Ontario College Diploma | 4 semesters | Barrydowne Campus
Use science and technology to help build the world around us! Our Civil Engineering Technician program is focused on the design, construction, maintenance, and rehabilitation of infrastructure facilities including: roads, bridges, buildings, dams, storm/sanitary/water systems, pipelines, and deep and shallow foundations. Sustainable practices and environmental considerations are incorporated in the curriculum.
You will gain practical, hands-on experience in design and drafting in our Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) laboratory. In addition, you will receive surveying training with state-of-the-art electronic survey equipment that will be interfaced with survey software. You’ll also be introduced to Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) scanning equipment and point cloud management software.
You’ll also have opportunities to enhance your skills and network with industry through opportunities to volunteer at community events or by participating in applied research projects. Want to see how your skills stack up against your classmates? Test your engineering abilities in second year by competing in a headframe competition where you will design, build, and test a popsicle stick headframe structure to failure during Cambrian's Spring Open House.
Extend your studies after graduation by applying to enter directly into the final year of Cambrian’s Civil Engineering Technology (CVTY) program which is nationally accredited. You’ll boost your leadership and technical skills and open the door to more career opportunities!
Program Highlights
- 2 years – 4 semesters
- Industry-experienced faculty
- Hands-on experience in modernized labs
- Two-week field methods surveying course following the end of the second semester
- Courses cover industry compliant CAD drafting, surveying, construction methods, estimating, quality control, inspections, materials testing, structural detailing, hydraulics, and sustainability practices
- Gain extensive experience using computer-aided drafting (CAD) to meet industry compliant standards
- Graduates can seek membership with OACETT (Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists) to become certified as a C.Tech. (Certified Technician)
Fieldwork/Placement
You will participate in a two-week field camp during the first part of May at the end of the second semester (CSA approved safety boots and safety vest mandatory). Attendance is compulsory to complete the program. Students are urged to let employers know that they are not available for summer employment until the course is officially completed.
4D Learning Opportunities
CANstruction competition (if running) – Students compete against other organizations in the community to design and build a 3D structure out of food cans, which are then donated to the Sudbury Food Bank.
Quick Links
Admission Requirements
For graduates of the new curriculum (OSS): Ontario Secondary School Diploma (30 credits) or equivalent or mature student status, including:
- Any grade 12 English (C) or (U)
- Any grade 12 mathematics (C) or (U) (MCT4C is highly recommended)
Recommended:
- Any grade 12 physics (C), (U)
- Computer competency in relevant software
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Program Delivery
2024-2025
This program will be delivered in the following terms:
Fall Term Start
- SEMESTER 1 Fall 2024
- SEMESTER 2 Winter 2025
- SEMESTER 3 Fall 2025
- SEMESTER 4 Winter 2026
Winter Term Start
- SEMESTER 1 Winter 2025
- SEMESTER 2 Spring 2025
- SEMESTER 3 Fall 2025
- SEMESTER 4 Winter 2026
For specific term start/end dates and other key dates/deadlines, please see the Academic Schedule on our website.
Program of Study for 2024-25 Academic Year
Students are required to successfully complete an online Lab Safety course (in Moodle) when starting their program at Cambrian. This course must be completed prior to entering the labs (as identified in the table below) in the Schools of Skills Training, Engineering Technology and Environmental Studies.
| Semester 1 | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| CIV 1200 | Concrete & Asphalt 1 | 4 |
| CIV 2331 | Construction Technology | 4 |
| ENG 1002 | College Communications | 3 |
| MTH 1050 | Algebra I | 3 |
| SUR 1116 | Surveying I 1 | 5 |
| One General Education course. 2 | 3 | |
| Credits | 22 | |
| Semester 2 | ||
| CAD 1001 | Engineering Graphics | 3 |
| ENG 1754 | Technical Communication | 3 |
| MCH 1205 | Mechanics | 5 |
| MTH 1250 | Algebra II | 3 |
| SUR 1220 | Surveying II 1 | 5 |
| SUR 1232 | Survey Field Methods | 1 |
| One General Education course. 1 | 3 | |
| Credits | 23 | |
| Semester 3 | ||
| CAD 1200 | Computer Aided Drafting II | 2 |
| CIV 2300 | Soil Mechanics I 1 | 4 |
| CIV 2302 | Civil Engineering Applications | 3 |
| CIV 2421 | Basic Hydraulics | 3 |
| MCH 2310 | Strength Of Materials I | 4 |
| MTH 2325 | Technical Math III | 3 |
| ENV 1027 | Sustainable Practices | 3 |
| Credits | 22 | |
| Semester 4 | ||
| CIV 2403 | Structural Behaviour & Detailing | 4 |
| CIV 2404 | Computer Aided Structural Detailing | 3 |
| CIV 2431 | Municipal Planning | 4 |
| CIV 3500 | Special Projects 1 | 4 |
| CIV 3520 | Contracts Law & Specifications | 4 |
| One General Education course. 1 | 3 | |
| Credits | 22 | |
| Total Credits | 89 | |
- 1
Course with Lab Component
- 2
For more information regarding General Education courses, click here.
Fees
Tuition and Ancillary Fees
Please see our fees page for the breakdown of tuition and mandatory ancillary fees by program and semester for both domestic and international students.
Books & Supplies
The cost of books and supplies for Year 1 is approximately $1,700. This is the best information available at the time of publishing to the website and is subject to change.
Graduate Options
Employment Opportunities
Civil Engineering Technicians usually work in surveying, material testing, drafting, design, construction, estimating, inspection, or sales and service. Graduates are prepared for employment opportunities in:
- Consulting engineering firms
- Government departments
- Municipal engineering departments
- Construction firms
For more information about Civil Engineering as a career, including employment opportunities, visit Ontario Civil Construction Careers Institute.
Furthering Your Studies
Graduates of Cambrian's CVTN program may apply to enter directly into Semester 5 of the Civil Engineering Technology (CVTY) program. This is a competitive process.
College/University Degree Opportunities
Graduates of this program may continue their studies at college/university and may receive credit for their prior College education.
Refer to College/University Agreements for further information.
Please note: Cambrian College strives to ensure the accuracy of the information on this website. Please note that the academic curriculum is continually reviewed and revised to ensure that Cambrian's programs and courses remain relevant. The College reserves the right to cancel or make changes to any course or program, fee, procedure, or campus location at any time.