The Building Construction Technician (BCT) program at Algonquin College prepares students to find entry-level employment in a wide number of areas in the construction industry, including framing/formwork, door and window installation, interior or exterior finishing, junior estimator, and assistant project manager. This program is also valuable to those seeking a carpentry apprenticeship.
- Ontario College Diploma
- 45 Week(s)
- Program Code:
- 6442X04FWO
- Academic Year:
- 2011/2012
Our Program
This condensed Ontario College Diploma program prepares students for employment in the construction industry in both the hands-on skills sector and the knowledge and management areas. The goal of the program is to provide students with a foundation of knowledge and skills upon which they can build a lifelong career in any position in the building industry.We deliver this program out of our brand new Algonquin Centre for Construction Excellence (ACCE) facility fully outfitted with new, up-to-date equipment and tools allowing Algonquin to teach the full range of traditional, as well as advanced technology involved in today's construction industry.
This program is delivered over three consecutive Levels. In Level 01, students learn the basics of drafting, geometric designs and construction of roofs and arches, computer applications, construction safety and building structures. These courses all have a significant hands-on component and are supplemented with training in manual drafting, mathematics and begin building a strong foundation of essential skills that employers are looking for from their employees in the areas of communications and computer applications as they relate to the construction industry.
In Level 02, students cover AutoCAD, plan reading and material estimating, communications, the application of the principles of building science, production of scaled models of wood framed structures, and the selection and application of exterior residential finishes.
In Level 03, students address applied mechanics, building layout, advanced AutoCAD, the construction of interior finishing systems, structural steel framing, insulated concrete foundations, deck and porch construction, and construction from a historical perspective.
Upon completion of this hands-on program, graduates are equipped with skills that may earn them employment locally, nationally or internationally.
Qualified students have the opportunity to participate in a paid cooperative employment placement where invaluable experience and insight into the construction industry is gained before embarking on their career including apprenticeship.
SUCCESS FACTORS
This program is well-suited for students who:
- Are team-oriented and like to work with others.
- Enjoy working in a dynamically-driven environment.
- Enjoy a hands-on approach to learning about the construction industry.
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Your Career
Graduates may find work as apprentices carpenters. Graduates may also apply for entry-level positions in the following occupations: construction framer, interior systems installer, exterior systems applicator, door and window installer, concrete form worker, deck and porch design/builder, junior estimator and assistant project manager.Back to Top
Courses
Programs at Algonquin College are delivered using a variety of instruction modes. Courses may be offered in the classroom or lab, entirely online, or in a hybrid mode which combines classroom sessions with online learning activities. Upon registration, each full-time student is provided an Algonquin email account which is used to communicate important information about program or course events.| Level: 01 | Hours | |
| CON8114 | Building Structures I This course provides the student with the skills required for the safe use of hand tools and portable power tools. The structural knowledge needed to design and construct a small building that falls under part 9 of the Building Code is also covered. Students are introduced to the methods and materials of floor, wall, and roof framing, and learn the practical application required for the safe use of ladders and personal protective equipment as practised on construction sites. | 165.0 |
| CON8115 | Construction Safety This course provides the student with the knowledge required for the safe use of ladders, scaffold and rigging equipment as practised on construction sites. Students are introduced to the Construction Regulations of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, the requirements of the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS), fall protection and excavation hazards. Course delivery is a combination of online material and classroom theory. | 30.0 |
| CON8125 | Applied Construction Geometry This course provides the student with the skills and knowledge required to layout and construct gable, hip and octagonal roofs, arches and compound angles for sawhorses. | 75.0 |
| DAT2004 | Computer Applications In this hands-on course, students examine the essentials of the computer operating system and use current software packages to perform practical workplace tasks. Tasks incorporate file management, file sharing, email and electronic calendars, documents with graphical illustrations, spreadsheets and presentations. Assignments are linked to vocationally-specific problems and projects. | 45.0 |
| DRA8110 | Drafting This course provides an introduction to manually produced working drawings of wood-framed house construction including floor and foundation plans, elevations and cross-sections. | 45.0 |
| ENL1813X | Communications I Communication remains an essential skill sought by employers, regardless of discipline or field of study. Using a practical, vocation-oriented approach, students focus on meeting the requirements of effective communication. Through a combination of lectures, exercises, and independent learning, students practise writing, speaking, reading, listening, locating and documenting information and using technology to communicate professionally. Students develop and strengthen communication skills that contribute to success in both educational and workplace environments. | 45.0 |
| MAT8110 | Technician Mathematics I This course provides the student with the knowledge to perform technical calculations effectively and efficiently, including modules on computations and unit conversions, measurement, ratio and proportion, scientific notation, exponentials, radicals, Pythagorean Theorem, linear equations, word problems and graphing. | 45.0 |
| Level: 02 | Hours | |
| CAD8010 | AutoCAD I This course focuses on the drawing and editing commands and other various tools required to produce two dimensional architectural drawings using AutoCAD on a Windows platform. | 45.0 |
| CON8120 | Building Structures II This course provides the student with the knowledge to specify and design, and the skills to safely operate and maintain stationary power tools and the hand tools needed to cut, assemble, and finish scale models of wood-framed structures and install exterior residential finishes. Prerequisites: CON8114 | 150.0 |
| CON8126 | Plan Reading and Estimating This course provides the student with the knowledge and skills required to read and interpret residential and commercial working drawings and to prepare material and labour cost estimates. Students learn to allow for all aspects of the job including quantity takeoffs, overhead expenses, payroll costs, equipment rental and leasing costs, inflationary parameters, and profit margins as used in producing business plans and closing bid proposals. | 60.0 |
| CON8134 | Building Science This course introduces students to the basic concepts of moisture, air and heat flow and their relationship to the "House as a System". Students analyze building materials as found in foundation, wall and roof assemblies. The results are evaluated using Canadian Construction Materials Centre (CCMC) standards for energy consumption, indoor air quality, building envelope failure and mold growth. Course delivery is a combination of online material and classroom theory. | 45.0 |
| GED8000 | Is That Ethical? What is ethical behaviour? It is demanded by consumers; it is expected by employers; and it is essential in successful personal relationships. Sometimes, however, in our complex society, competing interests create difficult choices for individuals where the right path may not be clear. In this course, students explore and define ethical behaviour, examine the consequences of unethical conduct, and apply critical-thinking techniques and decision-making tools to various ethical problems. From these activities, students develop a set of principles and guidelines that help resolve any ethical issues they may encounter. | 45.0 |
| MAT8120 | Technician Mathematics II This course provides the student with the knowledge needed to solve problems involving geometry, quadratic and polynomial equations, basic descriptive statistics, right angle and oblique angle trigonometry and vectors. Prerequisites: MAT8110 | 45.0 |
| Choose one from equivalencies: | Hours | |
| GED6442 | General Education Elective Students choose one course, from a group of general education electives, which meets one of the following five theme requirements: Arts in Society, Civic Life, Social and Cultural Understanding, Personal Understanding, and Science and Technology. Equivalencies: DSN2001 or ENV0002 or FAM1218 or FIN2300 or GED5200 or GED5300 or GEN1957 or GEN2000 or GEN2003 or GEN2007 or GEN2009 or HIS0001 or HIS2000 or HOS2228 or LIB1982 or MGT7330 or MVM8800 or PSI1702 or RAD2001 or SOC2003 or GED6022 or GED5005 or GED5002 or GED5006 or GED5004 or GED1896 or ENL7643 or GED5009 or PSI0003 | 45.0 |
| Level: 03 | Hours | |
| CAD8020 | AutoCAD II This course completes the total package of commands and tools needed to produce 2D architectural drawings using AutoCAD on a windows platform. Students use model and paper space, attributes and blocks. Prerequisites: CAD8010 | 45.0 |
| CON8111 | Construction Layout This course provides the student with the skills and knowledge needed to layout a building footprint on a building lot using plot plans, site surveys, automatic levels, transits and theodolites. Students learn to conduct differential levelling of construction sites, to complete open and closed traverses and to maintain field books. | 60.0 |
| CON8131 | Building Structures III This course provides the student with the knowledge and skills to use layout, framing, cutting tools to assemble insulated concrete foundation forms (ICF) and residential steel framing for walls. Students produce working drawings and build decks, and porches for the front and rear entrances of buildings. | 90.0 |
| ENG8130 | Applied Mechanics This course provides an introduction to the concepts of force vectors and force equilibrium and their application to the analysis of simple mechanical and structural systems. Topics include resultant forces, force equilibrium, reaction forces, simple machines and truss systems. Prerequisites: MAT8120 | 60.0 |
| ENL2003 | Communications II for Technicians This course introduces realistic workplace scenarios that help students solve communication problems typically found on the job. These include analyzing and interpreting contracts and warranties, writing progress reports and summaries. They learn how to handle difficult customers, as well as handle conflicts within the workplace. Students research the current job market in their industry and present data to support their findings about the types of work and working conditions that exist in their chosen field. They also discuss networking techniques. In addition, students prepare targeted resumes, and cover letters and participate in simulated job interviews. Prerequisites: ENL1813X | 45.0 |
| HIS8482 | History of Architecture I This course surveys the history of western architecture from pre-history to the present. The aim of this course is to develop a general understanding of the origins of architectural styles while looking at the evolution of building technology. | 45.0 |
| WKT2012 | Cooperative Education Work Term Preparation Building Trades Programs Prior to their co-op work term, students study cooperative education and work term objectives, policies and procedures, strategies for employability and on-the-job protocols. Students participating in co-op must complete the co-op preparation modules which are offered in an online delivery mode. The course is marked as pass/fail. Two face-to-face one hour sessions are held with co-op staff to prepare students to compete for jobs, to discuss co-op evaluations, work report guidelines and to practise interview skills. | 15.0 |
| WOO8805 | Interior Systems This course provides the student with the knowledge and skills to design and build residential and light commercial interior systems. Structure and aesthetics are considered in the guided approach to floor, wall, and ceiling finishes and mouldings. Prerequisites: CON8120 | 120.0 |
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Fees & Expenses
Approximate Program CostsTuition/Fees: $ 5,852
Books/Supplies: $ 1,800
Incidental Fees: $ 265
Total: $ 7,917
Tuition Fees listed are in effect for the 2011-2012 academic year.
Tuition Fees: $1,612.40 per term.
Information Technology Fee: $62 per term. *
Incidental Fee: $160 in Level 01, $65 in Level 02 and $40 in Level 03.
Student Activity/Sports Fee: $190.50 per term.
Student Centre Building Fee: $17.50 per term.
Health Service Fee: $10 per term.
Health Plan Fee: $114.50 paid once annually. **
A $35 graduation fee is payable in the final term.
A $25 transcript fee is payable in the first term a student attends Algonquin College.
International Students pay all relevant Canadian fees plus an International Premium of $4,400 per term.
* Students paying the Information Technology fee are provided with a network account, an email address, and Internet access. For more information please visit our website at www.algonquincollege.com/its/services/it_fee.htm
** Students who have coverage with another plan can request a refund by supplying the Students' Association with documentation supporting the
request. This request will have to be made annually.
Books, supplies and expenses total approximately $1800 for the program duration.
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Admission Requirements
College Eligibility
Should the number of qualified applicants exceed the number of available places, applicants will be selected on the basis of their proficiency in English and mathematics.
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent. Applicants with an OSSD showing senior English and/or mathematics courses at the Basic Level, or with Workplace or Open courses, will be tested to determine their
eligibility for admission; OR - Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) certificate; OR
- General Educational Development (GED) certificate; OR
- Mature Student status (19 years of age or older and without a high school diploma at the start of the program). Eligibility may be determined by academic achievement testing for which a fee of $40 (subject to change) will be charged.
- English, Grade 12 (ENG4C or equivalent).
- Mathematics, Grade 12 (MAP4C or equivalent).
Should the number of qualified applicants exceed the number of available places, applicants will be selected on the basis of their proficiency in English and mathematics.
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Application Information
Applications to full-time day programs must be submitted with official transcripts showing completion of the academic admission requirements through:ontariocolleges.ca
60 Corporate Court
Guelph, Ontario
N1G 5J3
1-888-892-2228
Students currently enrolled in an Ontario secondary school should contact their Guidance Office to apply. For all other applicants, applications are available online at ontariocolleges.ca. A $95 fee applies.
Applications for Fall Term, Winter Term and Spring Term admission received by February 1 will be given equal consideration. Applications received after February 1 will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis as long as places are available.
International applicants applying from out-of-country can obtain the
International Student Application Form at
https://xweb.algonquincollege.com/FormIE/index.aspx or by contacting the Registrar's Office.
For further information on the admissions process, contact:
Registrar's Office
Algonquin College
1385 Woodroffe Ave, Room C150
Ottawa, ON K2G 1V8
Telephone: 613-727-0002
Toll-free: 1-800-565-4723
TTY: 613-727-7766
Fax: 613-727-7632
Email: askalgonquin@algonquincollege.com
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Additional Information
Graduates of the diploma program, who become registered as apprenticecarpenters, may be eligible to apply for Advanced Standing for the in-school portion of their apprenticeship training. Graduates may also be eligible to apply for Advanced Standing in the Construction Engineering Technician and Civil Engineering Technology programs.
For more information, please contact Greg Kenny, 613-727-4723 ext. 3234 or greg.kenny@algonquincollege.com.
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Every attempt is made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this publication. The College reserves the right to modify or cancel any course, program, fee, timetable, or campus location at any time
