Bachelor of Construction Management (Honours)

at Durham College Canada

The Honours Bachelor of Construction Management (HBCM) program provides students with the knowledge, skills and abilities they will need to succeed in a career in the industrial, residential, institutional, or commercial construction industries. Graduates of the HBCM program will be prepared to make meaningful contributions to the prosperity, sustainability and resiliency of Ontario’s economic future.

As Ontario’s construction sector enjoys sustained and significant expansion, the growing demand for skilled workers continues to create excellent employment opportunities for knowledgeable and well-prepared graduates to fill the estimated 118,000 new construction sector jobs that will be created over the next 15 years.

It is anticipated that demand for well-trained employees will be even more pronounced in occupations that require an advanced level of skill, such as construction managers, estimators, job site superintendents and project managers.

Civil engineering influences every aspect of our physical environment or infrastructure. Civil Engineering Technologists plan, design, construct, maintain and recycle the structures in our communities such as roads, bridges, highways, airports, pipelines and tunnels. These systems keep our transportation systems operating, water flowing and gas and electricity supplied to consumers. It is one of the most established engineering disciplines and by far one of the busiest.

In this program, you will be exposed to modern civil technologies and develop skills in computer assisted design and drafting (CAD), geographic information system (GIS), building information modelling (BIM), and safe working principles in accordance with various Canadian civil engineering codes, quality control standards and regulations.

You will also have two options to gain valuable experience in the workplace and will either complete a field placement or participate in the co-operative education (co-op) option of the program. Students can also access membership to the Toronto Construction Association.

Civil Engineering influences every aspect of our physical environment or infrastructure.

Civil Engineering Technologist students will be exposed to modern civil technologies and develop skills in computer assisted design (CAD) and drafting, Geographic Information System (GIS), Building Information Modelling (BIM), and safe working principles in accordance with various Canadian Civil Engineering Codes, Quality Control Standards and Regulations.

Graduates of the Civil Engineering Technology program will be able to carry out design and technical functions related to a broad range of civil engineering fields including structural, municipal, highway and transportation engineering, water resources, geotechnical engineering, environmental protection and infrastructure rehabilitation. Skills learned in class will be honed through co-operative education or field placement options.

Co-operative education (co-op):

The best way to succeed in your field is to immerse yourself in it! Co-op is an excellent way to build your professional network, explore career paths and apply in-class teachings to real work situations. Co-op is a model of education that integrates academic learning with workplace learning in fields relevant to our students’ academic and personal goals. Similar to an academic course, work terms are a mandatory component of this form of experiential learning.

Students in the Civil Engineering Technology Advanced Diploma program will be invited to apply to the co-op option during their first academic semester. Entrance to the co-op option is limited and the processes for securing a work term are competitive. Students who qualify for co-op will be eligible to complete a four-month, paid work term between the second and third semesters of their program. After academic semester 4, students will be eligible to complete two consecutive work terms before returning to campus to complete their final academic semesters 5 and 6 before graduating.

Supports are available through the Co-op office to assist students with securing their work terms. In addition, the Co-op office is in contact with co-op students and their employers during the work terms to help with any questions.

Master the art of food and flavour in our Culinary Management program. You will explore locally grown food, experiment with ethnic and contemporary cuisine, and develop your skills in the culinary arts, while learning valuable management skills that will take your career to the next level. Significant focus is placed on lab/kitchen time, encouraging students to develop their techniques and products, much of which they are able to take home and enjoy. Graduates are sought after by a broad range of employers because of their unique skills, which include artisan meat cutting, cheese production, baking, canning and preserving.

The Culinary Management program is offered at the W. Galen Weston Centre for Food (CFF), which is guided by a field-to-fork philosophy and sustainable business practices in all activities. This incredible learning centre provides access to a demonstration theatre; state-of-the-art labs, classrooms and meeting spaces; Bistro ’67, a full-service, green-certified teaching restaurant; and growing fields just steps from the labs.

The Culinary Management program is offered at the W. Galen Weston Centre for Food (CFF), which is guided by a field-to-fork philosophy in all activities. This incredible learning centre provides access to a demonstration theatre; state-of-the-art labs, classrooms and meeting spaces; Bistro ’67, a full-service, green-certified teaching restaurant; and growing fields just steps from the labs.

You will learn to provide accomplished culinary planning, preparation and presentation for a variety of food-service environments. With a strong emphasis on skill development, theory, service and managerial training, you will become equipped with the skills and industry knowledge required to succeed. This program will foster ongoing personal growth and learning in the areas of self-management, interpersonal skills, professional ability and industry awareness.

In addition, you will gain knowledge about the diverse needs of today’s diners and consumers and focus on locally grown and produced foods. Hands-on experience in culinary, pastry and restaurant demonstration labs and classrooms will help you to develop essential skills related to a la carte cuisine, pastry, desserts and baking, ethnic cuisine, contemporary cooking and more.

The Culinary Management program will foster ongoing personal growth and learning in the areas of self management, interpersonal skills, professional ability and industry awareness including:

• Applying cost control techniques to food-service operations
• Effective marketing to promote the successful operation of a hospitality business
• Developing ongoing personal and professional strategies and plans to enhance culinary leadership and management skills

Students in this program will benefit from working and learning in Bistro ’67, a full-service, green-certified teaching and learning restaurant operated by staff and students.

The Hospitality industry is growing fast - so fast that the industry is bracing for significant labour shortages. Thousands of jobs will be available across Canada for people with the right education, skills and attitude. From the front desk at a hotel or resort, to a food and beverage service position at a restaurant or club, or customer service positions in a wide variety of businesses, there will be many outstanding opportunities. If you enjoy travel, meeting new people, and have a passion for being a part of an industry that makes people happy, Hospitality Skills is a great place to start.

The Hospitality Skills program will provide you with an introduction to hotel, restaurant and tourism operations and the knowledge and expertise required for an entry-level position in the hospitality field. You will have the opportunity to earn industry-recognized certifications related to food and beverage service and safe food handling.

You will learn how to

• Provide hospitality service in a professional manner in order to increase customer satisfaction
• Identify and describe the various sectors of the Canadian tourism industry
• Use basic calculations to assist with daily functions of a hospitality operation
• Assist in development and implementation of a hospitality operation’s marketing plan and materials
• Follow all relevant health and safety legislation and regulations
• Plan and implement personal and professional development strategies related to the hospitality industry
• Support daily functions of a hospitality operation using current technologies and computer applications
• Perform duties of an entry-level accommodation operations team member
• Explain theories of food and beverage service and perform basic service tasks

Students in this program will benefit from working and learning in Bistro ’67, a full-service, green-certified teaching and learning restaurant operated by staff and students. 

Qualified graduates of the Hospitality Skills certificate program may have the opportunity to continue their studies by completing a second year to obtain their diploma in Hospitality - Hotel and Restaurant Operations Management.

Accredited by the Technical Standards & Safety Authority (TSSA), the Power Engineering Techniques – Fourth Class program is designed to introduce you to theoretical and practical aspects of power generation and plant operation. Theory taught in class will be applied through experiential learning in Durham College’s state-of-the-art registered Power Plant and electrical labs where students will learn to operate and maintain equipment in a safe and efficient manner while also gaining valuable hands-on experience. Students who successfully complete this program qualify for a nine-month reduction in steam time. In addition, students who pass their two TSSA tests and successfully complete three months of industry experience qualify for their Fourth Class Operating Engineer certificate of qualification.

HVAC technicians are required in many parts of our everyday lives. From installing the latest high-efficiency furnace in your home to keeping you cool in your office, a Durham College HVAC technician has got your covered.

With access to a national historic site and a one-of-a-kind living lab that provides students with legacy opportunities to complete campus projects, this program will help you graduate with the creative, entrepreneurial, and professional skills needed to be an industry leader. The art, science and business of horticulture are the focus of this program, ensuring students learn the skills required to create landscapes, renew historical gardens, enhance communities and express their creativity while learning the complexities involved in a broad range of professional environments. In addition, the dynamic, hands-on opportunities to experience the many aspects of the industry will make a difference as you work towards becoming a professional horticulturist. 

Gain knowledge and hone your skills in landscape construction, nursery management and soil and plant nutrition so you are prepared to work in creating and developing dynamic residential lots, business locations and communities. A growing interest in landscaping, gardening and urban agriculture is prompting more people to spend money on these enjoyable diversions and opening new opportunities for graduates.

You will also have access to an unmatched learning environment, with more than 50 per cent of learning time focused on hands-on activities offered at the college’s W. Galen Weston Centre for Food, a unique field-to-fork-focused learning environment, and Parkwood National Historic Site, which provides access to historic gardens and greenhouses, further the understanding of different concepts and designs you will face upon graduating.

You will focus on:

• Aspects of growing plants outdoors, indoors and in a greenhouse environment.
• Disease and pest management.
• Landscape construction.
• Landscape design fundamentals.
• Nursery management.
• Parks and turf management fundamentals.
• Plant propagation.
• Retail store operation.
• Small equipment operation and safety.
• Soil and plant nutrition.

Note: Primary location Whitby (some courses may be delivered at Parkwood Estate in Oshawa)

This program will appeal to your creative, analytical and mathematical sides with instruction in freehand sketching and computer-aided drawing, sustainability and green technology, renovation and restoration, site planning, calculations of load, structural sizing and estimating project costs, and technical communications designed to prepare you for an exciting career in architectural technology.

In the three-year Architectural Technology program you will focus on the commercial aspect of construction and renovation and gain an in-depth understanding of building and construction technology. This program, designed to prepare you for an exciting career in architectural technology, will appeal to your creative and analytical side with instruction in freehand sketching; sustainability and green technology; history of architecture; renovation and restoration; site planning; and technical communications.

You will gain knowledge and apply skills in computer aided drawing, building methods and project management using the most current computer-aided drafting programs such as AutoCAD and Building Information Modeling. In addition, you will learn construction and sustainable technologies for materials such as wood frame, steel, masonry and precast concrete and develop project management skills.

Graduates employed in this field will be skilled in analyzing building codes to determine design requirements; drafting contract and bidding documents; assisting architects with drafting construction and design plans; and constructing design models. The sustainable design skills you will gain will make you current and relevant in today’s increasingly eco-friendly architectural field. Graduates are eligible to apply for additional industry-relevant certifications, which may be a requirement for some employers.

You will further your practical knowledge through a team project/placement component in your third year, which will strengthen your work experience as well as develop your skills in building code, building specifications, estimating and structural and mechanical knowledge.

Don’t know if you want to provide heat, water or energy? Build machines or keep them running? Get a taste of the trades and see what suits you best! In this program, you will gain exposure to and experience in a variety of areas designed to help you choose a skilled trade or apprenticeship program. To assist you with firmly establishing a career within the skilled trades you will be introduced to:

• Automotive
• Carpentry
• Electrical
• Industrial maintenance
• Machining
• Plumbing
• Welding
• Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) essentials

In addition, you will have an opportunity to rotate through different trades and gain hands-on, practical knowledge through theory and shop work in order to make a knowledgeable and well-informed decision on your future career goals.

Office administrators are administrative professionals who are vital to the effectiveness of any organization. The phone is ringing, there are three spreadsheets open on your computer screen and a team meeting starts in two minutes. This is the life of an office administrator. Personable and committed, they create order out of chaos and provide the glue that holds businesses together. Our industry-connected professors will prepare you to make an impact on any organization right away. You will learn from professionals who are current in their field and will have the opportunity to enhance your resumé with real-life work experience.