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Posted 19 hours ago By Trent Fearnley 2 Minute(s) to read

New Fire Engineering qualifications to support building compliance practice

FutureSkills will commence delivery of two NZQA-approved Fire Engineering qualifications in early 2026, developed to support capability development across the building compliance and fire safety workforce.

The new offerings include the New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (Fire Engineering) (Level 6) and the Micro-credential in Building Means of Escape (Level 6). Both programmes are aligned to the practical requirements of regulatory fire safety, compliance assessment, and fire engineering support roles within the built environment.

New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (Fire Engineering) (Level 6)

The New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (Fire Engineering) is a 240-credit Level 6 qualification aligned to the Dublin Accord, preparing graduates to operate at an engineering technician level within fire engineering practice.

The programme develops capability in areas directly relevant to building compliance, including fire dynamics, active and passive fire protection systems, means of escape, fire risk assessment, and the application of fire engineering principles within regulatory frameworks.

To accommodate both new entrants and experienced practitioners, the diploma is offered in two approved delivery modes:

  • Full-time delivery: Two years, with face-to-face classes delivered three days per week (Monday to Wednesday, 9.00am–3.30pm). The first intake commences February 2026.
  • Part-time delivery: Delivered through a structured blended model combining online evening classes during the week with alternate Saturday face-to-face sessions. This pathway is designed for practitioners working full-time in building compliance or fire safety roles. The first intake commences March 2026. Block-course delivery for face-to-face components may be available to support learners based outside Auckland.

Both modes lead to the same qualification and graduate outcomes, providing a clear pathway for practitioners seeking formal recognition of their technical fire engineering capability.

Micro-credential: Building Means of Escape (Level 6)

The Building Means of Escape micro-credential is a 15-credit Level 6 programme focused on the applied design and evaluation of egress systems in buildings. It addresses occupant behaviour, evacuation principles, ASET/RSET concepts, emergency lighting and signage, and the preparation of compliant evacuation drawings in accordance with Building Code clauses C and F.

The micro-credential is delivered over 10 weeks using a blended model, combining online evening classes with a small number of Saturday face-to-face workshops. It is intended for practitioners who require targeted upskilling to support Building Warrant of Fitness, compliance assessment, or regulatory review activities.

Relevance for ABC members

These qualifications provide ABC members with structured, NZQA-recognised pathways to strengthen technical competence in fire engineering and regulatory fire safety, while remaining in employment. They are designed to complement existing building control and compliance roles, and to support workforce capability development across both public and private sector environments.

Further information and applications are available at https://www.futureskills.co.nz/programmes/category/Manufacturing-and-Engineering or by contacting FutureSkills on 0800 550 410.