In today’s skills-specific job market there is a demand for construction workers with the knowledge and skills to work in the evolving building construction industry. This program will provide foundational skills to transition into the current construction industry with a strong knowledge of the Ontario Building Code, latest edition. You will gain expertise in energy-efficient and environmentally responsible homes built with up-to-date materials and low carbon footprint, including Net Ready and Net Zero designs. This is a great opportunity for energetic students to join the booming construction industry. Graduates will meet the Ministry of Labour’s Working at Heights training requirement. Students will also have the opportunity to complete a co-operative education (co-op) or field placement, which provides invaluable real-life, hands-on work and industry experience that prepare graduates for successful careers.
To help students succeed in programs with remote learning requirements, Durham College’s IT Services department has identified minimum technology recommendations. While these are not program requirements, these suggestions will help ensure students have the right tools to support a quality remote learning experience.
The best way to succeed in your field is to immerse yourself in it! Co-op is an excellent way to build your professional network, explore career paths and apply in-class teachings to real work situations. Co-op is a model of education that integrates academic learning with workplace learning in fields relevant to our students’ academic and personal goals. Similar to an academic course, work terms are a mandatory component to this form of experiential learning.
In as little as 16 months, you can acquire the knowledge required to construct energy efficient and environmentally responsible residential buildings and perform a wide range of carpentry tasks and obtain the skills required to upgrade existing buildings.
Fundamental carpentry skills including the design and construction of footings and foundations, the layout and framing of floors, walls and roof systems and the completion of interior and exterior finishes will be covered. Throughout the program, energy efficiency, green building principles and materials and safety in construction practices will be emphasized. You will have an opportunity to participate in a framing project and work in a brand new construction laboratory that is equipped with the latest in building materials and technology.
Note: Extra certifications may take place outside of regular class time including evenings and on weekends.
Develop and use strategies for ongoing professional development to remain current with industry changes, enhance work performance and explore career opportunities.
Comply with worksite health and safety practices and procedures in accordance with current legislation and regulations.
Review building plans and complete work in compliance with contractual obligations, the Ontario and/or National Building Codes, applicable laws, bylaws, standards and ethical practices in the building construction field.
Incorporate sustainability practices in the implementation of building construction projects in accordance with sustainable building construction guidelines.
Communicate and collaborate with a range of tradespersons and diverse project stakeholders to complete projects on time and to maintain effective working relationships.
Produce project sketches and documents in accordance with project specifications to support building construction projects.
Solve problems related to the implementation of building construction projects by applying basic technical mathematics and the principles of building science.
Select, maintain and safely use hand tools, and portable and stationary power tools, to efficiently complete building construction projects.
Complete building stages, from site layout and footings to the application of interior and exterior finishes, according to specifications.
Prepare material and labour estimates according to building construction project specifications.
The courses listed below are for incoming students. If you are a current student, please refer to your program of study for the year you began your program. Your program of study can be found on MyCampus.
Roof Framing (Intersecting Roofs And Engineered Systems) (CCRF 4402)
Sustainable Building Practices (CCSB 4404)
Field Placement Preparation (FDPL 2201)
Courses and course descriptions are subject to change. Please note that as a result of COVID-19 the 2020-21 program of study may be modified to accommodate program delivery changes. Students should refer to their timetable for the most up-to-date course information.
Costs
This program contains a co-op option. Click here for information on program costs for co-op students.
Career Options
WHAT YOU COULD BE:
Assistant to lead carpenter – construction technician
Exterior finisher
Finishing carpenter
Framing carpenter
Roofer
WHERE YOU COULD WORK:
Construction sites
Self-employment
Habitat for Humanity sites worldwide
New home builder
Field Placement
Students completing a field placement will participate in a 70-hour work placement completed in semester 4, giving them practical experience and the opportunity to apply the theories and concepts they have learned.
Program Transfer, Degree Completion and Additional Credentials
Durham College also offers degree completion opportunities with a number of Canadian and international institutions. Sample diploma-to-degree opportunities include:
To help students have the best remote learning experience possible, Durham College’s IT Services department has identified technology recommendations for each program based on course needs and software requirements. While not required, students may want to consider these suggestions if they are purchasing a computer or laptop for the upcoming academic year.
Processor: i7 RAM: 16GB Storage: 256GB SSD Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 Professional or Education x64 SP1 Internet Browser: Internet Explorer 11 or Google Chrome (newest version) or Firefox (newest version) Network Adapter: 802.11ac 2.4/5 GHz wireless adapter Camera: Webcam/built-in camera
Internet connection
The best way to succeed in your field is to immerse yourself in it! Co-op is an excellent way to build your professional network, explore career paths and apply in-class teachings to real work situations. Co-op is a model of education that integrates academic learning with workplace learning in fields relevant to our students’ academic and personal goals. Similar to an academic course, work terms are a mandatory component to this form of experiential learning.
Students in the Building Construction Technician Diploma program will be invited to apply to the co-op option during their first academic semester. Entrance to the co-op option is limited and the processes for securing a work term are competitive. Students who qualify for co-op will be eligible to complete a four-month, paid work term between the second and third semesters of their program.
Supports are available through the Co-op office to assist students with securing their work terms. In addition, the Co-op office is in contact with co-op students and their employers during the work terms to help with any questions. Upon completing the work term, co-op students return to campus to complete their final two academic semesters of the program before graduating.
Co-op Work Term 1 (BDCC 1000)
The co-op work term will provide students with work experience in the construction industry. The co-op work term expands students’ learning environment to real work settings where they will be challenged to apply their academic knowledge and practical skills and then return to campus with a deepened understanding of industry demands and required skills.
Courses and course descriptions are subject to change.
Co-op administrative fee
Once transferred to the co-op option of this program, students will have a co-op administrative fee of $475 assessed to their accounts during the academic semester(s) prior to scheduled work term(s). The administrative fee goes to support the broad array of support services provided to co-op students. These services are dedicated to support student success.
Learn more
Find more information about the benefits of becoming a co-op student.
Find more information about the benefits of becoming a co-op employer.
Weston Family Scholarship
Durham College, in partnership with The W. Garfield Weston Foundation, is pleased to be helping build skilled trades careers with a scholarship worth up to $10,000.
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