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CAD and BIM Technician

CREDENTIAL: Diploma
START DATES

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: 41317*
Credential: Diploma
Length: 2 0 years
Hours: Full-time
Delivery: Class-based and Online
Program Flyer: Download /media/vancouver-community-college/content-assets/documents/international/flyer-drafting-diploma.pdf
Campus: Downtown Downtown
Start Dates: Sep
$27/hour
B.C. median wage
(2017-2018)
$27/hour
B.C. median wage
(2017-2018)
 
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What you will learn

Graduates of this program will develop the Computer-Aided Drafting (CAD) and Building Information Modeling (BIM) skills gained in two specialty areas.
During their first year, they will develop skills in Architectural, Civil/Structural, Mechanical or Steel Construction Modelling with Steel Detailing. Students will further develop their skills by adding an additional specialty of Architectural,  Civil/Structural, Mechanical or Steel Construction Modelling in Steel Detailing in Year 2.
Graduates will be well prepared to work as team members on a wide variety of projects, examples of which are:

  • Residential housing developments, commercial buildings and institutional complexes.
  • A wide variety of steel and concrete structures including schools, sports stadiums, bridges, commercial buildings and high-rise offices.
  • And highway construction and subdivision development work.
  • A wide variety of mechanical applications in the mining industry, chemical process plants, energy infrastructure, oil and gas, as well as mechanical systems for buildings and development work.

Graduates will apply qualifications from two disciplines to become more competitive in the job market and adaptive in the workplace.

Students receive a CAD and BIM Technician Diploma upon successful completion of the program.
These are the program's four specialty areas (students must complete two of these programs to obtain the Diploma).

Architectural Technician certificate:

  • Use concepts of building construction and technology to plan and detail residential and commercial buildings in accordance with local by-laws and the BC Building Code.
  • Prepare Architectural drawings of residential and commercial structures, which incorporate concrete, steel and wood.

Civil/Structural Technician certificate:

  • Apply concepts of civil technology and planning to produce drawings and three dimensional models for the development of a civil site.
  • Use structural engineering theories and BIM practices to prepare engineering drawings for three-dimensional models of structures, which incorporate reinforced concrete and structural steel.

Steel Construction Modelling Technician certificate:

  • Utilize data from current building codes and fabrication standards to develop practical connections between components that are code-compliant and practical to fabricate and install on site.
  • Use structural engineering drawings and specifications to prepare three-dimensional models of structures that utilize structural steel.
  • Employ current Computer-Aided Drafting (CAD) and three-dimensional modelling systems as a tool to produce structural steel fabrication and arrangement drawings from data, designs and/or specifications.

Mechanical Engineer Technician certificate:

  • Apply concepts of building construction and technology to plan and detail mechanical systems for commercial and industrial facilities in accordance with local by-laws and the BC Building Code.
  • Utilize concepts of mechanical and process technology and planning to produce drawings and 3D models of industrial facilities.
  • Employ mechanical engineering theories and BIM practices to prepare engineering drawings from 3D models that incorporate mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems in building structures.

Upon successful completion of the second year of this program, students will be able to:

  • Apply Integrated Design Process (IDP) to integrate people systems and practices into a process to reduce waste and optimize efficiency through all phases of design, fabrication and construction. 
  • Employ current Computer-Aided Drafting (CAD) and three-dimensional modelling systems as a tool to produce drawings from data, designs and/or specifications.
  • Apply terminology and conventions used in a project design team.
  • Integrate a variety of CAD models for each discipline into a complete final model using CAD drafting, 3D BIM, and related trade skills and knowledge.
  • Prepare a comprehensive professional portfolio.
  • Contribute as part of a multidisciplinary design team.
  • Use critical thinking, team building and interpersonal communication skills to work effectively in a team environment.
  • Integrate various BIM software to communicate, collaborate and cooperate with a design team.
  • Apply the concepts and processes of a second discipline (either Architectural or Civil/Structural), and apply those conceptions in a 3D BIM setting. 
  • Apply personal reflection and critical thinking to the relation between the program's learning outcomes and the student's individualized learning.
  • Communicate effectively and work collaboratively in a design team setting. 

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 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.

Admission requirements

Program-specific

Notes:

Applicants may be eligible for advanced standing into Year 2 of the program provided they have:

  1. Successfully completed VCC's Architectural, Civil/Structural, Mechanical or Steel Construction Modelling Technician Certificate within the last 3 years, or
  2. Successfully completed a Drafting Technician Certificate (any discipline) at another institution with Department review and approval.

VCC CAD Technician Short Certificate graduates (granted within the last 3 years) can have credits for the following courses applied towards the diplomaDRFT 1010, DRFT 1011, DRFT 1012, DRFT 1013.

For assistance with meeting the entrance requirements, please contact Advising Services to schedule an appointment with an Advisor.

General

  • Seats are offered to applicants who have met all admission requirements, on a first-qualified, first-served basis.
  • International applicants must be 17 years of age or older or a graduate of a secondary school. (Some exceptions may apply.)
  • Applicants must submit official transcripts and educational documents as required by their course or program.
  • All VCC applicants are required to function successfully in an English-speaking classroom. English requirements vary by program. For details, visit VCC International - English Requirements [PDF].   

Recommended Characteristics

  • Related work experience 
  • General computer skills, including working knowledge of Windows OS. 
  • Good mathematical and mechanical comprehension. 
  • Ability to work in imperial and metric units of measurement. 
  • Good hand-eye coordination, ability to look at computer screen for long periods of time,  and manual dexterity for keyboard/mouse. 
  • Successful work habits and an ability to work well with others. 
  • Logical reasoning, spatial ability, and an ability to visualize objects. 
  • An interest in all aspects of architecture, engineering, general construction and related fields.

Courses *

Program general hours

Monday to Wednesday from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The program is 2 years of full-time study. The Diploma is seventy (70) credits: Forty (40) credits of the first year Certificate, and thirty (30) credits of second-year courses to complete the 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 Engineering Technician Certificate.

Prior learning assessment and recognition

Students may request formal recognition of prior learning attained through informal education, work, or other life experience, including Indigenous ways of knowing. Credits may be granted to students who are able to sufficiently demonstrate the learning outcomes of specific courses. 

PLAR is available for the following courses: 

  • DRFT 1010 CAD Drafting Fundamentals 
  • DRFT 1011 CAD Drafting Applied 
  • DRFT 1012 Office and Construction Site Safety
  • DRFT 1013 Construction Mathematics 

Applicants who completed Drafting 11 and 12 may apply for PLAR for DRFT 1010, DRFT 1011, and DRFT 1013.

Students may complete up to 20% of program credits through PLAR. Tuition and fees may still apply to PLAR candidates.  

Methods of PLAR vary by course, and may include exams, portfolios, interviews, and other evaluations.  

See Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition policy for more information.

Fees and other costs *

Tuition deposits are payable usually within three weeks after a Letter of Offer is issued.

Tuition Deposit

16000 (10000 non-refundable)

Tution deposits are payable usually within two (2) weeks after a Letter of Offer is issued.

Fee descriptionFee AmountNotes
Application fee145
Tuition Tuition 41317
Student union384
College initiative207
Materials0 not including textbooks
Campus resource414
Laundry0
Tools (deposit)0
Coverall (deposit)0
Uniform (deposit)0
Medical and Dental 550
Temporary Medical Insurance 149
U-PASS 752
Graduation45
Program-specific extra fees0
Total
Textbooks or other supplies may be required for this program. For information and prices, visit the VCC Bookstore.

Apply now

CAD & BIM Technician (Year 1: Architectural)
Sep 2024
(Fall term)
October 01, 2023
CAD & BIM Technician (Year 1: Civil/Structural)
Sep 2024
(Fall term)
October 01, 2023
CAD & BIM Technician (Year 1: Mechanical Engineering)
Sep 2024
(Fall term)
October 01, 2023
CAD and BIM Technician (Year 1: Steel Construction Modelling)
Sep 2024
(Fall term)
October 01, 2023

STATUS INFORMATION

  • Apply Now: Qualified applicants may receive offers of admission if seats are available, or placed on waitlists if seats are full.
  • Closed: Applications are not accepted.
  • For details about application availability based on study permit status and recommendations if the application status is closed, visit the Availability Status page.
ONLINE
Apply to VCC international programs online. Check the application availability status for your desired program and intake before applying.
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