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Civil Engineering Technician 

A group of civil engineering technician students are located in a classroom setting. Some students are actively working with wood and machinery, focusing on their tasks, while the rest of the group observes, attentively watching the process

By integrating science and engineering concepts with industry-specific technologies, civil engineering technicians assist in the construction and maintenance of infrastructure projects, such as roads, bridges, buildings and water supply systems.

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Home / Learn / Programs List / Civil 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
15.0201

Find your career

Our graduates are employed by: 

  • Construction contractors
  • Engineering consulting firms
  • Government agencies (such as transportation and public works departments)
  • Architectural and engineering services firms
  • Utility companies
  • Environmental and geotechnical consulting firms

Prepare for high-demand positions in:

  • Conducting surveys and performing field investigations to gather data and information for design purposes.
  • Utilizing computer-aided design (CAD) software to create detailed drawings and models.
  • Inspecting and evaluating project sites for compliance with safety and environmental regulations.
  • Conducting on-site quality assurance.
  • Graduates are eligible for certification with the Ontario Association of Certified Technicians and Technologists (OACETT) as C-Tech.

Our grads get great jobs

  • Road construction inspection
  • Building inspection
  • Structural drafting for construction companies
  • Site inspection for consulting engineering companies
  • Quality assurance for consulting engineering companies

Is it for you?

This career holds rewarding opportunities for students who:

  • Like to know how things work.
  • Are passionate about making a lasting difference in the community.
  • Are good at visualizing problems to tackle solutions.
  • May prefer the option to work indoors or outdoors.

How you'll learn

Experiential learning

This well-rounded program combines classroom instruction and hands-on learning, both outside (in the field) and inside, in our building sciences lab using industry-standard equipment.

  • Through a combination of theory and hands-on training, prepare for a rewarding career assisting civil engineers in designing, planning and managing projects that improve communities and enhance quality of life.
  • Get a solid foundation in surveying techniques, drafting principles and computer applications, using programs such as AutoCAD and AutoCAD Civil 3D and ArcGIS.
  • Gain skills in structural, municipal and highway design, drafting, materials testing, surveying, inspection, construction supervision and project estimating, to name a few.
  • Apply engineering theories in our industry-standard materials testing facility.
  • Year one is common with the Construction Engineering Technician program, allowing for ease of transfer.
  • Obtain the academic requirements of the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT) or transition to a university degree in Canada or abroad.

Courses

BLDG1005 Building Methods & Materials

This course deals with materials used in buildings, and the methods and equipment used in constructing with these materials. Materials include: concrete, masonry, wood and steel.

CADD1004 CAD 1

Cad 1 is an introductory course in 2-D computer aided drafting, using the AutoCAD program. The initial focus of the course is to learn and implement basic commands to create, edit, store and retrieve data. This skill and knowledge is developed through basic, simple drawing assignments. Another component of the course is dedicated to developing print reading skills as related to construction documentation.

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.

MATH1012 Math 1

Students learn to use the mathematical tools that are required in their engineering subjects. Building sciences applications of algebra, geometry and trigonometry are emphasized.

CADD1005 CAD 2

CAD 2 is an extension of CAD1. The objective of this course is to further enhance student's knowledge of the AutoCAD software. Having developed an understanding of basic functions such as geometry creation, editing, dimensioning and annotation, students learn more advanced features of the software to facilitate drawing creation and organization, primarily in a 2-D setting. This will be accomplished by the use of more involved, complex and discipline related projects. A component of the course will also include print reading fundamentals with construction drawings. Prerequisite: CADD 1004 or TECH 8150

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.

SURV1001 Highway Technology 1

This course introduces the learner to the geometry of Canadian highways and how various factors such as design speed, climate, traffic flow, and vehicle characteristics affect the properties of proposed roads. Candidates will apply the skills and mathematical techniques introduced in Mathematics 1 and Geomatics 1 to calculate the minimum radius of a highway, determine appropriateness of introducing transition curves, deciding if and when to alter the cross-section of the roadway, when to insert vertical curves, and how to prepare information to control the construction of a roadway. Prerequisite: MATH 1012, SURV 1000

MATH1007 Mathematics 2

This course is a continuation of Mathematics 1. Prerequisite: MATH 1012

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.

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

BLDG2006 Highway Technology 2

This course introduces students to principles involved in the design, construction, and operations of roads and highways in Ontario, building on the basic knowledge gained in Geomatics, Computer Applications, and AutoCAD courses. Topics include road classification, level of service, interpreting topography, drainage requirements, and advanced highway geometry. AutoCAD Civil 3D is introduced to support highway design using Civil 3D Surface, Alignment, Profile, Assembly, and Corridor objects. Prerequisite: SURV 1001, COMP 1003, CADD 1005

BLDG2008 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. Prerequisite: BLDG 1005, COMP 1003 Co-requisite: BLDG 2005

MUNI2000 Municipal Services 1

This course introduces fundamental design concepts of municipal services/engineering to students. Topics include hydraulics of pipes and channels, hydrology (precipitation and runoff), water demand, sewage generation, sewer network design and conveyance, and design of individual building servicing. Also included are references to design guidance from local Municipal, Provincial, and Federal (and other) regulatory agencies. Prerequisite: MATH 1007, CADD 1005

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

BLDG2004 Structural Drafting

Students learn the general requirements for structural steel design drawings and shop detail drawings. Drawing projects will include beam shop details and bracing details. Prerequisite: CADD 1005

GNED General Education Elective

General Education Courses

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.

BLDG2014 Materials Testing 2

This course is a continuation of Materials Testing 1. Prerequisite: BLDG 2008

MUNI2001 Municipal Engineering 1

Using Autodesk Civil 3D this course teaches the principals and processes for the creation of municipal road, drainage, and services. Students will select a parcel of land and, through the course materials – lectures, demonstrations, text, standards, examples, tutorials, and assignments – produce an urban municipal subdivision design. Prerequisite: BLDG 2006

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

BLDG2010 Strength of Materials 2

Strength of Materials 2 is a continuation of Strength of Materials 1. Students solve problems related to elementary strength of materials topics. This course is a further study of the effects of loads on building components. The deflection of beams and behaviour of columns are also studied. Prerequisite: BLDG 2005

BLDG2011 Structures

Students study the primary types of structures and their component elements, dead and live loads, which can be applied to a structure. Using limit state design concepts, loads acting on members are determined, and structural elements sized. Prerequisite: BLDG 2005

GNED General Education Elective

General Education Courses

*Courses subject to change.

Two civil engineering technician students are looking at a mixer. One student is using the mixer while the other student is observing. Fourteen 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.

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 civil engineering technician students are working on a project in a classroom setting. Fourteen 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 Engineering Technician program (with some additional courses) or Construction Engineering Technician program.
  • Expand your qualifications and earn a double diploma in another College program in as little as two semesters.
  • Expand on your skills with a third year of study in the Civil Engineering Technology advanced diploma program.

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 Civil Engineering Technician and Technologist graduates meet the academic requirements for accreditation as a Certified Technician (C.Tech.) or Certified Technologist (C.E.T.). 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
  • Write a Technology Report (for C.E.T. certification)

Study abroad

Explore opportunities to continue your studies in Ireland.

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.

Related programs

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A student in a high visibility vest takes a measurement for a land survey, looking through the viewer in front of two trees.

Survey Engineering Technician

Survey technicians are in demand in many industries. Using instruments and computer software, survey engineering technicians conduct field measurements and analyze data to determine the precise locations of natural features, structures and property boundaries.
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.

Construction Engineering Technician 

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.
Two women in a workshop give thumbs up while standing in front of a large hydraulic press machine. The woman on the left wears a "Loyalist College Civil Engineer" hoodie, and the woman on the right wears a "Loyalist" hoodie. Both are smiling, wearing safety glasses, and standing on either side of a piece of wood being tested by the machine.

Civil Engineering Technology 

An education in civil engineering can offer many opportunities – leading to rewarding careers both in the office and out in the field, in areas such as structural design, surveying, transportation and environmental engineering.