New diploma huge step forward for building surveyors

NZIBS Conference 2016 delegates at the new viewing platform and Cloud sculpture in Napier during the event.

Earlier this year, NZIBS with the assistance of NZQA recognised training specialist Vertical Horizonz, assessed the NZIBS Core Module training and that resulted in it being accepted as a new Diploma in Building Surveying ISO9001:2008 (level 5), which is a ‘huge step forward’ for building surveyors, says Sally Dunbar, General Manager of NZIBS.

“The new diploma demonstrates the Institute’s commitment to high quality management systems and affirms our members’ educational achievements reach a high level, while providing them with a recognised career pathway.”

While the diploma training is open to be taken by anyone, Sally says the ideal candidate is someone who already has in-depth knowledge of the construction industry and who has on-the-job experience.

“This Diploma certification supports the sector’s professionalism by demonstrating graduates have met our high educational expectations.”

NZIBS students who started the Institute’s Training Programme in 2015 and 2016 can apply to complete the training to achieve the Diploma.

The Institute has also worked with some of its accredited in-house trainers and Vertical Horizonz to develop a formal NZIBS CPD Programme.

“We now provide a broad foundation in CPD through to extensive training depending on the attendees’ needs and aspirations.”

The New Zealand Institute of Building Surveyors has reached new heights since Sally Dunbar was appointed general manager two years ago.

Together, Noeline Clark (Institute Secretary) and Sally run the Institute’s day-to-day strategy, training, event management and other operational requirements of the Institute and support the elected Institute Executive, who are all in regular contact.

Membership growth over the past two years has made great strides.

“We’re proud to see this growth expansion. Its clear people see this as an exciting career option, particularly builders wishing to upskill and or designers looking to diversify their business,” says Sally.

The introduction of a new formal block course training program that started in 2015 in both Auckland and Christchurch, delivering the Institute’s Core Module training, has been one of the main drivers for new members.

The amount of training delivered by the Institute has also grown significantly in the last couple of years, she says.

“Last year alone we ran over 30 events to meet the needs of our members.”

Members of NZIBS also work closely with other professionals within related organisations including central and local Government, the Construction Industry Council (CIC), Building Research Association of New Zealand (BRANZ), Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), New Zealand Institute of Building (NZIOB), New Zealand Institute of Architects (NZIA), and Architectural Designers (ADNZ), New Zealand Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NZIQS), Institute of Professional Engineers New Zealand (IPENZ) and Builders.