Construction is building anything from the ground up, including:
- architectural services
- building
- plumbing
- gas-fitting
- electrical services
- roofing
- scaffolding
- and more…
Did you know?
There are more than 7000 businesses in the Construction Sector across the Waikato, and just over 30,000 jobs.
This sector also has a high self-employment rate of 24.4%, compared to the 17.5% average for Waikato. Many people with skills in a construction trade – people who start off on the tools – go on to start their own businesses.
Construction Qualifications
Whether you are looking to study at Wintec or ETCO, qualification options include…
Wintec
- Bachelor of Business Studies (BBus) (Agribusiness)
- Bachelor of Management Studies with Honours (BMS(Hons)) (Agribusiness)
- Bachelor of Science (BSc)
- Bachelor of Science (Aquaculture) (BSc) Tauranga Campus
ETCO — The Electrical Training Experts
- NZ Certificate in Electrical Engineering (Level 3)
- NZ Certificate in Electrical Engineering (Level 4)
Is a job in the Construction Industry right for you?
Do you like…
- Hands on work
- Working with tools
- Using or driving heavy equipment or machinery
- Working amongst a team?
Do you have these skills?
- Technical ability
- Willingness to learn
- Safety awareness
- Team work and leadership
- Project and time management
- Good communication skills, both written and verbal
- Quality focus
- Adaptability
- Reliability
- Motivation
Are you interested in…
- Following and developing plans
- Problem solving
- Making calculations and measurements
- Preparing estimates and quotes?
Sound like you? Consider becoming part of the sector building, maintaining and repairing Aotearoa from below the ground up!
Smarter Futures — Energy
Waikato is one of the biggest energy producers and users in New Zealand!
This offers massive opportunities for the development of cleaner fuel sources and new energy innovations such as wind and solar farms. All industries and sectors will require more clean energy which creates demand for a highly skilled workforce.
Become an Apprentice
What is an apprenticeship?
Apprenticeships provide opportunities to learn skills and gain experience in a range of trades including construction, engineering, plumbing and electrical.
As an apprentice, you:
- work for, and learn from, an employer who supports you through your apprenticeship
- complete practical, on-the-job assessments (such as showing you can lay carpet), attend courses such as block courses, evening courses and day-release classes, and complete written assessments.
Am I eligible to become an apprentice?
To enrol as an apprentice, you need to be at least 16 years old. Entry requirements vary across industries, so it’s best to consult the appropriate provider for specific criteria.
Benefits and costs of an apprenticeships include:
- You begin at the training minimum wage (although employers may increase pay as your skills develop).
- Completing the apprenticeship equips you with technical proficiency, practical skills, and a Level 4 New Zealand Certificate, typically leading to higher pay and improved job prospects.
- Visit the Employment NZ website for details on the training minimum wage.
Do you have what it takes?
BCITO outline what it’s really like on the job as an apprentice in the Construction sector…
As an apprentice you’ll be expected to:
- start early or finish late (depending on the job)
- work on large long-term projects or small repair jobs
- travel to various job sites
- work outside and inside
- stick to deadlines
- work in noisy or dirty conditions
- work at heights or in confined spaces
- follow health and safety guidelines
- concentrate for extended periods of time
- be accurate – other tradespeople rely on your measurements or quantities
- work both on your own and as part of a team
- listen and communicate well
- be comfortable with tools and machinery
- maintain your tools
Infrastructure
Infrastructure is planning, designing, building and laying utilities for the community, including:
- Services below ground:
drainage, sewerage, broadband, dams, water supply… - Services above ground:
roads, tunnels, rail, ports, bridges, electricity generation…
According to Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, infrastructure activity is forecast to continue to increase to $10.1 billion in 2025 and Waikato is one of the regions which will contribute the most to this.
Civil Engineers are heavily involved in the infrastructure industry, find out more about Engineering in the Manufacturing and Technology Sector »
Sources: careers.govt.nz, beehive.govt.nz, Hays Salary Guide 2021, New Zealand Herald, nzrecreation.org.nz, seek.co.nz, sportnz.org.nz, Toi Māori Aotearoa, waikato.ac.nz, wecreate.org.nz, wintec.ac.nz, youthguarantee.education.govt.nz
Disclaimer: While the FutureForce® Team makes every effort to ensure the information on this website is correct, the editor and publisher do not assume and hereby disclaim any liability to any party for any disruption or loss caused by error or omissions. Content is designed to complement, but not replace, the advice of a career advisor.