Construction and Related Trades

Both around New Zealand and overseas, there is a constant demand for skilled tradespeople qualified in building, carpentry, plumbing and gasfitting, drainlaying, electrical services, and refrigeration and air conditioning.

Building, construction, plumbing and gasfitting suit hands-on, practical people who take pride in their work and are good team players. Whether you've just left school or you're keen to train for a new career, our courses let you start studying at a level that suits your skills and experience.

To support the growing demand in construction, we’re excited to launch a new area of study in construction management and quantity surveying. Find out more below.

Electrical trades are also highly sought after, with job opportunities ranging from electrical supply and maintenance and construction, through to electronics, data communications, computer network engineering and even factory robotics.

Refrigeration and air conditioning technicians are also in demand. You will need to have practical and hands on skills in mechanical, electrical and electronic systems, gas systems, atmospheric pressure and temperature.

Subject areas

Building, Construction and Carpentry
Electrical Trades
Mechanical Engineering Trades
Plumbing, Gasfitting and Drainlaying
Construction Management
Refrigeration and Air Conditioning

Potential Jobs

There are shortages of people in these jobs which means the chances of getting are job are good.

Once qualified, there is also the opportunity for you to open your own business and become self-employed.

JobAverage salary»
Carpenter (Builder) $25-$30 per hour (qualified and experienced)
$30-$38 per hour (foreman or supervisor level)
Building and Construction Manager $80K-$170K per year (depending on projects and experience)
Scaffolder $20-$25 per hour (with initial qualifications)
$25-$35 per hour (senior and supervisor level)
Brick and Blocklayer $25-$30 per hour (qualified)
$30-$40 per hour (highly experienced)
Painter and Decorator $20-$33 per hour (qualified and depending on experience)
Plasterer $18-$22 per hour (1-2 years' experience)
$22-$27 per hour (2+ years' experienced)
Roofer $18-$25 per hour (qualified with 1-3 years' experience)
$30-$40 per hour (senior or supervisor level)
Electrician $23-$32 per hour (qualified)
$80K-100K per year (depending on experience or specialisation)
Electronic Trades Workers (Electronics Technician) $40K - $70K per year
Telecommunications Technician

$34K-$51K per year (1-3 years’ experience)
$53K-$80K per year (3-5 years’ experience)

Plumber, Gasfitter and Drainlayer $25-$38 per hour (depending on specialisation and experience)
Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technician $52K-$80K per year (Qualified)
$80K-$100K per year (senior or supervisor level)
Fabrication Engineer (light, heavy, sheet metal and steel construction)

Up to $52K per year (Up to 5 years' experience)
$52K-$80K per year (senior or supervisor level)

Engineering Machinist

$40K-80K per year (with 2-5 years’ experience)
$80K-$110K per year (senior and supervisor level)

»Sourced from careers.govt.nz June 2018

Why choose MIT?

At MIT you'll get valuable workplace experience, as well as the skills and knowledge to prepare you for an apprenticeship and future employment as a licensed professional in the construction industry.

Our lecturers all have industry backgrounds, and our excellent facilities include fully-equipped machine workshops and a range of building sites for learning real-world construction skills. Our flexible options recognise your existing experience, and allow you work and study at the same time where possible.

We have strong relationships with business and Industry Training Organisations, giving you greater access to work experience opportunities while studying, apprenticeship placements and ongoing job opportunities after graduation.

Plus, we offer extra scholarships and apprenticeships through the Māori and Pasifika Trades Training Initiative.

MIT degree grads earn more*

Recently analysed Government data shows that MIT degree holders have the highest employment rates in the country five years after finishing their degrees. They can also expect to be among the best paid. Explore your study options and become one of MIT grads who earn more.

◊Recently analysed government data shows that MIT degree holders have the highest employment rates and among the highest median earnings in the country five years after finishing their degrees. View the full report at educationcentral.co.nz

Programmes

The following programmes are available in this area of study:

Level 3
Level 4
Level 5