CAD and BIM Technician

This diploma includes 2 specializations. Upon successful completion of the Civil/Structural Technician specialization, students may be registered into one of the following second specializations, either Architectural Technician or Steel Construction Modelling Technician. The subsequent specialization will be confirmed toward the end of the first year, and may vary depending on availability.

Year 1 - Civil/Structural Technician specialization:

• 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.

Year 2 (option 1) - Architectural Technician specialization:

• 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.

Year 2 (option 2) - Steel Construction Modelling Technician specialization:

• 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.

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. 

Graduates of this program will develop the Computer-Aided Drafting (CAD) and Building Information Modeling (BIM) skills gained in two specialty areas.
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.

Program-specific

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.   

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