Bachelor of Construction success: Caleb Kyle’s Quantity Surveying story at Ara

At 24, Caleb Kyle found himself at a crossroads. He was earning good money working at Christchurch Airport, but the role lacked progression. “It was suitable for someone in their early 20s,” he reflects, “but I knew I needed a career.” A neighbour who worked at Ara suggested quantity surveying, and with the government’s TTAF initiative making the New Zealand Diploma in Construction (Quantity Surveying) free, Caleb took the leap.

“I’ve always been good with numbers,” he says. “So I thought, let’s give it a go, let’s take a bit of a leap of faith with this.” Within months of starting at Ara, he knew he’d found his path. The diploma offered a direct route into a profession, and the timing—financially and personally—was right.

“I sacrificed time and money to go back down to the bottom of the food chain to then raise myself up.”

Scholarship, support and stepping up

A pivotal moment came when Caleb won the JH Mace Rawlinson Scholarship - a $5000 award and summer internship. Winning the scholarship in 2022 not only helped financially but also opened the door to Rawlinsons, a leading quantity surveying consultancy.

“They liked me and I liked them,” Caleb says. That summer internship turned into a full-time role with Rawlinsons and inspired him to pursue the Bachelor of Construction (Quantity Surveying) to future proof his career.

“I saw how people with more tools on their belt stayed employed during COVID restructures,” he explains. “I wanted to back myself with a qualification that would stand up internationally and open doors to leadership roles.”

“I knew I needed to back myself, and the best way to do that was with a degree.”

Balancing work and study

Caleb completed his diploma in two years full-time, then took on the bachelor’s degree part-time over two and a half years while working full-time at Rawlinsons. It wasn’t easy, but both Ara and Rawlinsons supported him every step of the way.

Rawlinsons offered paid study leave and flexible hours, while Ara’s course structure allowed him to study remotely—even while on secondment in Wellington. “I maybe came close to burnout a few times,” he admits, “but I had the support to get through it.”

He chose a slower pace, prioritising wellbeing and balance. “I wouldn’t recommend smashing out papers if it affects your time with whānau or your health,” he says. “I believe I chose the right timeline for me.”

“Stick at it. Just follow the river, follow the path, and get it done as soon as feasibly possible.”

Leadership and looking ahead

While the diploma laid the technical foundation, the degree broadened Caleb’s horizons. Electives like Principles of Leadership and Project Management helped him discover his passion for people-focused leadership. “My tutor, Dr Sunita Gautum, was incredible,” he says. “She pulled that out of me - I realised I want to be a people director in the future.”

Now a qualified quantity surveyor, Caleb is already contributing to major projects and watching buildings he helped cost come to life. But he’s not done learning. “No matter your title or how many LinkedIn connections you’ve got, you always need to be learning,” he says.

Looking back, Caleb has no regrets. “If I’d taken a year off, we’d be having this conversation in 2026,” he laughs. “But it’s 2025, and I’m done.”

Ready to take your own leap?

Explore the New Zealand Diploma in Construction (Quantity Surveying) or a Bachelor of Construction (Quantity Surveying) at Ara and get set for a career with real progression, industry connections and leadership potential.