What to expect from a career as a Construction Technician, Engineer or more
The building and construction industry is always looking for trained professionals to fill a variety of important roles, from hands-on construction work to building inspection or appraising. Construction, building and renovation programs at Ontario colleges provide not only skills training, but also the mathematical, business and project planning skills necessary for a full understanding of construction projects and for working independently as a contractor.
Whether you’re interested in the business side of the construction industry or you want a hands-on career as a builder, here’s what you need to know.
Construction, Building and Renovation Courses
Ontario college construction, building and renovation programs are offered at different levels and with different specializations. Common program categories include:
- Construction Techniques / Skills Programs. Construction techniques or skills programs are typically one-year certificate programs designed to get graduates into the construction industry quickly. They offer introductory knowledge on blueprint reading, construction materials, estimating, indoor and outdoor construction and more.
- Construction, Inspection and Renovation Technician Programs. These programs are generally offered as two-year diploma programs. They offer a broader knowledge of construction techniques and practices and include an introduction to the business side of the construction industry with courses in marketing, project management, communications and more. These programs may be general construction programs or may have a specialized focus, such as home inspection or renovation construction.
- Construction and Renovation Engineering / Technology Programs. Generally offered as three-year advanced diploma programs, these programs focus on business principles in construction, preparing students for careers as project managers, contractors, field coordinators and other advanced roles. Skills learned include budgeting, materials estimating, scheduling and contract law, as well as general knowledge on construction projects and equipment operation.
General Construction, Building and Renovation Program Requirements
Construction, building and renovation programs typically require an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, which includes a grade 12 English credit and a grade 12 math credit.
Construction, Building and Renovation Jobs and Salaries
There are a variety of opportunities for construction, building and renovation program graduates, including (but not limited to):
- Construction framer
- Interior or exterior systems installer
- Door and window installer
- Estimator or junior estimator
- Contractor or project manager
Salaries in the field vary depending on your level of training and your particular position. Entry-level labour positions may start between $25,000 and $30,000 a year, while construction estimators, technicians and technologists typically start higher at anywhere from $30,000 to $42,000 a year.
Ontario Colleges Offering Construction, Building and Renovation Programs
Use the left-column navigation to refine your search by College, Program Availability, Program Start Date and more, or see the table below for a complete list of construction, building and renovation programs at Ontario colleges.
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