THE VALUE OF EDUCATION AS A PRE-REQUISITE FOR OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING IN THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT

During the last 50 years, education for the built environment professional in Australia, has undergone many changes. The profession encompasses construction, project management, property agency, valuation, engineers and architects. Within Australia, each state and territory has a range of regulatory bodies and professional associations to monitor and enforce compliance and licensing relating to educational requirements. Professional licensing requirements often drive tertiary education requirements.

This research paper examines the need for compulsory education in the property and construction industries. Additionally, emphasis on the fields of knowledge embedded within the course curriculum, and the requirements for work experience are discussed. The research is complemented with data from New South Wales and the governments’ purpose for initially introducing compulsory education, and the subsequent amendments thereafter. It is argued that education as a pre-requisite for occupational licensing provides many benefits for the end user. Furthermore, with the changing nature of the work environment, education is viewed as a convenient vehicle to deliver the needs of the consumer.

The paper concludes with an evaluation of the current regulatory controls on the educational requirements within the property and construction sectors.