New National Diploma in Building Controls being developed
In 2004 the Department initiated arrangements for the development and delivery of a new national diploma specifically designed for people in the building controls sector.
The National Diploma in Building Controls will be the first qualification offered on a national level to cover the full range of competencies required of a building official. It will be registered with the New Zealand Qualifications Authority and available from 2006.
For those more experienced building officials there will be a Recognition of Current Competency (RCC) package that will be developed later this year and available from January 2006. This will provide an alternative assessment pathway for experienced building officials who may wish to demonstrate their current skills and knowledge against the requirements of the new national diploma.
An Education and Training Advisory Group made up of building controls representatives has been working with InfraTrain (an Industry Training Organisation) to develop the content and structure of the diploma. The first phase of this work is now complete and InfraTrain is currently seeking feedback on the draft qualification.
This is an important opportunity to contribute to the establishment of this career path within the building industry. The new qualification will enhance and formalise the professional nature of building officials, develop a distinct profession within the wider building industry and lift the skills of the workforce. Long term, it will bring recognition to the vital role building officials hold in the building and construction process.
To ensure building officials have the opportunity to participate in this new education programme, the Wellington Institute of Technology (WelTec) was selected as the preferred education provider for the delivery of the new national diploma. WelTec programmes will be available throughout the country and include regional seminars.
The new national diploma will be available from early 2006. In the meantime, in 2005 WelTec are offering a shorter programme, the NZQA-approved WelTec Diploma in Building Surveying which will cross-credit to the new diploma in 2006. Information about enrolment options for 2005 is being distributed by WelTec.
Contact for more information
About the education strategy for building officials:
Michelle Manley
Senior Education Adviser
Department of Building and Housing
DDI (04) 470 1052
michelle.manley@dbh.govt.nz
About enrolments and information for WelTec programmes:
Mike Brannigan
Programme Leader
WelTec
(04) 920 2454
michael.brannigan@weltec.ac.nz
InfraTrain:
Kevin Walker
(04) 920 2454