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.
CAD and BIM Technician
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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
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 Certificate, 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 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.
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
- Grade 12 graduation or equivalent
- English Studies 12 with a minimum ‘C-’ grade, or equivalent
- Workplace Mathematics 11 or equivalent
Notes:
Applicants may be eligible for advanced standing into Year 2 of the program provided they have:
- 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.
VCC CAD Technician Short Certificate graduates (granted within the last 3 years) may be eligible to receive credit for: DRFT 1010, DRFT 1011, DRFT 1012, DRFT 1013.
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.
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 *
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. Applicants who successfully completed Drafting 11 and 12 or equivalent may also apply for PLAR. 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
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.
*Note for international students requesting PLAR: Prior to proceeding with the PLAR request, please contact VCC International Education Advising to learn how PLAR can impact immigration status.
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 1ST SPECIALIZATION | ||
ARCHITECTURAL | ||
DRFT 1110 | Architectural Principles | |
DRFT 1115 | Residential Single Family 1 | |
DRFT 1200 | Residential Single Family 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 | |
INTEGRATED BIM PROJECT | ||
DRFT 2100 | Integrated BIM Project | |
SELECT YOUR 2ND SPECIALIZATION (MUST BE DIFFERENT FROM YOUR FIRST) | ||
ARCHITECTURAL | ||
DRFT 2110 | Advanced Architectural Principles | |
DRFT 2115 | Advanced Residential Single Family 1 | |
DRFT 2200 | Advanced Residential Single Family 2 | |
DRFT 2201 | Advanced Residential Multi-Family | |
DRFT 2107 | Capstone Project using BIM | |
CIVIL/STRUCTURAL | ||
DRFT 2120 | Advanced Civil Site Layout | |
DRFT 2125 | Advanced Introduction Civil 3D | |
DRFT 2213 | Advanced Introduction to Steel Structures | |
DRFT 2214 | Advanced Reinforced Concrete and Foundations | |
DRFT 2286 | Statics 1 | |
DRFT 2287 | Statics 2 | |
DRFT 2107 | Capstone Project using BIM | |
STEEL CONSTRUCTION MODELLING | ||
DRFT 2130 | Advanced Steel Detailing Fundamentals | |
DRFT 2293 | Advanced Industrial and Commercial Basic Framing | |
DRFT 2294 | Advanced BIM Software for Steel Detailing | |
DRFT 2295 | Advanced Detail of Inclined Components | |
DRFT 2296 | Advanced Miscellaneous Metals Detailing | |
DRFT 2107 | Capstone Project using BIM | |
MECHANICAL | ||
DRFT 2140 | Advanced Electrical and Plumbing Systems | |
DRFT 2145 | Advanced HVAC and Fire Suppression System | |
DRFT 2217 | Advanced Process Flow, Piping, and Instrumentation Diagrams | |
DRFT 2218 | Advanced Equipment Detail and Plant Layout | |
DRFT 2219 | Advanced Process Piping and Pipe Fabrication | |
DRFT 2107 | Capstone Project using BIM | |
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.
Discover Open Studies
Open Studies lets you take courses from credit programs without having to be accepted into one. Based on availability, you can sample different courses, earn credits, and build new skills.
Explore your optionsFees and other costs *
This program has additional equipment or technical requirements
Tuition deposits are payable usually within three weeks after a Letter of Offer is issued.
Tuition Deposit: 11500 (10000 non-refundable).
Tution deposits are payable usually within two (2) weeks after a Letter of Offer is issued.
Tuition Deposit |
11500 (10000 non-refundable) Tution deposits are payable usually within two (2) weeks after a Letter of Offer is issued. |
---|
Fee description | Fee Amount | Notes |
---|---|---|
Application fee | 145 | |
Tuition Tuition | 42556 |
Breakdown
Tuition Breakdown
0 - 1
0 - 2
0 - 3
0 - 4
0 - 5
|
Student union | 425 | |
College initiative | 213 | |
Materials | 0 | not including textbooks |
Campus resource | 426 | |
Laundry | 0 | |
Tools (deposit) | 0 | |
Coverall (deposit) | 0 | |
Uniform (deposit) | 0 | |
Medical and Dental | 570 | |
Temporary Medical Insurance | 149 | |
U-PASS | 782 | |
Graduation | 45 | |
Program-specific extra fees | 0 | |
Total |
* 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.
Fees listed are for international students. For domestic programs, visit vcc.ca.
Any refunds are issued according to VCC's international refund policy.
Apply now
MONTH/TERM APPLICATION
OPEN DATE APPLICATION STATUS*
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.
Upon application, students must indicate which first-year specialization they wish to pursue. Students will work with the CAD & BIM Department to confirm the second-year specialization closer to the end of the first year.
- Architectural
- Civil/Structural
- Mechanical Engineering
- Steel Construction Modelling
For more information and tips, see Apply page
Attend an Information Session
Meet instructors, ask questions, and tour our facilities.