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.

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

CARC1000 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.

CONS1008 Building Methods & Materials

Students will investigate the primary materials used in the construction industry. Students will work with aggregates, concrete, wood, steel and asphalt, practicing the methods and using the equipment associated with each material.

CONS1001 Construction Techniques 1

Students will work hands-on to develop core construction skills. Students will practice maintenance and safe use of hand and portable power tools while completing projects in layout and building techniques, integrating both theoretical knowledge and practical application.

CIVL1001 Engineering Applications

Students will apply software to solve engineering problems, improve design efficiency and support planning analysis and management of engineering projects.

CONS1002 Health & Safety-Construction

Students will learn about health hazards and safety risks present on construction sites. Students will navigate the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations for Construction Projects, applying their knowledge to promote safe work environments for themselves and others.

SURV1016 Surveying

Students will be able to explain the role of the survey technician in communicating land-related information among industry stakeholders in engineering and construction. They will be able to accurately measure angles, distances and elevations, record field data and apply surveying theory while developing practical skills using automatic levels, total stations, electronic data collectors and GNSS receivers through hands-on field exercises.

MATH1059 Technical Mathematics

Course description not available

CONS1009 Aggregates & Concretes

Students will become familiar with construction materials, their properties and associated testing equipment by working in a laboratory setting to conduct material testing. Students will evaluate material properties and relate findings to CSA/ASTM Standards for Testing, Ontario Provincial Standard Specifications (OPSS), Ontario Building Codes (O.B.C.) and contract requirements. Students will focus on Ready-Mix Concrete design for civil and building applications. Prerequisite: MATH 1059

BLDG1007 Building Construction, Codes and Standards 2

Students will design floors, exterior walls, roofs and structural systems using light wood‑framed construction methods. Students will apply Part 9 of the Ontario Building Code to inform real building practices. Students will detail building assemblies with attention to insulation, air movement and moisture control through proper use of building membranes. Students will promote energy efficiency and sustainability by exploring alternative construction methods emerging in the industry. Prerequisite: BLDG 1001

CONS1011 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.

COMM1066 Communications

This course prepares students to be successful in college communication and is foundational for workplace communications.

SURV1013 Geographical Info System

Students will be introduced to the principles and applications of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for collecting, managing, analyzing and visualizing spatial data. Students learn how GIS supports decision-making in fields such as urban planning, civil engineering, environmental management and infrastructure development. Prerequisite: CIVL 1000

SURV1018 Heavy Construction Methods

Course description not available

CONS1010 Plan Reading & Drafting

Students will develop effective communication skills in the construction industry through drawing and formal drafting. Students will learn to read and interpret construction drawings and apply the information to construction projects. Students will examine plans and discuss construction practices across various industry sectors, including Residential, Small Building (Commercial) and Civil Construction.

CIVL1002 Statics

Students will analyze the effects of external forces on rigid bodies at rest. Students will examine forces and equilibrium, and apply these principles to structural elements such as trusses and beams. Prerequisite: MATH 1012 or MATH 1036 or BUSI 8164 or MATH 10001 or MATH 1059

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.

CONS2013 Aggregates and Asphalt

Prerequisite: CONS 1009

CONS2012 App CAD Cons & Coor Draw

Students will apply plan reading and drafting skills to complete construction drawings and detailing using production-level CAD software (AutoCAD). Students will create drawings for a variety of industry sectors, including Residential, Small Building (Commercial), Large Buildings (Industrial, Commercial, and Institutional [ICI]) and Civil projects.

CONS2002 Construction Techniques 2

Students will work hands-on using construction tools and equipment to further develop skills with wood, steel and concrete materials. Students will explore methods of forming and placing concrete, wood framing and steel erection as they relate to civil and building projects. Students will develop teamwork, collaboration and leadership skills through participation in construction activities. Prerequisite: CONS 1001

SURV2015 Engineering Surveying

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 1016

CONS2005 Envir Protect Legislation Cons

Students will examine how construction activities impact the environment, including land, water, air and surrounding communities. Students will explore real-world examples to identify strategies for preventing pollution and complying with permits and regulatory requirements. Students will review environmental legislation and apply this knowledge to make informed decisions that support safe, responsible and sustainable construction practices.

CIVL2001 Strength of Materials

Students will study the concepts of stress, strain, tension, compression, shear, bending and the mechanical properties of materials as they relate to the building industry. Prerequisite: MATH 1012 or CIVL 1002

GNED General Education Elective

CONS2007 Build Cons, Codes & Stds 3

Students will apply the Ontario Building Code to small buildings and large buildings. They will analyze building assemblies, interpret construction standards and implement appropriate fire protection measures. Prerequisite: BLDG 1007

CONS2009 Building Systems

Students will examine building systems, including plumbing (water supply, sewage, site drainage), mechanical (heating, ventilation, air conditioning) and electrical systems. They will analyze construction drawings and specifications to evaluate system design and detailing.

CONS2010 Construction Contract Mgmt

Students will examine how construction projects are supervised and managed from the owner’s perspective. Students will interpret construction contracts and monitor project progress and quality to support effective project oversight. Students will apply strategies to address changes, delays and payment processes within construction projects. Students will develop skills to support successful, well-managed projects and communicate effectively with contractors, consultants and stakeholders.

CONS2006 Construction Site Supervision

Students will examine how builders manage construction activities, supervise crews and meet contract requirements on site. Students will interpret contract documents to coordinate subcontractors, track progress, control quality and address changes or disputes. Students will apply strategies to manage expectations and support safe, efficient and on-schedule project delivery. Prerequisite: COMM 1066

CONS2014 Est for Res & Indus, Com & Ins

Prerequisite: CONS 1010, ( MATH 1012 or MATH 1059 ) , COMM 1066

CONS2015 Soil and Soils Mechanics

Prerequisite: COMP 1003, CONS 2000

CIVL2004 Structures

Students will study the primary types of structures, their component elements and the dead and live loads applied to them. Students will also apply Limit State Design concepts from the Ontario Building Code to determine loads for designing and sizing structural elements. Prerequisite: CIVL 2001

GNED General Education Elective

*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.

Additional requirements

*Additional materials, trainings and certifications may be required depending on industry partner requirements connected to experiential learning. Pre-placement requirements are subject to change based on placement agency and/or legislative or regulatory changes.

Costs

Approximate costs (2025 – 26, two semesters at full-time student status)*

  • Domestic Tuition: $2,722.08
  • Full-Time Ancillary Fees: $1,595.26
  • Total: $4,317.34

Additional student-purchased costs may include textbooks, supplies, software, and other resources. Additional expenses related to off-campus experiential learning activities may also be incurred.

 

*All fees are subject to change. Fees for programs shorter or longer than two semesters will be adjusted accordingly. In addition to the costs listed above, some programs also have program ancillary fees based on their specific requirements. For a detailed breakdown of tuition and ancillary fees – including any program-specific charges – please visit the Tuition and fee schedule 2025–26.

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 (2025 – 26, two semesters at full-time student status)*

  • International Tuition: $15,900
  • Full-Time Ancillary Fees: $1,595.26
  • Mandatory Health Insurance: $659
  • Total: $17,254.26

Additional student-purchased costs may include textbooks, supplies, software, and other resources. Additional expenses related to off-campus experiential learning activities may also be incurred.

 

*All fees are subject to change. Fees for programs shorter or longer than two semesters will be adjusted accordingly. In addition to the costs listed above, some programs also have program ancillary fees based on their specific requirements. For a detailed breakdown of tuition and ancillary fees – including any program-specific charges – please visit the Tuition and fee schedule 2025–26.

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.
  • Expand your qualifications and earn a double diploma in another college program, in as few as two semesters.

Pathways and university transfer

What’s next? 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.