Construction Engineering Technician
Overview
Advance your Computer-Aided Drafting (CAD) and Building Information Modelling (BIM) skills for work in engineering firms, architecture firms, development companies, government, or private industry.
| Tuition | $19,041 |
|---|---|
| Credential | Diploma |
| Length | 2 years |
| Hours | Full-time |
| Delivery | Class-based and Online |
| Campus | Downtown |
| Tuition | $46,002 |
|---|---|
| Credential | Diploma |
| Length | 2 years |
| Hours | Full-time |
| Delivery | Class-based and Online |
| Campus | Downtown |
| PGWP | Not listed as eligible |
What to expect
This program uses project-based learning strategies with in-class instructional presentations, blended online delivery, and laboratory work using Autodesk, Trimble, and other BIM software. Students are required to do assignments at home and lab work outside class time on both theory and individual projects. The program may be offered in face-to-face and blended (combination of face-to-face and online) formats.What you will learn
- Use drawing techniques to complete projects in orthographic projection, sectioning, and dimensioning, auxiliary view and machine detailing.
- Describe concepts in orthographic projection, sectioning, and dimensioning, auxiliary view and machine detailing.
- Employ Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) and 3D Building Information Modelling (BIM) systems to produce drawings from data, designs and/or specifications that meet drafting and 3D modelling standards and conventions.
- Apply CAD and AI-enhanced BIM workflows to develop, coordinate, and manage digital models, construction documentation, and project communications to support multidisciplinary project delivery.
- Apply building codes and regulatory requirements, including the BC Energy Step Code and Canada’s net-zero targets.
- Demonstrate knowledge of construction processes, site safety practices, and site review procedures.
- Collect and interpret digital site data using reality capture technologies.
- Analyze how model data supports construction sequencing, timelines, resource planning, quantity take-offs, estimating, and budgeting.
- Apply basic BIM and project management workflows to support construction planning and communication in support of multidisciplinary construction project delivery.
- Develop construction estimates by performing quantity take-offs and cost calculations to support project budgeting and planning.
- Utilize critical thinking, team building and interpersonal communication skills.
- Prepare a comprehensive professional portfolio.
- Prepare a résumé and letters of application and perform other related job search skills.
Program duration and maximum time for completion
The program is 2 years of full-time study. The Diploma is seventy (70) credits: Forty (40) credits of the first year courses, and thirty (30) credits of second year courses to complete the Diploma. Candidates have up to 5 years to complete the Diploma from the start of year one. Upon successful completion of all core courses, specialty courses and Year 2 courses (70 credits total), graduates will receive a Construction Engineering Technician Diploma. Upon successful completion of the first year of study and the successful completion of forty (40) credits, students may choose to exit the program and receive a Certificate credential in the specialty they completed in the first year: either (i) Architectural Technician Certificate, (ii) Civil/Structural Technician Certificate, (iii) Steel Construction Modelling Technician Certificate, or (iv) Mechanical Drafting Technician Certificate.
Admission requirements
Program-specific
- Grade 12 graduation or equivalent
- English Studies 12 with a minimum ‘C-’ grade, or equivalent
- Workplace Mathematics 11 or equivalent
- Successfully completed VCC’s Architectural, Civil/Structural, Mechanical or Steel Construction Modelling Technician Certificate within the last 3 years, or
- Successfully completed a Drafting Technician Certificate (any discipline) at another institution with Department review and approval.
Learn more about VCC's academic upgrading or English as a Second Language (ESL) courses, or discover which university transfer options are right for you.
Recommended considerations
- Program tasks involve extended periods in fixed positions while performing detailed work.
- Program activities involve continuous, repetitive hand, wrist, and arm movements, such as keyboarding
- Learning environment requires extended periods of computer use (6-8 hours per day) with sustained visual focus on digital displays.
- Program tasks require sustained detailed visual focus for extended periods, such as distinguishing fine details, reading digital screens, data analysis or technical drawing.
- Program tasks require access to a modern laptop capable of running Microsoft Windows with full privileges cad-bim-computer-minimum-requirements.pdf
- Online courses require audio/video hardware including webcam, speakers and microphone.
- Program safety requires steel toed boots.
Program availability
Not currently available.
Fall 2027 |
|
|---|---|
| Program start date | Sep Year 1: Architecture |
| Status | Open |
| Application opens | Oct 1, 2026 |
Fall 2027 |
|
| Program start date | Sep Year 1: Civil/Structure |
| Status | Open |
| Application opens | Oct 1, 2026 |
Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| YEAR 1 | 40 | |
| CORE COURSES | ||
|
DRFT 1010 |
CAD Drafting Fundamentals | |
|
DRFT 1011 |
CAD Drafting Applied | |
|
DRFT 1012 |
Office & Construct Site Safety | |
|
DRFT 1013 |
Construction Mathematics | |
| SELECT YOUR SPECIALIZATION | ||
| ARCHITECTURAL | ||
|
DRFT 1111 |
Principles of Architecture | |
|
DRFT 1105 |
Single Family Residential 1 | |
|
DRFT 1200 |
Single Family Residential 2 | |
|
DRFT 1201 |
Residential Multi-Family | |
|
DRFT 1202 |
Commercial Retail Buildings 1 | |
|
DRFT 1225 |
Professional Communication | |
|
DRFT 1302 |
Commercial Retail Buildings 2 | |
|
DRFT 1374 |
Introduction to 3D and BIM | |
|
DRFT 1375 |
Commercial Office Layouts | |
| CIVIL/STRUCTURAL | ||
|
DRFT 1120 |
Civil Site Layout | |
|
DRFT 1125 |
Introduction to Civil 3D | |
|
DRFT 1213 |
Introduction to Steel Structures | |
|
DRFT 1214 |
Reinforced Concrete and Foundations | |
|
DRFT 1215 |
Advanced Civil 3D | |
|
DRFT 1216 |
Introduction to 3D CAD | |
|
DRFT 1225 |
Professional Communication | |
|
DRFT 1286 |
Engineering Statics | |
|
DRFT 1316 |
Introduction to Revit Structures | |
|
DRFT 1379 |
Concrete Floor Systems and Secondary Structures | |
|
DRFT 1385 |
Reinforced Concrete Structural Components | |
| STEEL CONSTRUCTION MODELLING | ||
|
DRFT 1130 |
Steel Detailing Fundamentals | |
|
DRFT 1135 |
Professional Communications for Steel Detailing | |
|
DRFT 1293 |
Industrial and Commercial Basic Framing | |
|
DRFT 1295 |
Detail of Inclined Components | |
|
DRFT 1296 |
Miscellaneous Metals Detailing | |
|
DRFT 1380 |
CAD 3D and Assemblies | |
|
DRFT 1391 |
Introduction to BIM Software | |
|
DRFT 1392 |
Working with BIM Software | |
|
DRFT 1393 |
Heavy Structural Steel Framing | |
|
DRFT 1352 |
Steel Trusses | |
| MECHANICAL | ||
|
DRFT 1140 |
Electrical and Plumbing Systems | |
|
DRFT 1145 |
HVAC and Fire Suppression System | |
|
DRFT 1217 |
Process Flow, Piping, and Instrumentation Diagrams | |
|
DRFT 1218 |
Equipment Detail and Plant Layout | |
|
DRFT 1219 |
Process Piping and Pipe Fabrication | |
|
DRFT 1220 |
3D Modeling Fundamentals | |
|
DRFT 1221 |
Mechanical Equipment Modelling and Layout | |
|
DRFT 1225 |
Professional Communication | |
|
DRFT 1324 |
3D Piping Systems Modelling | |
|
DRFT 1344 |
BIM for Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing Projects | |
|
DRFT 1364 |
Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing for Pipe Fabrication | |
| YEAR 2 | 30 | |
|
DRFT 2101 |
Smart BIM: AI-Driven Project Design | |
|
DRFT 2102 |
Construction Quantity Takeoffs & Cost Estimating | |
|
DRFT 2103 |
Safe & Smart Sites: Construction Safety and Inspections | |
|
DRFT 2204 |
Project Information Management | |
|
DRFT 2205 |
Reality Capture & Digital Site Modeling | |
|
DRFT 2206 |
Building Codes, Energy, and Net-Zero Construction | |
| Total Credits | 70 | |
This information is intended as a guideline only. Program and course details are subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors.
Fees and costs
| Application fee | $36 | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $19,041 |
Term 1 - $7,358 Term 2 - $11,683 |
| Student union | $443 | |
| College initiative | $215 | |
| Campus resource | $381 | |
| Medical and dental | $570 | Explore medical insurance options |
| U-Pass | $814 | Get your student transit pass |
| Graduation | $45 | |
| Total | $21,543 |
* Fees are approximate and subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors. Students are required to pay any applicable fee increases. Application and assessment fees are non-refundable. Tuition fees include a non-refundable deposit.
Refund policies vary for domestic and international students. Review the applicable policy for eligibility, deadlines, and refund amounts.
Need help with tuition?
Explore your options for scholarships, grants, bursaries, and loans.
Technical requirement
Tuition deposits are usually payable within three weeks after an offer is issued. The amount listed on this page is based on the first-term estimate. Refer to your offer for the exact amount required to accept an offer – either First-Term Estimate or First-Year Estimate.
| Tuition deposit | $12,200 | $10,000 non-refundable |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | $145 | |
| Tuition | $46,002 | |
| Student union | $443 | |
| College initiative | $226 | |
| Campus resource | $461 | |
| Medical and dental | $570 | Explore medical insurance options |
| U-Pass | $814 | Get your student transit pass |
| Graduation | $45 | |
| Total | $48,853 |
* Fees are approximate and subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors. Students are required to pay any applicable fee increases. Application and assessment fees are non-refundable. Tuition fees include a non-refundable deposit.
Refund policies vary for domestic and international students. Review the applicable policy for eligibility, deadlines, and refund amounts.
Need help with tuition?
Explore your options for scholarships, grants, bursaries, and loans.
Technical requirement
How to apply
How to choose your specialty:
Step 1: Start your application on EducationPlanner BC
Step 2: During the application process, you will select your specialty.
- Important: The list you choose from will show you which specialties are being offered in the term you apply for. Not all specialties are offered every term.
If you have questions about choosing a specialty, contact the department at [email protected].
Ready to apply?
Online
You will be directed to EducationPlannerBC.
Fill out a PDF form and mail to:
VCC Registrar's Office
1155 East Broadway
Vancouver, B.C., V5T 4V5
International students
Apply to VCC international programs online. Check the availability status for your desired program and intake before applying.
Contact us
Advising services
Phone: 604.871.7000, option 2
Email: [email protected]
Advising services for International students
Do you have any questions?