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. 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.
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)
- 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.
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.
- First Year - Semester One
- BLDG1005 Building Methods & Materials
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Students learn to use the mathematical tools that are required in their engineering subjects. Building sciences applications of algebra, geometry and trigonometry are emphasized.
- First Year - Semester Two
- CADD1005 CAD 2
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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
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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
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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
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This course is a continuation of Mathematics 1.
Prerequisite: MATH 1012
- BLDG1003 Statics
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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
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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
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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.
- Second Year - Semester Three
- Second Year - Semester Four
- BLDG3011 Construction Supervision 2
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This course is a continuation of Construction Supervision 1.
Prerequisite: BLDG 3006
- BLDG2013 Contracts, Specifications and Estimating
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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.
- ENTR2003 Entrepreneurship
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The appeal of owning a business and “being my own boss” has some serious appeal. However, opening a business is tough work, competition is stiff and effective planning is essential. In this course, students will build a plan for a food service business that will culminate in “Dragon’s-Den” style pitches. *Note: students have the option to present privately to the instructor or publicly in front of the class
- BLDG2014 Materials Testing 2
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This course is a continuation of Materials Testing 1.
Prerequisite: BLDG 2008
- BLDG2009 Soil Mechanics
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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
- BLDG2011 Structures
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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.
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/Technologist.
- Expand your qualifications and earn a double diploma in another College program, in as little as two semesters.
Turn your diploma into a degree
Many universities across Canada and abroad will provide credit recognition for your diploma studies at Loyalist College. The following is a list of agreements that are currently in place. There are many more options, and new agreements are added annually. Contact your university of choice to make individual arrangements. Click here for more information about university transfer agreements.
- Algoma University — B.A.; B.B.A.; B.Sc.; Bach. Computer Science
- Brock University — various*
- Davenport University – B.A. General Business
- Lakehead University — various*
- Laurentian University — various*
- Nipissing University — various*
- Seneca College — Bach. Interdisciplinary Studies
- Ontario Tech University — B.A. Adult Education and Digital Technology
- University of Waterloo — various*
- Wilfrid Laurier University — various*
- York University — various*
*Various potential degree pathways. Please confirm details with the receiving institution.
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 challenge 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.
How much will it cost?
Approximate costs (2023 – 24)
- Domestic Tuition: $2,722.08
- Full-Time Ancillary Fees:* $1,308
- Total: $4,030.08
- Additional Program Costs: $729 (year one)
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 web page for a list of the many services, activities and items included within the ancillary fees, and the related policies.
Bursaries and financial assistance
Loyalist has a number of scholarships, bursaries and academic awards available to students. Our Financial Aid Office can help you explore your options, or assist you with a student loan.

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.
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 & 12 Math (MCF 3M & MCT 4C)
Prior learning assessment and recognition
Applicants with work experiences or other types of non-credentialed learning may be eligible for credits at Loyalist. Graded credits (as opposed to exemptions) are granted. Click here for more information about our assessment and credit challenge process.
International students
Click here for information about how to apply, international student fees and more.
Campus News
LOYALIST COLLEGE CALLS FOR APPLICATIONS FOR THE WESTON FAMILY SCHOLARS...
Belleville, Ontario, August 2, 2018 – Loyalist College encourages prospective skilled trades students and apprentices to apply for The Weston Family Scholarship in the Skilled Trades by the deadline... Read More
LOYALIST COLLEGE INTRODUCES HORTICULTURE TECHNICIAN APPRENTICESHIP
Opportunity for Apprentices to Cultivate Landscaping Careers in the Bay of Quinte RegionBelleville, Ontario, May 12, 2016 – Loyalist College has received approval from the Ministry of Training, Col... Read More
Loyalist College Appoints Ann Drennan As Dean Of Applied Sciences, Ski...
Belleville, Ontario, July 11, 2013 - Loyalist College is pleased to announce Ann Drennan as the new Dean of the School of Applied Sciences, Skills and Technology effective August 26, 2013.
Ann bring... Read More
Loyalist College Hosts 16th Annual Career Fair
On February 7, 2013, Loyalist College hosted the 16th Annual Career Fair. Approximately 80 exhibitors, including regional and national employers and post-secondary institutions, attended and met with ... Read More
Loyalist Receives $30,000 Donation From NRBA
Financial Awards to Assist students from Northumberland County in Road Building Programs
Belleville, Ontario, April 13, 2012 – Loyalist College is delighted to announce that it has received a $30,0... Read More
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