Get the foundational construction knowledge and technical skills needed to contribute on real job sites and in construction support environments. This 18-week program provides practical training in construction operations, site safety, building materials, construction systems, and project documentation, giving you a strong start in one of Canada’s most active and well-paying industries.
CredentialCertificate
Duration18 Weeks
Work ExperienceNo practicum
Schedule20 hours/week, Monday – Friday, daytime and evening classes
DeliveryIn-Class, Online (Synchronous)*, or Combined
It was a great experience with great instructors. I liked the facilities and the equipment and computers we used. The instructors were very good at teaching us.
– Lourence Cayetano, Construction TechnicianLearn how this practical certificate develops foundational skills in construction operations, site processes, building systems, estimating, and technical documentation.
The Construction Operations Technician Certificate introduces students to the foundational principles and operational practices of the construction industry in an accessible, career-ready format. Over 18 weeks, students develop a broad working knowledge of construction materials, building systems, site safety regulations, construction documentation, and the operational processes that keep projects running efficiently.
The program is structured to give students a practical understanding of how construction projects are organized, supervised, and delivered — covering topics such as site layout, building systems, safety compliance, technical drawing basics, and project documentation. Students gain exposure to both the technical and operational dimensions of construction work, building transferable skills applicable across residential, commercial, and institutional sectors.
Graduates are well-prepared for entry-level construction technician and support roles, and are positioned to continue building their career through further studies in construction supervision, project management, or specialized technical programs at Brighton College.
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:
Computer operation, file management, keyboarding, Microsoft Word, Excel, linear algebra, quadratic equations, trigonometry, and geometry.
Duration: 20 hours, 1 week.
Prerequisite: none.
Fundamental computer-aided design and drafting with AutoCAD, including professional 2D drawings and basic 3D models.
Duration: 60 hours, 3 weeks.
Prerequisite: none.
Advanced AutoCAD commands, drawing management, scaled 2D project drawings, layouts, and advanced 3D surface and solid models.
Duration: 60 hours, 3 weeks.
Prerequisite: AUT100.
British Columbia Building Code and city zoning bylaws, including construction standards, specifications, fire protection, structural standards, span tables, and related drawings.
Duration: 40 hours, 2 weeks.
Prerequisite: AUT100.
Material quantity and cost estimating for buildings and civil infrastructure, including takeoffs, cost calculations, contract terms, and contractual relationships.
Duration: 60 hours, 3 weeks.
Prerequisite: AUT100, CCT100.
Project teams, construction documents, submittals, records, job-site layout and control, labour, safety, subcontracting, quality, scheduling, claims, payments, and closeout.
Duration: 80 hours, 4 weeks.
Prerequisite: AUT100.
Structural engineering and building-construction techniques, including loads, standards, components, statics, materials, and wood, steel, and concrete structural systems.
Duration: 40 hours, 2 weeks.
Prerequisite: AUT100, AUT150.
Refer to Language Proficiency Policy for details.
*Mature Student is defined as an individual who is 19 years of age or older at the start of the program.
*Under no circumstances can these Admission Requirements be waived.
Data sourced from WorkBC. Occupation information aligned with the National Occupational Classification (NOC).
Career-path occupations generally require additional industry experience, employer training, certification, professional registration or further education. Completion of this program does not by itself confer a professional licence or protected occupational designation.