Building Construction Technician

Humber’s Building Construction Technician diploma program is one of three stackable programs within the Carpentry-Construction group. Along with the Carpentry and Renovation Techniques certificate, and the Construction Engineering Technology advanced diploma, the program introduces students to the carpentry trade and gives practical experience with trade regulations and best practices. Students will be able to move from this diploma program into the advanced diploma program. 

You will learn worksite health and safety practices in accordance with legislation and regulations; and how to review building plans and complete work in compliance with contractual obligations, codes, applicable laws, bylaws, standards and ethical practices. Coursework will include sustainability practices.

You will also learn to produce project sketches and documents in accordance with project specifications, assist in the preparation of estimations and safely operate tools. You will be well-prepared for all building stages - from site layout and footings to the application of interior and exterior finishes.

This program offers an optional co-operative education placement for students in the Fall semester only. This type of placement enables you to apply your skills and knowledge in a work environment for you to gain valuable, practical experience related to your program of study. You will learn new skills, learn about the world of work and meet people in your profession.

For students who are accepted into the program, one optional co-operative education placement will take place between Semesters 2 and 3. There are limited spaces in the co-op option. Therefore, during Semester 1, you will be provided with information about the application process and will be able to apply to the co-op stream at that time. While optional co-operative education placement opportunities are not guaranteed, as students are in a competitive job placement market, participating students will receive a wide range of services to help them find a co-op opportunity.

Graduates of this program may find initial employment as an apprentice general carpenter in residential carpentry, and, with experience, in construction management and commercial carpentry. In addition, successful students who complete this program will move beyond residential carpentry into the commerical sector securing positions as junior estimator, junior/assistant site superintendent and entry level project co-ordinator.

The Canadian government’s Department of Employment and Social Development (EDSC) estimates that employment gains in the construction sector will be strong in the Greater Toronto Area due to labour demands resulting from expansions and retirements.

Build Force Canada estimates that those retiring from the sector will create the largest demand for new skilled carpenters, construction trades helpers and labourers, and contractors and supervisors. The significant loss of skilled labour, combined with the need to prepare the next generation of supervisors and managers, and the time required for new entrants to acquire new skills and experience, are the dominant challenges in Ontario and the rest of Canada.