Toi Ohomai Set To Launch Degree Apprenticeship Programme for Quantity Surveying

In a first for New Zealand, Toi Ohomai is the country's only polytechnic currently developing a Degree-Level* Apprenticeship qualification in Quantity Surveying, and is set to become the first institute to offer the pilot programme.

The pilot, which is still in the early stages of creation, will blend academic learning with practical work experience, equipping ākonga with the skills and knowledge employers' need. Ultimately, this innovative qualification will be made available to institutions nationwide, expanding opportunities for industry-aligned education and elevating the quantity surveying and construction sectors as a whole.

From Toi Ohomai, Academic Staff Member – Construction Technology, Emmolina May, is leading the project and collaborating closely with industry partners from the New Zealand Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NZIQS) and ConCOVE – Tūhura.

Following substantial research completed by ConCove, along with extensive evidence of the degree apprenticeship model being successful overseas, Emmolina says a working group is currently determining the qualification's framework, curriculum and content; and establishing a process to integrate work-based learning into the programme.

"A lot of work is going on behind the scenes at present. We're aiming to launch the programme in 2026 with the first intake of students to commence their studies at Pōike (Windermere) in Tauranga."

Toi Ohomai currently offers a New Zealand Diploma in Construction - Quantity Surveying (Level 6) course in Tauranga, which is popular among ākonga, especially people already working in the industry who want to upskill. Emmolina says the degree-apprenticeship programme will offer an alternative option for students seeking quantity surveying vocations, where learners can experience an earn while you learn approach and obtain relevant professional qualifications.

"We expect it will appeal to a wider audience, including international students, by offering more opportunities for in-work experience while studying with us," she says.

"Ākonga will be confident that they'll graduate with practical, hands-on experience as well as solid professional knowledge. This is an edge that will help them stand out to employers in the competitive construction industry."

Collaboration across industries will be key to the programme's success. A recent NZIQS degree apprenticeship programme implementation group has been formed to ensure the initiative progresses smoothly, with monthly meetings set to review the pilot's development and gain industry feedback and guidance. Group representatives include academic and industry professionals from all sectors - commercial to infrastructure.

Emmolina says she expects the degree apprenticeship programme for quantity surveying will bring greater equity to the offering too, and help strengthen the New Zealand construction sector's talent pipeline.

"This programme is about more than just teaching the content; it's about developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and developing leadership skills through an in-work component too. Our students will carry that into their careers, ensuring they're work-ready on graduation," says Emmolina.

The degree apprenticeship programme for Quantity Surveying aligns with Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology's commitment to providing flexible, industry-aligned learning pathways that meet the needs of both students and employers.

"At its core, the degree will enable ākonga to apply their learning in real-time, real-world scenarios. It will help close the gap between academic learning and workplace expectations. It holds the potential to shape the future of quantity surveying education in New Zealand for the better," says Emmolina. 

* Degree-level apprenticeships are programmes leading to qualifications at Levels 5, 6 or 7 on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework.

Find out more about Quantity Surveying here.