Program Overview
In today’s skills-specific job market there is 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.
Admission Requirements
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or Mature Student Status
- Grade 12 English (C or U)
- Grade 12 mathematics (C, M or U)
Note: this program has additional recommended requirements. Please visit the Admission Requirements tab for further information.
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Tuition
Year one domestic: $2,722 (CAD)
Year one international: $13,322 (CAD)
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Semester 1 Courses
- Construction Math & Estimating I (CCCM 1402)
- Tools I (Hand Tools) (CCHT 1401)
- Layout Footings & Foundations (CCLF 1400)
- Tools II(Portable Power Tools) (CCPT 1404)
- Communication Foundations - Skilled Trades, Apprenticeship & Renewable Technology (COMM 1808)
- Fundamental Communication Skills (COMM 1810)
- General Education Elective (GNED 0000)
- Construction Site Safety (SAFE 1408)
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Safety
Carpentry
Construction
Technology recommendations
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.
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Co-operative Education (co-op)
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.
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Career Options
WHAT YOU COULD BE:
- Assistant to lead carpenter – construction technician
- Exterior finisher
- Finishing carpenter
- Framing carpenter
- Roofer
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Program Details
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.
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Admission Requirements
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or Mature Student Status
- Grade 12 English (C or U)
- Grade 12 mathematics (C, M or U)
Recommended
- Technical Mathematics
- Grade 11 or 12 physics (C, M or U)
Courses
Semester 1
- Construction Math & Estimating I (CCCM 1402)
- Tools I (Hand Tools) (CCHT 1401)
- Layout Footings & Foundations (CCLF 1400)
- Tools II(Portable Power Tools) (CCPT 1404)
- Communication Foundations - Skilled Trades, Apprenticeship & Renewable Technology (COMM 1808)
- Fundamental Communication Skills (COMM 1810)
- General Education Elective (GNED 0000)
- Construction Site Safety (SAFE 1408)
Semester 2
- Construction & Blueprint Reading (CCCB 3400)
- Construction Math & Estimating II (CCCM 2402)
- Residential Construction (CCRC 2401)
- Interpersonal & Group Dynamics (COMM 2326)
- General Education Elective (GNED 0000)
Semester 3
- Building Science (CCBS 2400)
- Exterior Finish (CCEF 3401)
- Roof Framing (CCRF 3402)
- General Education Elective (GNED 0000)
Semester 4
- Field Placement (BDCT 4405)
- Basic Casework (CCBC 4400)
- Introduction To Common Stairs (CCIC 4403)
- Interior Trim (CCIT 4401)
- Roof Framing (Intersecting Roofs And Engineered Systems) (CCRF 4402)
- Sustainable Building Practices (CCSB 4404)
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.
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:
Technology Recommendations
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
Questions regarding technology recommendations can be directed to the IT Service Desk or the school office.
Co-operative education (co-op)
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.
Program sequence
| Year 1 |
Academic semester 1 |
Academic semester 2 |
Co-op work term |
| Year 2 |
Academic semester 3 |
Academic semester 4 |
|
Courses
CO-OP Option
SEMESTER 1
SEMESTER 2
CO-OP WORK TERM
- 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 a program, students will have a co-op administrative fee of $475 assessed to their accounts. 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.
Please visit the Weston Family Scholarship in the Skilled Trades page to learn how you can apply.
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