Persistence has paid off for building surveying student Oliva McGregor.

The mother of two has endured a taxing year juggling the demands of raising a family, maintaining a job and studying. “To say that this year has been extremely challenging would be an understatement,” she says.

But Oliva is reaping the rewards after landing a dream role as a Building Control Officer at the Timaru District Council.

The 34-year-old says the skills she gleaned through the NZ Diploma in Building Surveying (Blended online) have been valuable at the new job. “The content that Future Skills Academy provided throughout this year’s papers, that I spent many tiresome hours studying, is already helping me carry out the processing role.”

After completing her last assignment, she will change her study from in-class to while working with the NZ Diploma in Building Surveying (In employment). This will involve taking block courses next year to finish the Diploma. “I am really looking forward to next year where I will be able to practise what I am studying on the job whilst having the support of co-workers.”

The Timaru resident says she harbours a real passion for the construction industry, a longstanding part of her career history. “There is so much going on in the industry and it is quite fluid.” A love for construction runs in the family- husband Shannon is a builder.

Olivia’s previous role in an architectural firm saw her pre-vetting and submitting building consents. “That spurred my interest in learning about building compliance as well as being eager to secure a qualification and a sound, long term career. After a quick google search, Future Skills Academy came up with the qualification I was after to comply with the regulation 18 requirement to be able to work in a Building Consent Authority.”

Olivia savoured learning about New Zealand’s construction history and legislative relationship, and how buildings were created. She also relished the work experience component which she initiated by contacting two acquaintances at the Timaru District Council. Kerry McDonald took her out to site inspections and Paul Hansen let her observe plan processing in the office. “These two gave me so much of their time and guidance,” she says. “Without them, I would never have got through this year, so I am extremely grateful to both.”

Oliva urges anyone undertaking study, especially long distance, to keep at it. “Yes, it’s hard work, but find a supportive mentor or two and just keep ticking off the assignments one by one, especially given our current Covid-19 living conditions! In the words of the late Kobe Bryant, 'Great things come from hard work and perseverance. No Excuses.’”

She is looking forward to spending quality time during the summer break with her husband, daughter Isobel, 7 and son Henry, 2. “I am a Christmas fanatic,” she says. “I can’t wait to put up the tree and decorate it twice, as I will have to rearrange the kids’ decorations!”