Advanced Diploma in Interior Design Technology (Co-op)

at George Brown College - Casa Loma Campus Canada

Wireless communications are pervasive in our lives. They have grown in recent years to include everything from personal communications networks to governments, hospitals and neighbourhood businesses. And there’s no end in sight to the growth of our wireless world.

George Brown College’s leading-edge Wireless Networking postgraduate program is designed to put you at the centre of this exciting world by giving you high-demand skills in radio frequency (RF), cellular, broadband and advanced data communications.

We offer you a unique choice of career direction. You can specialize in:

• Long Term Evolution (LTE) and Broadband Technologies
• Advanced Network Security
• Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) Technologies

Program Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

• Test and measure RF (radio frequency) signals, attenuation and antenna systems.
• Assist with the preparation and execution of wireless site surveys.
• Build a wired and/or wireless computer network using system design documentation.
• Measure performance of both wired and wireless network components and applications using a variety of basic and advanced network management tools.
• Produce documentation and reports related to network components and applications performance.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical problems related to both wired and wireless networks using standardized approaches and methodologies.
• Install and upgrade network hardware (e.g. workstations, servers, wireless access points, routers, switches, firewalls) and related components and software according to best practices in the industry.
• Monitor and evaluate network security issues and perform basic security audits on both wired and wireless networks.
• Assist in the collection and analysis of user requirements related to wired and wireless networks.
• Utilize change control, issue documentation and problem escalation procedures and processes as per industry best practices.
• Generate and maintain “as built” network documentation following industry best practices.
• Compare network performance against service levels and assist in the development of action plans as required against service level agreements.
• Employ concepts and practices as defined in ITIL (IT Infrastructure Library) to manage IT services and operation, including project management tools and techniques.

As a student in the Cloud Computing Technologies one-year graduate certificate program, you will gain a comprehensive and in-depth technical base through courses in the high-demand areas of system and network administration, cloud productivity tools, cloud computing design and implementation, and cloud computing security from the most popular and fastest growing cloud providers. Upon completion of this program, you will have gained experience in Microsoft 365, Microsoft Azure, and Amazon AWS. Experience in these cloud provider platforms ensures you will be workplace ready.

As a graduate of this program, you will possess the cloud computing design, administration and troubleshooting skills necessary to support any business and attract employers from all over the world. Through lab activities and projects, each course allows you to gain hands-on experience using technologies in real-world cloud computing scenarios. An optional work-integrated learning field placement is available for those who are not currently employed in IT and are looking to apply these new skills in the field.

As the cloud computing sector in the information technology (IT) industry continues to grow globally and our industry partners report technical skills shortages, George Brown College is helping to meet the market demand by educating IT professionals who understand all aspects of computer systems from on-premises to cloud computing.

Program Learning Outcomes

1. Create secure solutions that support highly available micro-services that meet client needs.
2. Implement enterprise level applications in hosted cloud environments that respond to client needs and business practices.
3. Architect and deploy fault tolerant solutions within cloud computing platforms to solve identified business requirements.
4. Automate security and resources for applications by using cloud computing tools to mitigate risk for organizations and protect assets.
5. Design and test code-based solutions to cloud computing problems that ensure security in depth.
6. Assess the viability of developing, deploying, maintaining and securing cloud computing solutions using a variety of resiliency testing tools.
7. Create and defend cloud-computing strategies used to solve identified business needs on behalf of a client.
8. Install and monitor a database management system on the cloud in response to specified requirements.
9. Design, develop, configure, troubleshoot, maintain, and upgrade computing systems and network infrastructures for the cloud.

The Jewellery Methods program provides you with the skills and abilities necessary to succeed in this demanding profession as a goldsmith/bench jeweller. The essential skills of measuring, sawing, filing, soldering and finishing are stressed early in the program. These skills are built upon through the introduction and practice of many traditional and contemporary techniques. Once essential skills are achieved, you study more advanced goldsmithing techniques, jewellery repair, gemsetting and model making, as well as jewellery elective subjects.

Jewellery history, technical drawing, gemmology and an overview of the industry are included to provide you with a broad knowledge of the jewellery field.

Program Learning Outcomes

• The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
• Create jewellery items in copper, brass, silver and gold, using fundamental goldsmithing skills for entry-level employment in the jewellery industry.
• Create wax models using hand-carving techniques.
• Set gemstones in simple settings to industry standards.
• Repair jewellery to industry standards and to meet customer satisfaction.
• Produce multiple reproductions of jewellery using the lost wax casting process.
• Incorporate polishing techniques to produce market ready jewellery items.
• Differentiate gemstones and their properties as required in the jewellery industry.
• Contextualize jewellery according to historical and stylistic qualities to assess provenance, materials and method of production.
• Use technical drawing techniques to communicate jewellery designs as required.
• Follow ethic, security and business practices consistent with jewellery industry standards.
• Employ jewellery tools, equipment and materials in a confident and safe manner.
• Use computer software (CAD) skills to produce 2D drawings and 3D models of complex jewellery forms.
• Produce a professional portfolio that documents attained skills for employment applications.
• Construct finished jewellery pieces according to given designs.

Apparel Technical Designers are the link between design and production as they transform a sketch into a full technical package ready for manufacturing a product in quantity. This one-year Apparel Technical Design graduate certificate program in Toronto prepares fashion designers with apparel technical design skills for positions in the apparel industry.

Graduates will have the skills to design and complete a collection using market research, trend analysis, and computer-aided drafting and product lifecycle management technology. Quality and costing analysis will inform design choices as the full product specification package is completed and collection projects are manufactured using appropriate and efficient manufacturing techniques.

Designers with solid patternmaking, grading, textile, illustration and construction skills will advance their knowledge to manage the complexity of writing detailed technical specifications, refining garment fit and sourcing components in pre-production, to achieve production-ready samples and technical packages. Graduates will attain the expertise required to anticipate and solve manufacturing issues, be able to maximize quality and minimize cost, consider sustainable options and be more prepared to launch future collections through experiencing the full cycle of designing and manufacturing a collection.

This program is part of our School of Fashion and Jewellery.

Your Field Education Options

• Field education is embedded in the program. Students will be required to connect with an industry employer where they can complete 160 hours of field education in semester three.

Program Learning Outcomes

• The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
• Conceptualize and design apparel collections using target market research to prepare for product development aimed at a target consumer.
• Develop production-ready patterns using computer software and grade, alter and create markers to prepare for manufacture of collection samples.
• Manage the steps of a product development process using product lifecycle management tools and software.
• Select source materials and manufacturing techniques to align with collection quality and cost requirements.
• Develop and communicate product specifications to minimize production time, cost and errors.
• Estimate manufacturing resources (e.g., labour, time and materials) to inform design decisions and schedule production timelines.
• Review and correct garment fit and apply adjustments to production patterns to ensure garment appearance and comfort ease allowances are appropriate to target market sizing specifications while maintaining design integrity.

The Gemmology program teaches you to analyze and classify a wide variety of gem materials, both natural and artificially created. The program focuses on analyzing chemical and physical characteristics of gem and gem-like materials, and identifying different gems. The gem materials are classified into categories according to their desirable characteristics, which eventually determine the value of the gems. To accomplish the identification and classification, you use a number of specially designed instruments, such as microscopes, spectroscopes, refractometers and polariscopes, on real gem materials.

Visual acuity and accurate colour rendition are essential traits for success in Gemmology.

Refractive Index liquid (RI liquid), which contains diiodomethane, is a commonly used chemical in Gemmology practice. If you are pregnant, have certain medical conditions or are sensitive to RI liquid, please consult with your physician for advice before you attend this program, as you will be exposed to RI liquid in Gemmology lab work.

Program Learning Outcomes

• The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
  • Identify a large number of gemstones and gem materials and distinguish them from synthetics and imitations.
  • Use, maintain and handle gemmological instruments and testing equipment competently and safely.
  • Grade gemstones for quality based on their cut, colour and other physical characteristics, chemical composition and possible place of origin.
  • Grade diamonds based on their cut, clarity, colour and carat weight.
  • Apply the basic skills of jewellery appraisal to assess market value.
  • Contextualize jewellery according to historical and stylistic qualities to assess provenance, materials and method of production.
  • Conduct ethical and secure business practices consistent with jewellery business standards.

The Fashion Management program prepares you with essential knowledge and skills required to meet the Canadian fashion industry's core business needs. You will gain a deep understanding of textiles, manufacturing inputs and processes, and movement in the supply chain, as well as management of the value, costing and quality of apparel. You will also be able to apply the tools of marketing and merchandising to maximize product success in the market. This program is designed to meet the needs of today's Canadian market, which has shifted to product development, niche markets and omni-channel retail.

The Fashion Management program is the only academic program curriculum in Canada identified by the American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA) as an affiliate school. Benefits to you include an up-to-date curriculum, connection with the industry and access to industry research materials exclusively available to members.

The concepts of developing, sourcing and marketing a product from initial idea to retail sale are introduced. You will test and problem-solve for quality assurance; develop buying, merchandising and marketing plans; examine logistics processes; and work as a team to manage a retail store.

The structure of this program gives you flexibility in the choice of a career path. You will also gain relevant industry knowledge through field education experience after the first year of study. The Field Experience may be in fashion buying, production, distribution, retailing, wholesale, or a related marketing area. Students have the opportunity to network with potential employers at our FashionWorks industry event.

Note: Students starting in January will have an alternate order of courses, and will not graduate until their field education component has been completed. January intake students will complete semester two from May to August, and continue into semester three in September of the same academic year.

The School of Fashion offers a diverse, hands-on learning environment, including many extracurricular activities for students.

Program Learning Outcomes

• The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
  • Identify textile materials, assess their suitability and compatibility, and select for end use.
  • Use basic accounting concepts and financial analysis in order to interpret reports and make business decisions.
  • Make optimal sourcing decisions based on research and analysis of domestic and global sources.
  • Use merchandising concepts and retail math to develop merchandise, assortment and buying plans.
  • Communicate visually by using appropriate tools and practices to create product development packages, sales materials, and merchandising displays.
  • Apply the principles of logistics and supply chain management to operate a successful fashion business.
  • Use effective interpersonal and team skills to enhance leadership, management and sales expertise in a fashion business environment.
  • Evaluate product by applying the principles of quality control to meet appropriate standards.
  • Explain the organization and operation of the Canadian fashion industry, its role within the global economy, and identify the forces that affect it.
  • Distinguish the processes and systems used in garment manufacturing to make production decisions.
  • Apply the product development process by preparing visual materials, technical specifications, and cost analysis for a product(s) aimed at a specific target market.
  • Develop, communicate, and apply a marketing plan by combining marketing research, strategies and tactics.
  • Analyze ethics, corporate social responsibility and sustainability principles to develop best practices in the fashion industry.
  • Develop professional goals through industry exposure with an emphasis on life-long learning and personal growth.

The General Arts and Science two-year (four semesters) diploma is designed to develop the essential skills needed for advanced studies, including university transfer and professional specialization. The program includes a wide range of subjects within the Arts and Humanities, Social Sciences, and Science. It emphasizes advanced skills in research and writing, oral communications and critical thinking, providing excellent preparation for work, as well as for further vocational and university studies.

Students acquire knowledge and engage with ideas in a wide range of disciplines. Interdisciplinary approaches enable students to explore and relate relevant concepts and issues to individuals, the environment, and the workplace.

Program Learning Outcomes:

• The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
  • Develop, through general knowledge gained in a wide range of subjects, insight into both self and society.
  • Develop flexibility and clarity of both thought and expression in order to develop communications competence to a level required by business and industry.
  • Understand and utilize critical thinking processes and problem solving techniques.
  • Examine and evaluate various aspects of our changing society to assist in developing a sense of personal and social responsibility as a citizen in society.
  • Employ basic vocational skills drawn from the areas of the Humanities, Social and Behavioral Sciences of Vocational Studies (Business, Technology).

Today, few organizations make any significant plans without thoroughly understanding the Information Technology (IT) implications. IT professionals are a vital part of decision-making business teams. George Brown College answers this need with its three-year (six-semester) Computer Programmer Analyst program. The broad education in programming and IT analysis that it offers can provide you with a stable platform for career growth in the rapidly expanding and ever-changing world of information technology.

During the first two years of the program, you will develop the skills and techniques required for software application development and testing. The industry tells us they are looking for Computer Programmer Analysts with “the total package.” So the third year includes advanced technical skills in areas such as systems analysis and design techniques – and continues to develop communications, teamwork and other client service skills such as needs assessment, sales, and presentation methods.

George Brown offers other distinct advantages:

• Students are involved in project-based and experiential learning.
• In the third year, students are exposed to the fast-growing game development sector.
• Students are also exposed to mobile application development using the latest mobile devices.

*If you enrol in January, you must complete semester 2 in the summer, May to August, in the same year.

Note: In this rapidly changing industry, program improvements are being made on an ongoing basis, which may result in course changes. Changes are made in consultation with our Program Advisory Committee, which is composed of academic staff and industry representatives from small, medium-sized and large corporations.

Program Learning Outcomes

• The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
  • Identify, analyze, design, develop, implement, verify and document the requirements for a computing environment.
  • Diagnose, troubleshoot, document and monitor technical problems using appropriate methodologies and tools.
  • Analyze, design, implement and maintain secure computing environments.
  • Analyze, develop and maintain robust computing system solutions through validation testing and industry best practices.
  • Communicate and collaborate with team members and stakeholders to ensure effective working relationships.
  • Select and apply strategies for personal and professional development to enhance work performance.
  • Apply project management principles and tools when responding to requirements and monitoring projects within a computing environment.
  • Adhere to ethical, social media, legal, regulatory and economic requirements and/or principles in the development and management of the computing solutions and systems.
  • Investigate emerging trends to respond to technical challenges.
  • Gather, analyze and define software system specifications based on functional and non-functional requirements.
  • Design, develop, document, implement, maintain and test software systems by using industry standard software development methodologies based on defined specifications and existing technologies/frameworks.
  • Select and apply object-oriented and other design concepts and principles, as well as business requirements, to the software development process.
  • Gather requirements and model, design, implement, optimize, and maintain data storage solutions.
  • Integrate network communications into software solutions by adhering to protocol standards.

In the Child and Youth Care (CYC)(Accelerated) program, you will have the opportunity to learn how to support at-risk children, youth and families by developing therapeutic skills and abilities. Over the course of 12 consecutive months (three semesters), you will learn how to build therapeutic relationships with clients and collaborate with a professional team as you develop skill sets to create a professional identity as an agent of change.

Scope of practice includes:

• Assessing risk and developmental needs of vulnerable children and families
• Designing and implementing therapeutic intervention
• Crisis intervention and safety planning with children, youth and their families
• Developing therapeutic relationships within challenging contexts
• Applying group and systems theories in milieu work
• Fostering resilience and applying a strength-based approach to assessment and intervention

This program starts in May and is delivered over 12 consecutive months (three consecutive semesters).
Students are required to successfully complete a Ministry-approved crisis intervention training certificate in their third semester.
In preparation for the field or clinical placement, students will be required to work in multiple small and large groups within classes and community settings.

Your Field Education Options
Students gain valuable hands-on experience through two supervised field placement opportunities. Each placement lasts four consecutive months and runs four days a week.
Field placement opportunities take place in agencies and institutions that offer services to the community within the Greater Toronto Area. The CYC program also offers international placement experiences when possible. 

Typical placement sites include:

• Group homes
• Schools
• Hospitals
• Youth shelters
• Community outreach programs
• Youth justice

Students are expected to work both day and evening shifts (not overnight) and may be requested to work on some weekends.

Program Learning Outcomes

• The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
  • Develop and maintain relationships with children, youth and their families applying principles of relational practice and respecting their unique life space, cultural and human diversity.
  • Assess and respond to the strengths and needs of children and youth, including complex responses impacted by developmental, environmental, physical, emotional, social and mental health challenges in order to promote positive change.
  • Analyze and evaluate the impact of the inter-relationship among family, social service, justice and community systems on children, youth and their families and use this information in the planning of holistic care and in the reduction of systemic barriers.
  • Plan, implement and evaluate interventions using evidence?informed practices in the areas of therapeutic milieu and programming, and group work to promote resiliency and to enhance development in children, youth and their families.
  • Advocate for the rights of children, youth and their families and maintain an anti-oppression perspective and cultural competence in diverse cultural contexts.
  • Apply communication, teamwork and organizational skills within the interprofessional team and with community partners to enhance the quality of service in child and youth care practice.
  • Develop and implement self-care strategies using self-inquiry and reflection processes to promote self- awareness and to enhance practice as a child and youth care practitioner.
  • Use evidence-based research, professional development resources and supervision models to support professional growth and lifelong learning.

The Fashion Techniques and Design program prepares graduates for careers in garment manufacturing design rooms. This is a women's wear program that simulates, as closely as possible, the industry's standards, practices and facilities. You will use industrial machines and learn the essentials of technical illustration, pattern making, pattern grading and clothing construction. Additional core subjects include textiles, technical specifications and history of costume. Program electives allow you to select specific related subject areas, such as fashion show development, portfolio development, draping, lingerie, men's pattern drafting, leather apparel, knitwear and bridal and evening wear. Computer skills in Adobe Illustrator, pattern drafting and pattern grading are included as core and elective courses and are continually upgraded to meet industry needs. This program covers introductory methods to more advanced concepts in the second year.

An annual fashion show and portfolio event highlights successful student projects. Students have the opportunity to network with industry, participate in numerous competitions, work on applied research projects, volunteer and attend industry events.

Note: This program requires extensive sewing; manual dexterity and good vision are assets. Both sewing experience and access to a sewing machine outside of the campus facilities are expected.

At the School of Fashion and Jewellery, the learning environment is as diverse as our students and there are many extracurricular activities to take advantage of.

Program Learning Outcomes

• The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
  • Draft and grade flat patterns for mass garment production.
  • Select and use production methods and techniques that best suit the fabric, pattern and design of the garments.
  • Select garment materials that are compatible with the overall apparel design and meet the user's needs.
  • Operate industrial sewing, pressing, grading and other technical equipment safely to professional standards.
  • Apply technical and computing skills to fashion design and production.
  • Research and analyze factors, trends, stylistic features, and art principles that influence current fashions.
  • Prepare visual and portfolio materials, product specifications, and cost analysis for a product, project and/or market.
  • Design, prototype and produce original patterns and garments using mass production industrial methods and equipment.