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Construction Engineering Technician

Close-up of a Construction Engineering Technician's hands using a tool to degas paint. The person is wearing a ring on their right hand and a silver watch on their wrist, focusing on the precise task.

Learn industry-specific technologies to assist in the development and implementation of project goals in accordance with project plans, sustainability practices, and industry laws, codes and standards.

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Home / Learn / Programs List / Construction Engineering Technician 
Credential
Ontario College Diploma
Duration
Four semesters
Start Date(s)
January (Winter)
September (Fall)
Locations
Belleville
Open to
International Students
Domestic Students
CIP Code
15.1001

Find your career

Prepare for a high-demand position in:

  • Site supervision.
  • Building inspection and approval.
  • Construction project coordinator.
  • Structural drafting technician.
  • Construction estimator.
  • Construction superintendent.
  • Quality assurance (testing and inspection).
  • Project estimating.
  • Retail sales (building supply and rental).
  • Construction Engineering Technicians work in the construction industry with contractors, government agencies and engineers on a wide range of building construction projects.
  • Learn how to integrate science and engineering concepts with construction management skills to develop a career in building construction management, design and inspection.
  • Graduates are eligible for certification with the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT).

Our grads get great jobs

  • Grade Foreman, Drain Bros. Excavating
  • Carpentry Apprentice, Highland Design Build Ltd.
  • Lead Survey/Asst. Site Supervisor, Strathcona Solar Initiatives
  • Inspector, G.D. Jewell Engineering
  • Q.C. Administrator/Project Manager, The Miller Group

Is it for you?

Students who are successful in this program come with varied goals and experience:

  • People who may wish to start their own business.
  • Students who enjoy a challenge solving engineering-related problems.
  • Former construction workers looking to apply their experience and knowledge in a less physically demanding job.
  • People who would enjoy working outdoors, in an office, or a bit of both.

How you'll learn

Experiential learning

Enjoy a mix of learning experiences, indoors and out, with lots of personal attention from faculty:

  • Work with current versions of industry software, including AutoCAD, to create engineering drawings for land development applications and building engineering according to provincial and municipal standards.
  • The program combines classroom instruction, hands-on learning in the field and lab work in Loyalist’s Building Sciences Lab.
  • Gain experience in surveying, structural drafting, testing and inspection of construction materials, project supervision and estimating.
  • Apply your skills on a construction site while working one day a week during a semester-long on-the-job field placement.
  • Year one is common with the Civil Engineering Technician program, allowing for ease of transfer.

 

Outstanding faculty make the difference

Learn in small classes with an experienced faculty team including registered professional engineers:

  • Professors have specialized experience with global information systems and integrating global positioning systems into automated machine control for heavy equipment.
  • Teachers use their industry contacts to help connect students with jobs.

Courses

BLDG1001 Building Construction, Codes and Standards 1

This course is an introduction to typical construction methods and standards for houses and small buildings in Ontario. Part 9 of the Ontario Building Code is a major focus with particular attention to site work, footings, foundations, floor systems and stairs. The roles and responsibilities of architectural and construction professionals are reviewed.

CONS1000 Building Methods & Materials

This course deals with materials used in buildings as well as the methods and equipment used in construction. Materials include concrete, masonry, wood and steel.

MATH1002 Computations

This course is designed to help students understand the application of essential mathematical concepts in the field of building technology. Emphasis is on all basic arithmetic skills including algebra and trigonometry as they apply to the design and building industry.

CONS1001 Construction Techniques 1

This hands-on course explores common types of wood, wood structures, formwork, wood joints and hardware used in construction. Students will also learn about the selection, safe use and maintenance of hand tools, portable power tools, and stationary power tools commonly used on construction sites.

COMP1003 Engineering Applications

Students are introduced to Microsoft Office software. The basics of Microsoft Word are learned and Microsoft Excel is used with engineering applications.

SURV1000 Geomatics 1

Geomatics 1 is the first of three courses in surveying offered in the Building Sciences Program and introduces the learner to the survey technologist's/technician's role in communicating land-related information between stakeholders in Architectural/Engineering/Construction (AEC) projects. This dialog is dependent upon the efficient and accurate measurement of angles, distances and differences in elevations and the careful recording of the data gathered. Learners will explore the theory of making measurements during classroom lectures and develop the practical skills of operating automatic levels, total stations, electronic data-collectors, and GPS receivers during weekly field exercises.

CONS1002 Health & Safety-Construction

This course is designed to develop the students’ knowledge of the health hazards and safety risks that are present on a typical job site. The course will prepare students with strategies required for personal protection and general site safety. Upon completion of this course, the student will have earned certifications for key areas for employment on a typical construction project.

BLDG1007 Building Construction, Codes and Standards 2

This course deals with the design and construction of exterior walls, roofs, and the structure of residential wood-framed buildings. Section 9 of the Ontario Building Code is specifically referenced. There is an emphasis on insulation and building membranes. Alternative residential construction techniques are also introduced.
Prerequisite: BLDG 1001

PROF2039 Career Research

Students learn techniques to help them in their career, and to find the best jobs in the design and construction industry. Specific tools and techniques are examined to improve employability through ongoing personal development.

BLDG1004 Heavy Construction, Methods and Materials

This course deals with materials used in civil engineering works, and the methods and equipment used in construction with these materials. Materials include: soils, concrete, steel, heavy timber, and asphalt.

CONS1003 Materials Testing 1

Students obtain hands-on experience in a materials testing laboratory setting and become familiar with the mechanical properties of construction materials using CSA/ASTM standard test methods.

CONS1004 Plan Reading and Drafting 1

This course focuses on reading construction plans from government agencies, residential projects, and the industrial, commercial and institutional (ICI) construction sectors.

BLDG1003 Statics

This course deals with the effects of external forces on rigid bodies at rest. The first half of the course concentrates on forces and equilibrium. The second half deals with applications of basic principles to specific structural shapes (trusses, beams).
Prerequisite: MATH 1012

COMM1002 Technical Communications 1

Students develop communication skills for the presentation of technical information in business documents that meet the needs of clients and customers. Documents and presentations are produced in Word and PowerPoint.

GNED1100 Becoming a Global Changemaker

This Loyalist College graduate attributes course will help shape your perspectives, broaden your understanding of important issues affecting our societies today, and equip you with invaluable knowledge and skills that will inform your ability to influence your community in a meaningful and impactful way. By exploring topics such as cultural competency, Indigenous education, entrepreneurship, sustainability, health and wellness, and ecological literacy, you'll be equipped with a powerful toolkit that extends far beyond the classroom.

BLDG3006 Construction Supervision 1

Students study the role of the construction superintendent with special emphasis on leadership, labour relations, construction management and safety at the site level.

CONS2002 Construction Techniques 2

This hands-on course builds on Construction Techniques 1, focusing on the properties of wood, lumber and steel products in construction and building projects. Students will explore various methods of forming and placing concrete, as well as wood framing and steel erection, along with the related equipment. Emphasizing teamwork, the course provides opportunities for students to collaborate on construction projects.

SURV2000 Geomatics 2

This course is about engineering and construction surveying. It introduces the student to the major steps of surveying within an engineering project - setting up project control, completing topographic surveys including breaklines for terrain modeling, producing, transferring and extracting information with digital media, staking out alignment and grades for construction work. Advanced geomatics concepts such as ellipsoid, geoid, datum, projections, grids, and survey adjustments are introduced. Students become proficient at using total station equipment for pickup and layout and develop confidence in the accuracy and precision of various measuring methods. AutoCAD Civil 3D is used to develop terrain and simple road corridor design used in the stakeout.
Prerequisite: SURV 1001, COMP 1003

CONS2000 Materials Testing 2

This course is a continuation of Materials Testing 1.

CONS2001 Plan Reading and Drafting 2

This course builds on the concepts from Plan Reading & Drafting 1, further developing students' skills in plan interpretation and AutoCAD software. Students will enhance their ability to create construction drawings and detailing using production-level CAD programs. The course covers drafting standards, construction drawing organization and building detailing. Through the preparation of a partial set of construction drawings, students will learn techniques for properly scaled drawings, text and dimensions. The importance of as-built drawings in the construction industry will also be discussed.

BLDG2005 Strength of Materials

This courses focuses on concepts of stress, strain, tension, compression, shear, bending and mechanical properties of materials as they relate to the building industry are discussed.
Prerequisite: BLDG 1003, MATH 1007

GNED General Education Elective

General Education Courses

BLDG2000 Building Construction, Codes and Standards 3

Techniques for masonry construction are introduced, and include handling, weather, site and building design considerations. Detailing of wall connections, foundations and roof assemblies are also covered. This course discusses medium-scale commercial buildings, as described in Part 3 of the Ontario Building Code. This discussion will also integrate the fundamental understanding of the functionality and use of vapour/air/moisture barriers and membranes. The dynamics of the medium-scale structure are investigated, with particular attention to the rigours associated with the Canadian environment. The working drawings developed in CADD2000 are used for some of the lessons and assignments in this course.
Prerequisite: BLDG 1007
Co-requisite: CADD 2000

BLDG3011 Construction Supervision 2

This course is a continuation of Construction Supervision 1.
Prerequisite: BLDG 3006

BLDG2013 Contracts, Specifications and Estimating

Students study the various forms of contracts used in the construction industry. The style, purpose and method of writing specifications are studied. Using the contract, specifications and drawings, students prepare estimates of quantities of materials and construction costs for residential and industrial buildings.

ENVR2008 Environmental Protection Legislation

This course surveys Canadian environmental protection legislation addressing air quality, water quality, waste management, site decommissioning, noise, vibration, PCBs and asbestos. Legislation enforcement, environmental fate, audits, risk assessment and emergency planning are introduced, and ISO standards are discussed.
Prerequisite: BIOS 1007

BLDG2015 Mechanical and Electrical Systems

A study of plumbing (water supply, sewage disposal, site drainage), mechanical (heating, ventilating, air conditioning) and electrical systems related to building design and construction.

BLDG2009 Soil Mechanics

The behaviour of soil and produced aggregates used in construction processes are studied through a combination of practical and theoretical methods. The material properties necessary to anticipate this behaviour are determined through application of standardized laboratory test procedures.
Prerequisite: COMP 1003

BLDG2003 Structures and Drafting 1

Students learn about structural systems and their components, along with the principles of structural stability and load transfer. Students develop skills in structural drawing for wood, steel and reinforced concrete structures.
Prerequisite: BLDG 2018

GNED General Education Elective

General Education Courses

*Courses subject to change.

Three students help to position a beam of wood in the construction engineering lab, while a lab technician holds the lift jack. Green graphic circles are in the lower lefthand corner of the image.

Admission requirements

Required academic preparation

  • OSSD/OSSGD or equivalent with courses at the general, advanced, (C), (U) or (M) level, AND
  • Grade 12 English (C) level or equivalent

OR

Recommended academic preparation 

  • Grade 11 and 12 Math (MCF 3M and MCT 4C)

Academic upgrading

Are you missing admission requirements? Discover how Career and College Prep at Loyalist can help you get started on your journey.

International students  

Learn more about admission requirements for international applicants and how to apply.

 

This program may be PGWP-eligible. Learn more and explore Loyalist’s PGWP-aligned programs.

Costs

Approximate costs (2024 – 25)

  • Domestic Tuition: $2,722.08
  • Full-Time Ancillary Fees:* $1,367
  • Total: $4,089.08

Additional costs, such as supplies, travel and parking, may be incurred during workplace visits, etc.

 

*Fees related to programs that are less than or greater than two semesters will be adjusted accordingly. Fees are subject to change. Please visit the Tuition and fees page for a list of the many services, activities and items included within the ancillary fees, and the related policies.

Paying for college 

At Loyalist College, we believe that cost should never be a barrier to your success. We’re here to help you navigate the costs of college and connect you with a variety of financial aid programs, resources and donor-supported awards. Explore paying for college.

Schulich Builders

Students enrolling in this program may be eligible for the Schulich Builders scholarship program.

 

Schulich Builders covers tuition, tools and living expenses for students enrolling in a skilled trades program. Loyalist College will award ten scholarships per year:

  • Five $20,000 scholarships for one-year certificate programs, and
  • Five $40,000 scholarships for two-year diploma programs.

Learn more and apply today!

Approximate costs (2024 – 25)

  • International Tuition: $15,000
  • Full-Time Ancillary Fees:* $1,367
  • Mandatory Health Insurance: $659
  • Total: $17,026

Additional costs, such as supplies, travel and parking, may be incurred during workplace visits, etc.

 

*Fees related to programs that are less than or greater than two semesters will be adjusted accordingly. Fees are subject to change. Please visit the Tuition and fees page for a list of the many services, activities and items included within the ancillary fees, and the related policies.

Paying for college 

At Loyalist College, we believe that cost should never be a barrier to your success. We’re here to help you navigate the costs of college and connect you with a variety of financial aid programs, resources and donor-supported awards. Explore paying for college.

Two people in high visibility vests and hard hats look at blueprints on a construction site with a crane in the background. Blue graphic circles are in the lower lefthand corner of the image.

Further study

Flexible learning at Loyalist College

  • With many common courses during the first-year curriculum, you have the flexibility to transfer directly into year two of the Survey Technician program (with some additional courses) or Civil Engineering Technician/Technology.
  • Expand your qualifications and earn a double diploma in another college program, in as few as two semesters.

Pathways and university transfer 

Build on the knowledge and skills you learned at Loyalist by continuing your academic journey. Return to Loyalist to complete a second diploma or a post-graduate program in as little as a year, or receive credit recognition for your Loyalist studies when pursuing a degree at a university. Explore pathway opportunities.

Professional certification

College graduates must apply to the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT) to be certified in Ontario. Loyalist Construction Engineering Technician graduates meet the academic requirements for accreditation as a Certified Technician (C.Tech.). Applicants are also required to:

  • Complete additional work experience.
  • Provide peer references.
  • Pass a Professional Practice Examination administered by OACETT, offered four times a year.

Autodesk certification

Students are eligible to take the Autodesk certification exams at Loyalist College. Completing these industry-recognized credentials enables students to highlight that they have the in-demand skills employers are seeking.

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