
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.
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 may be 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
- Grade 12 graduation or equivalent
- English Language Proficiency at a grade 12 level
- Knowledge of mathematics demonstrated by one of the following:
- Workplace Mathematics 11 or equivalent, or
- VCC Math Assessment with 80% Basic Arithmetic and 60% Basic Algebra
Applicants may be inserted into Term 4 of the program provided they have:
- Successfully completed VCC's Architectural, Civil/Structural, Mechanical or Steel Modelling/Steel Detailing Technician Certificate within the last 4 years, or
- Successfully completed a Drafting Technician Certificate (any discipline) at another institution with Department review and approval.
Notes:
- Applicants who do not meet the English language requirement may be admitted at the discretion of the Department
- Applicants who have met all the above requirements and have completed high school Drafting 11 and 12 may, with Departmental approval, apply for direct entry into Term 2 of the program.
- VCC CAD Technician Short Certificate graduates (granted within the last 4 years) may insert into Term 2 of the program.
General
- This program is available to Canadian citizens and permanent residents. See program options for international students at VCC International.
- Applicants who self-identify as Indigenous are strongly encouraged to connect with VCC’s Indigenous Education and Community Engagement team to learn more about VCC’s Indigenous Enrolment policy, application preparation/completion, program advising, and a range of other individualized services.
- Applicants must be 16 years of age or older or a graduate of a secondary school. (Some exceptions may apply.)
- Applicants must submit official transcripts and other documents as required by their course or program. Seats are offered to eligible applicants with completed applications, in order of application completion date (except for programs with competitive admissions). A complete application includes an application form, evidence of educational pre-requisites (e.g. transcripts), any required supporting documents (e.g. language proficiency, audition video), and the required deposit or fee payment. If you do not meet the requirements for the term applied, your application may be cancelled.
Missing prerequisites? Learn more about VCC's tuition-free academic upgrading or English as a Second Language (ESL) courses, or discover which university transfer options are right for you.
Recommended Characteristics
- Related work experience
- Excellent English communication skills.
- Working knowledge of Windows OS is strongly recommended.
- Good mathematical and mechanical comprehension.
- Ability to work in imperial and metric units of measurement.
- General good health, 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
This program is offered full time during the day (approximately 3 days a week from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.). Days and times are subject to change.
This program must be completed within 5 years.
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 1013 Construction Mathematics
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.
To request PLAR, please contact the department directly.
See the D.3.5 Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition Policy and Procedures for more information.
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
TERM 1 | ||
DRFT 1010 | CAD Drafting Fundamentals | 4 |
DRFT 1011 | CAD Drafting Applied | 3 |
DRFT 1012 | Office & Construct Site Safety | 1 |
DRFT 1013 | Construction Mathematics | 1 |
TERM 2 AND 3 | 31 | |
SELECT YOUR 1ST SPECIALIZATION | ||
ARCHITECTURAL | ||
DRFT 1270 | Residential Design | |
DRFT 1271 | Site Planning | |
DRFT 1272 | Codes and Regulations 1 | |
DRFT 1273 | Construction Assemblies 1 | |
DRFT 1274 | Single Family Residences | |
DRFT 1275 | Codes and Regulations 2 | |
DRFT 1276 | Construction Assemblies 2 | |
DRFT 1277 | Multi Family Residences | |
DRFT 1278 | Drawing Plan Reading | |
DRFT 1326 | Job Search Skills | |
DRFT 1370 | Technical Communications | |
DRFT 1371 | Codes and Regulations 3 | |
DRFT 1372 | Construction Assemblies 3 | |
DRFT 1373 | Commercial Retail Buildings | |
DRFT 1374 | Introduction to 3D and BIM | |
DRFT 1375 | Commercial Layouts Using BIM | |
CIVIL/STRUCTURAL | ||
DRFT 1226 | Construction Drawing Reading | |
DRFT 1280 | Industrial Site Layout | |
DRFT 1281 | Autodesk Civil 3D | |
DRFT 1282 | Road Alignment Detailing | |
DRFT 1283 | Steel Structures | |
DRFT 1284 | Principles of Reinforced Concrete | |
DRFT 1285 | Foundation Design Concepts | |
DRFT 1286 | Engineering Statics | |
DRFT 1326 | Job Search Skills | |
DRFT 1327 | Revit Structures | |
DRFT 1330 | Advanced Road Design | |
DRFT 1331 | Civil Utility Services | |
DRFT 1370 | Technical Communications | |
DRFT 1380 | CAD 3D and Assemblies | |
DRFT 1381 | Miscellaneous Steel | |
DRFT 1383 | Quantity Take Offs | |
DRFT 1384 | Concrete Slab on Grade Floor Systems | |
DRFT 1385 | Reinforced Concrete Structural Components | |
STEEL CONSTRUCTION MODELLING | ||
DRFT 1290 | Structural Steel Fabrication Codes and Standards | |
DRFT 1291 | Introduction to Steel Detailing | |
DRFT 1292 | Structural Bolting & Welding | |
DRFT 1293 | Industrial and Commercial Basic Framing | |
DRFT 1294 | Connection & Layout Geometry | |
DRFT 1295 | Detail of Inclined Components | |
DRFT 1296 | Miscellaneous Metals Detailing | |
DRFT 1391 | Introduction to BIM Software | |
DRFT 1380 | CAD 3D and Assemblies | |
DRFT 1392 | Working with BIM Software | |
DRFT 1370 | Technical Communications | |
DRFT 1393 | Heavy Structural Steel Framing | |
DRFT 1326 | Job Search Skills | |
DRFT 1352 | Steel Trusses | |
MECHANICAL | ||
DRFT 1256 | Plumbing Systems for Buildings | |
DRFT 1257 | Electrical Systems for Buildings | |
DRFT 1258 | Utility Data and Setting-Up Projects | |
DRFT 1259 | HVAC Systems for Buildings | |
DRFT 1260 | Fire Suppression and Sprinkler Systems for Buildings | |
DRFT 1261 | Process Flow Diagrams and Tank/Pump Box Fabrication | |
DRFT 1262 | Pipe Components: Pipe, Fittings, Valves, Supports and Pumps | |
DRFT 1263 | Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams & Specifications | |
DRFT 1264 | Plant and Equipment Layout | |
DRFT 1265 | Process and Utility Piping Layout | |
DRFT 1266 | Piping Fabrication Isometrics | |
DRFT 1332 | Professional Preparation | |
DRFT 1370 | Technical Communications | |
DRFT 1362 | BIM Basic for Mechanical | |
DRFT 1363 | BIM Project for MEP | |
DRFT 1364 | MEP for Pipe Fabrication | |
DRFT 1365 | Piping BIM Project & Specification Setup | |
DRFT 1366 | 3D BIM Pipe, Structure, and Equipment Modeling | |
DRFT 1367 | 3D BIM Creating Orthographics, Isometrics, and Bills of Material | |
DRFT 1394 | Industrial Building Modeling | |
DRFT 1395 | Mechanical Equipment Modeling and Layout | |
DRFT 1396 | Piping Systems Modeling and Layout | |
TERM 4 | ||
DRFT 2100 | Integrated BIM Project | 9 |
TERM 5 | 15 | |
SELECT YOUR 2ND SPECIALIZATION (MUST BE DIFFERENT FROM YOUR FIRST) | ||
ARCHITECTURAL | ||
DRFT 2270 | Diploma Residential Design | |
DRFT 2271 | Diploma Site Planning | |
DRFT 2272 | Diploma Codes and Regulations 1 | |
DRFT 2273 | Diploma Construction Assemblies 1 | |
DRFT 2274 | Diploma Single Family Residences | |
DRFT 2275 | Diploma Codes and Regulations 2 | |
DRFT 2276 | Diploma Construction Assemblies 2 | |
DRFT 2277 | Diploma Multi Family Residences | |
DRFT 2278 | Diploma Drawing Plan Reading | |
CIVIL/STRUCTURAL | ||
DRFT 2226 | Diploma Construction Drawing Reading | |
DRFT 2280 | Diploma Industrial Site Layout | |
DRFT 2281 | Diploma Autodesk Civil 3D | |
DRFT 2282 | Diploma Road Alignment Detailing | |
DRFT 2283 | Diploma Steel Structures | |
DRFT 2284 | Diploma Principles of Reinforced Concrete | |
DRFT 2285 | Diploma Foundation Design Concepts | |
DRFT 1286 | Engineering Statics | |
MECHANICAL | ||
DRFT 2256 | Diploma Plumbing Systems for Buildings | |
DRFT 2257 | Diploma Electrical Systems for Buildings | |
DRFT 2258 | Diploma Utility Data and Setting-Up Projects | |
DRFT 2259 | Diploma HVAC Systems for Buildings | |
DRFT 2260 | Diploma Fire Suppression and Sprinkler Systems for Buildings | |
DRFT 2261 | Diploma Process Flow Diagrams and Tank/Pump Box Fabrication | |
DRFT 2262 | Diploma Pipe Components: Pipe, Fittings, Valves, Supports and Pumps | |
DRFT 2263 | Diploma Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams & Specifications | |
DRFT 2264 | Diploma Plant and Equipment Layout | |
DRFT 2265 | Diploma Process and Utility Piping Layout | |
DRFT 2266 | Diploma Piping Fabrication Isometrics | |
STEEL CONSTRUCTION MODELLING | ||
DRFT 2290 | Diploma Structural Steel Fabrication Codes and Standards | |
DRFT 2291 | Diploma Introduction to Steel Detailing | |
DRFT 2292 | Diploma Structural Bolting & Welding | |
DRFT 2293 | Diploma Industrial and Commercial Basic Framing | |
DRFT 2294 | Diploma BIM Software for Steel Detailing | |
DRFT 2295 | Diploma Detail of Inclined Components | |
DRFT 2296 | Diploma Miscellaneous Metals Detailing | |
TERM 6 | ||
DRFT 2107 | Capstone Project using BIM | 6 |
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 other costs
*This program has additional equipment or technical requirements
Fee description | Fee Amount | Notes |
---|---|---|
Application fee | 36 | |
Tuition Tuition | 13265 |
Tuition Breakdown
6797 - 1
6468 - 2
0 - 3
0 - 4
|
Student union | 384 | |
College initiative | 199 | |
Materials | 0 | not including textbooks |
Campus resource | 266 | |
Laundry | 0 | |
Tools (deposit) | 0 | |
Coverall (deposit) | 0 | |
Uniform (deposit) | 0 | |
Medical & Dental | 550 | |
U-PASS | 752 | |
Graduation | 45 | |
Program-specific extra fees | 0 | |
Total |
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* 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 $300 non-refundable deposit.
Fees listed are for domestic students. For international programs, visit VCC International.
Any refunds are issued according to VCC's refund policy.
Apply now
MONTH/TERM APPLICATION
OPEN DATE APPLICATION STATUS*
FIRST YEAR
Choose one:
- Architechtural Technican
- Civil Structure Technician
- Mechanical Engineering Technician
- Steel Construction Modelling
SECOND YEAR
Choose one:
(* your choice must be different from your first year's choice)
- Architectural Technician
- Civil Structure Technician
- Mechanical Engineering Technician
- Steel Construction Modelling
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† Statistics Canada Labour Force Survey