Certificate in General Arts and Science

at George Brown College - Casa Loma Campus Canada

The Plumbing Techniques program covers residential, commercial and industrial applications in the plumbing industry, paying particular attention to residential plumbing. It is a hands-on program that may benefit anyone seeking to enter an apprenticeship or any construction-related career path.

Through hands-on projects you will learn about:

• Tools, materials, equipment and methods used in the plumbing industry
• Estimating materials and labour costs
• Proper use of hand tools and power tools
• Safety practices and procedures associated with these tools

The program includes studying industry standards and building codes while considering health and safety issues and energy conservation.

Projects include:

• Constructing and testing both drain and water systems
• Learning how to install hot water heaters and a variety of residential plumbing fixtures.
• Research on the science of sanitation, water, and the forces acting on a sealed piping system with and without atmospheric pressure applied to it.
• Studying blueprints and learning basic drafting techniques that will enable you to design, comprehend and build plumbing systems.
• A final project will focus on how to maintain the plumbing system you install and those that you may encounter in the future.

Program Learning Outcomes

• The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
  • Work according to contractual obligations; the project manual; and applicable laws, standards, bylaws, and codes.
  • Perform residential plumbing projects effectively and accurately by interpreting and producing basic data in graphic, oral and written formats.
  • Work responsibly and effectively with others and in accordance with appropriate practices, procedures and in compliance with health and safety legislation.
  • Use tools and equipment for basic installation manufacture, and repair of components to required specifications.
  • Contribute to the organizing and planning of residential plumbing installation projects.
  • Solve routine problems related to work environments using a variety of systemic approaches.

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.

This Sustainable Fashion Production graduate certificate program prepares graduates to manage the manufacturing process of small batch apparel products. Pre-production analysis, selection of appropriate techniques and technology, flow and efficiency, human resource ethics, environmental concerns, and quality and costing are assessed and applied for the sustainable production of small batch apparel products.

Students will examine manufacturing methods including lean, machinery, material requirements and production flow, and observe first hand the development and manufacture of apparel products. Management of production will be experienced through the development of costing, capacity, process mapping, work measurement, value stream mapping and other planning tools.

Students will learn to conduct an analysis of environmental impact aand ethical treatment of production workers to discern optimum sustainable product development and manufacturing decisions. Students will use industry technology, such as product lifecycle management tools, to track apparel products through product development and manufacturing stages. While the context of this program is apparel, the processes, management tools and knowledge could be applied to product design in other fields.

Your Field Education Options

• Students complete a Field Education preparation course in semester 2 and will be required to connect with an industry employer where they must complete 160 hours of field education in semester three.

Program Learning Outcomes

• The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
  • Select appropriate apparel production techniques and technology (e.g. machines, cutting room) to optimize manufacturing results.
  • Manage the manufacture of garments using lean manufacturing and small batch production principles.
  • Implement pre-production processes, including textile sourcing and equipment analysis, to ensure sustainable production.
  • Manage the steps of the manufacturing process using product lifecycle management tools and software.
  • Assess apparel manufacturing processes for evidence of social, environmental and economic sustainability.
  • Perform costing, time, and plant layout to determine production flow and efficient use of resources.
  • Analyze cost and quality of materials to inform product development and manufacturing decisions.

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.

The Construction Engineering Technician program studies the characteristics of various building types with an appreciation for the latest energy and environmental technologies. The program also focuses on areas that include:

• Interpretation of construction documents
• On-site building engineering and safety
• Quantity surveying (estimating labour, materials, and equipment required for a project)
• Building codes and construction contracts
• Site management practices

Laboratory courses provide practical building layout surveys and quality control testing of various building materials. You will also gain extensive computer experience, working with general business and Building Information Modeling (BIM) software and specialized construction management and estimating software.

Your Field Education Options

• Purpose and Definition of Field Experience
  • Field experience combines classroom learning with hands-on work experience structured to meet specific curricular outcomes. This approach to education relies upon a three-way partnership: the student, the institution and industry. Success depends upon the co-operative efforts of each party. It forms the basis for students’ experiential learning which is achieved when the cycle of experience, reflection, and learning is completed. It is a mandatory component of the T161 Construction Engineering Technician program. Field experience positions can be paid or unpaid. Both fulfill the academic requirement as well as strengthen students’ resumes, positioning them more effectively for future employment.
  • The field experience requires students to accumulate 100 hours of construction industry-related experience over the course of their third and fourth semesters. The field experience is facilitated through the Angelo DelZotto (ADZ) School of Construction Management, via collaborative efforts from the academic supervisors, program coordinators, and the chair.

Program Learning Outcomes

• The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
  • Develop and use strategies to enhance professional growth and ongoing learning in the construction engineering field.
  • Comply with workplace health and safety practices and procedures in accordance with current legislation and regulations.
  • Complete duties in compliance with contractual obligations, applicable laws, standards, bylaws, codes and ethical practices in the construction engineering field.
  • Carry out sustainability practices in accordance with contract documents, industry standards, and environmental legislative requirements.
  • Collaborate with and facilitate communication among project stakeholders to support construction projects.
  • Collect, process and interpret technical data to produce written and graphical project-related documents.
  • Contribute to the collecting, interpreting and applying of survey/geomatics and layout information to implement construction projects.
  • Identify and use industry-specific electronic and digital technologies to support the design and construction of projects.
  • Contribute to the resolution of technical problems related to the design and implementation of construction projects by applying engineering concepts, basic technical mathematics, and building science.
  • Assist in the scheduling and monitoring of the progression of construction projects by applying principles of construction project management.
  • Assist in the preparation of accurate estimates of time, cost, quality and quantity, tenders and bids.
  • Perform quality control testing and monitoring of equipment, materials, and methods involved in the implementation and completion of construction projects.
  • Apply teamwork, leadership and interpersonal skills when working individually or within multidisciplinary teams to complete work on construction projects

Employment opportunities in the Welding trade span several industries including transportation, petro chemical, oil and gas, aerospace, fabrication, manufacturing, pipelines, mining and construction.

George Brown’s Welding Techniques program prepares students with practical, hands-on experience that applies the technical theory and elements of the welding field. Students articulate their technical and essential employability skills through an e-portfolio, based on skill development throughout the program.

At the end of this intense, two-semester program, students will have the opportunity to challenge the shielded metal arc weld test, in accordance with CSA W47.1/W59 standards, in a position(s) of their choosing through the Canadian Welders Bureau. (This test will be voluntary and at an extra cost to the student.)

This experiential program will provide you the skills to master five of the most common types of welding processes:

• Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW): This process uses a consumable electrode covered with flux. It is the primary type of welding used in the maintenance and repair industry. Arc welding is usually used to weld iron and steel, although it can also be used for alloys (aluminum, nickel, etc.).
• Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW): This welding process uses electricity to melt and join pieces of metal together. It is generally regarded as one of the easiest types of welding to learn. It is also called Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW). It can be used to weld a variety of metals such as carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum, magnesium, copper, bronze, etc.
• Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW): The process uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode that delivers the current to the welding arc. The tungsten and weld puddle are protected and cooled with an inert gas, typically argon or helium. It is most commonly used for welding stainless steel and non-ferrous metals like aluminum, magnesium and copper alloys.
• Plasma Arc and Oxyfuel Cutting: This process utilizes an electrode and compressed gas, forced at high speeds through a nozzle, usually copper, to cut metal, primarily mild steel, stainless steel and aluminum. Oxyfuel cutting uses fuel gases combined with oxygen to cut metals, usually steel.
• Fabrication: Metal fabrication is the building of metal structures by cutting, bending, and assembling processes. It is a value added process that involves the construction of machines and structures from various raw materials.

Program Learning Outcomes

• The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
  • Perform work responsibly and in compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and industry processes and procedures, including demonstrating learned knowledge of WHMIS.
  • Interpret engineering drawings and blueprints to produce basic graphics and welding projects as required by industry.
  • Select, plan, and demonstrate sustainable metal fabrication operations using industrial metal fabrication machinery and emerging technologies.
  • Perform basic technical measurements and welding functions accurately, using appropriate equipment and welding techniques.
  • Create welds on various types of materials and joints in the major welding positions to industrial standards and codes.
  • Use shop tools and equipment to manufacture, assemble, maintain and repair components according to required specifications and industry standards.
  • Interact effectively and professionally in shop environments, both independently and with fellow workers and other tradespeople.
  • Assess weld quality and implement corrective action where required to follow quality control and quality assurance procedures and meet organizational standards and requirements.
  • Create a professional development plan that addresses one’s strengths and areas for growth in the greater context of the welder profession.

This three-semester graduate certificate program provides applied education for construction management positions in the construction sector. Candidates will receive graduate-level training that builds on their internationally acquired education and experience to enable them to successfully enter the Canadian construction workforce.

Program Learning Outcomes
The graduate demonstrates the ability to:

• Develop and use strategies to promote continuous professional learning in the construction industry.
• Monitor and support workplace health and safety practices and procedures that are compliant with current legislation and regulations.
• Assess construction project operations for compliance with contractual obligations, applicable laws, standards, bylaws, codes and ethical practices in the construction industry.
• Analyze and monitor construction processes to ensure that sustainability practices are implemented in accordance with contract documents, industry standards and environmental legislative requirements.
• Establish and manage relationships among diverse project stakeholders to achieve construction project goals.
• Manage the production, storage, retrieval and communication of project-related digital documents according to best practices, to meet construction project deadlines and goals.
• Perform a feasibility study to inform decisions in the planning phase of a construction project.
• Schedule, manage and evaluate the progression of construction projects by applying the principles, practices and tools of construction project management to complete projects on time and within budget.
• Prepare estimates and manage procurement processes to control costs in accordance with best practices in construction project management.
• Develop and oversee quality assurance and control processes involved in the completion of construction projects to meet project specifications and industry quality standards.
• Analyze and manage project risks to mitigate their impact throughout the construction project lifecycle.
• Formulate human resource management strategies to optimize personnel requirements for construction project completion.
• Build and lead multidisciplinary teams throughout the construction project lifecycle to accomplish construction project goals.

The Fashion Business Industry two-year diploma program at George Brown College's School of Fashion and Jewellery in Toronto gives students an introduction to all aspects of the fashion industry, from product knowledge to marketing and small business management.

The small to medium-sized business enterprise is a flourishing sector of the fashion industry and represents a great opportunity for entry into the fashion world. Smaller companies require employees who possess a variety of management skills to manage a business from the start-up stage to more developed business models. Students will be prepared for the roles and develop skills essential for the operation of a successful small fashion business. The entrepreneurial aspect of this program guides students through the process of developing a comprehensive business plan, which is essential to start a new business or manage an existing business.

Students will gain an understanding of textiles, garment construction, quality criteria and apparel merchandising. They will also learn to apply marketing, accounting, financial and other business concepts necessary for the decision-making they will encounter in their future careers.

Program Learning Outcomes

• The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
  • Use basic apparel drafting and construction skills and industrial sewing machines to complete apparel products.
  • Use standard fashion industry computer software for business and for design development.
  • Manage daily operations, resources, visual merchandising and customer relationships to ensure profitability in a retail enterprise.
  • Develop a business and finance plan for a small apparel enterprise that reflects awareness of market conditions, resources required and cash flow.
  • Apply appropriate buying, merchandising and accounting practices to support small business operations in the fashion industry.
  • Apply supply chain management and logistics to operate a successful fashion business.
  • Develop, communicate and implement a marketing plan by combining marketing research, strategies and tactics.
  • Analyze economic, fashion and industry trends to make business decisions in small and medium-sized apparel enterprises.
  • Evaluate products by applying quality control processes to meet appropriate standards.
  • Identify textile materials, asses their suitability and compatibility, and select accordingly for end use.

Robotics, controls and process automation are cornerstones of modern production facilities and automated systems. Our multidisciplined and hands-on approach to learning culminates in a capstone project in which students design and produce a complex, integrated, fully functional electromechanical system by applying their accumulated theoretical and practical knowledge.

Students complement their technical skills with a focus on the soft skills needed to establish a successful career and add value to any team. Students will learn from faculty who are experienced in both the workplace and the teaching environment.

The industry-relevant curriculum is delivered through hands-on learning in the college’s machine shops, electrical and industrial automation laboratories, process controls and robotics facilities, to ensure that graduates can move quickly and directly into industry.

Note: If you enrol in the program in January you are required to complete semester 2 in the summer (May to August) of the same year in order to continue into semester 3 in the fall.

Program Learning Outcomes

• The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
  • Fabricate and build electrical, electronic, and mechanical components and assemblies in accordance with operating standards, job requirements, and specifications.
  • Interpret and produce electrical, electronic, and mechanical drawings and other related technical documents and graphics for a variety of stakeholders in compliance with industry standards.
  • Select and use a variety of troubleshooting techniques and equipment to assess, maintain, and repair electromechanical circuits, equipment, processes, systems, and subsystems.
  • Maintain and repair electrical, electronic, and mechanical components, equipment, and systems to ensure that they function according to specifications and to optimize production.
  • Support the design and production of mechanical components by assisting in the specification of manufacturing materials and processes.
  • Apply, analyze, build, install, commission, and troubleshoot a variety of mechanical, electrical, and electronic control systems, logic and digital circuits, passive AC and DC circuits, and active circuits.
  • Install and troubleshoot basic computer hardware and programming to support the electromechanical engineering environment.
  • Maintain and troubleshoot automated equipment including robotic systems.
  • Establish and maintain inventory, records, and documentation systems to meet organizational and industry standards and requirements
  • Select and purchase electromechanical equipment, components, and systems that fulfill job requirements and functional specifications.
  • Assist in applying quality control and quality assurance program procedures to meet organizational standards and requirements.
  • Work in compliance with relevant industry standards, laws and regulations, codes, policies, and procedures.
  • Develop strategies for ongoing personal and professional development to enhance work performance and to remain current in the field and responsive to emergent technologies and national and international standards.
  • Contribute as an individual and a member of an electromechanical engineering team to the effective completion of tasks and projects.
  • Support project management activities such as planning, implementation and evaluation of projects, and monitoring of resources, timelines, and expenditures as required.