Graduate Certificate in Apparel Technical Design

at George Brown College - Casa Loma Campus Canada

This program is designed to teach you new construction and building renovation skills from both an applied perspective and a management perspective, including carpentry techniques and new materials applications while providing a solid understanding of the renovation-related trades.

Hands-on training takes place in fully equipped labs where students practice current techniques related to renovations and new home construction, using sustainable design principles. The third year of the program focuses on project management skills required to work in a supervisory role. You will also have an introductory exposure to the business skills that can be adapted to starting and running a renovation, custom home building or general contracting business.

Practical applications include:

• Residential construction and renovations
• Millwork
• Demolition
• Framing
• Finishes
• Drywall installation and finishing
• Site management
• Cabinetry
• Stair construction
• Building code
• Basic electrical, HVAC, and plumbing systems.

Business skills include:

• Business management
• Marketing
• Client relations
• Project management
• Site management
• Scheduling
• Controlling, estimating and bookkeeping
• Budgeting and financial management
• Inspections

You will also learn how to use and apply computer software and technology currently used in the construction industry, including spreadsheets, computer-aided design, estimating, project management and presentation tools.

Note: When 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.

This program is unique in Ontario.

Your Field Education Options
This program requires the successful completion of two semesters of field placement. George Brown works with employers and industry partners to identify potential work experience opportunities. Students are also strongly encouraged to pursue self-directed industry work experience opportunities they believe would provide the learning experiences they value and meet the learning outcomes of the program. This valuable work experience can in turn be added to your resume.

In addition to more formal on-the-job work experience, George Brown College endeavours to provide additional learning opportunities with real-world challenges and clients. Find out more about field education at our Industry Liaison Office.

Program Learning Outcomes

• The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
  • Develop and use strategies for ongoing professional development to remain current with industry changes, enhance work performance and explore career opportunities.
  • Comply with and monitor health and safety practices and procedures in accordance with current legislation and regulations.
  • Prepare quotes and monitor that work is completed in compliance with the rights and conditions of contractual obligations, the Ontario and/or National Building Codes, applicable laws, bylaws, standards and ethical practices in the building construction and renovation field.
  • Promote and maintain sustainability practices in the implementation of building construction and renovation projects.
  • Facilitate collaboration and interaction among a range of tradespersons and project stakeholders to support timely completion of building construction and renovation projects.
  • Review and interpret project plans and produce technical sketches and documents to support building construction and renovation projects.
  • Use technologies to obtain, analyze, organize and communicate building construction and renovation information.
  • Analyze and solve technical problems related to the design and implementation of building construction and renovation projects by applying the principles of advanced technical mathematics, building design and building science.
  • Select, maintain and safely use hand tools, and portable and stationary power tools, when performing layout, cutting, fitting and assembly operations.
  • Complete building and renovation stages, from site layout and footings to the application of interior and exterior finishes, in accordance with blueprint specifications and conservation principles.
  • Evaluate the methods employed and the use of equipment and materials involved in the completion of building construction and renovation projects.
  • Schedule, coordinate and monitor the progression of building construction and renovation projects by applying principles and strategies of project management.
  • Design and implement business strategies to develop home building, renovation and re-development enterprises.
  • Apply leadership, supervision and interpersonal skills to manage building construction and renovation projects.

Students in this program will gain an in-depth knowledge of the construction industry including:

• Methods and materials of construction
• Construction estimating
• Construction law, contracts and bidding
• Project management and control 
• Construction graphics and detailing 

This program shares the first four semesters with the Construction Engineering Technician program. Semesters 5 & 6 prepare you for a wider range of career options in the construction sector. This three-year program equips you for positions with higher levels of responsibility and accountability in such areas as construction planning, project management, estimating, budget and bid preparation, sustainable building science and engineering studies.

The International Fashion Management program is a one-year graduate certificate program* designed for the student or industry professional with a serious interest in the international apparel business.

The program provides you with the skills essential to succeed in the global apparel market. As new communication technologies make the world a smaller place, more possibilities for the fashion industry emerge on an international scale, along with many related career opportunities.

You are exposed to world trade through the study of economic, legal and cultural factors that affect international trade policies. Specifically, the focus of study is on the understanding of business practices, global marketing, logistics and supply chain management as they relate to the fashion industry worldwide. The program content combines analytical and management skills, along with knowledge of world culture and understanding of the global economy, to enable success in the international apparel industry.

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

• Manage processes relating to the international movement of apparel goods according to supply chain and logistics principles.
• Identify the knowledge of international trade and licensing agreements required to perform import, export and source functions in an apparel business operation.
• Analyze global economics and geopolitics to inform selection of international apparel business partners.
• Research and create a global marketing plan to support international apparel business strategies.
• Develop culturally appropriate strategies and techniques to communicate successfully in a global apparel business environment.
• Select current business practices, research methods, analytic techniques and tools required to conduct apparel business operations in a global context.
• Practise business ethically by applying principles of environmental, economic and social sustainability to domestic and international apparel operations.

Whether it’s online or console, cell phone or PC-based, the game industry in Canada is large and growing rapidly. Game developers and publishers in the Greater Toronto Area range from small specialized units to mid-sized companies to Microsoft, Nintendo and other industry leaders.

Computer and game programmers are the fundamental resource for companies that develop, produce, distribute and market computer-based games. In fact, our industry advisors tell us it is the technical skills that are most in demand – a demand that this George Brown program is focused on meeting.

Students in George Brown’s three-year Game – Programming advanced diploma program will learn the technical skills they need to be successful in the job market by learning “the language of gaming” (C and C++), as well as artificial intelligence, 3D graphics and much more.

The added advantage of this program is that students will also be taught by George Brown’s School of Design faculty throughout the program, working closely with design students to create games, explore all aspects of the game industry, and learn to work in teams, just as they will in industry. Classes take place at George Brown’s Casa Loma and St. James Campuses. Some courses are offered online, and in some semesters, evening courses may be required.

Note: Students who start the program in January (Winter term) will be required to attend classes during the summer months (May to August).

Program Learning Outcomes

• The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
• Analyze the differences in game genres in order to develop games that meet the needs of specific markets.
• Analyze the history of video games to compare various approaches to game development.
• Support the development of games by identifying and relating concepts from a range of industry roles – programming, design, and art.
• Contribute as an individual and a member of a game development team to the effective completion of a game development project.
• Develop strategies for ongoing personal and professional development to enhance work performance in the games industry.
• Perform all work in compliance with relevant statutes, regulations, legislation, industry standards and codes of ethics.

The Jewellery Essentials program provides you with the skills and techniques necessary to begin a career in the jewellery industry. You will learn to saw, file, solder, grind, polish and finish metals including copper, brass, silver and gold. Fabrication and centrifugal casting techniques will be used to create jewellery pieces to high standards.

Rising fuel costs, indoor air quality and climate change are all contributing factors in raising awareness of the true cost of energy. There is a great need for energy-efficient building environmental system design, construction and maintenance.

In the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technician program students will:

• Develop the ability to size, install and maintain building environmental systems for the residential and light commercial sector.
• Gain solid skills and knowledge in design, operation and maintenance of environmental systems, in heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC/R).
• Develop practical skills through hands-on experience, working on a wide range of furnaces, air conditioners, refrigeration equipment and other appliances in our labs.
• Gain competency with industry-ready skills in soldering, wiring and electric control circuitry and troubleshooting for HVAC and gas installations.
• Use computer-aided design software to assess building heating and cooling requirements, select appropriate equipment and develop HVAC system drawings and specifications for the residential market.
• The program follows industry-standard design practices for environmentally responsible and energy-efficient residential, commercial and industrial systems, as established by the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute (HRAI), the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and the Canada Green Building Council.

Note: When 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:
• Relate effectively to heating, refrigeration, and air conditioning supervisors, coworkers, and customers.
• Work safely and in accordance with all applicable acts, regulations, legislation, and codes to ensure personal and public safety.
• Select and use a variety of heating, refrigeration, and air conditioning tools and equipment safely and properly.
• Solve math and applied science problems required to effectively install and maintain heating, refrigeration, and air conditioning systems, and associated components.
• Prepare and interpret electrical, mechanical, and piping drawings.
• Install, service, and troubleshoot heating, refrigeration, air conditioning systems, and associated components.
• Develop strategies for ongoing personal and professional development, that will lead to enhanced work performance and career opportunities, and keep pace with industry changes.

The Cyber Security graduate certificate program at George Brown College is designed to meet the high demand for cyber security professionals and related IT security professionals across multiple sectors – including consulting services, finance and health care.

As a student in this program, you will begin with learning the theory and practical skills required to become a cyber security professional, including the differences and similarities between cyber security and hacking. You will learn about the primary attack surfaces (physical, social, electronic), methods for compromising the attack surfaces, and how to mitigate potential attacks.

In the third semester, you will learn advanced techniques in ethical hacking incident response. A capstone group project will provide you with an opportunity to showcase your skills and talents for potential employers. These skills include:

• Digital forensics and incident response management
• Ethical hacking and analyzing malware
• Delivering security training
• Applying cryptography

In addition to traditional technical skills, the cyber security professionals of today require many non-technical skills and talents, such as:

• Analytical skills
• Written and verbal communication
• Project and time management skills
• Interpersonal and conflict management skills

Students graduating from this program are prepared to help defend organizations from the many cyber threats, including malware, network attacks and data compromise. They will have the capabilities to monitor, assess and evaluate security risks and threats to physical and digital infrastructure, develop and implement security contingency planning, and lead the development of policies and procedures to ensure the mitigation of security risks.

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).

The Computer Systems Technology program is designed with extensive input from industry and offers two optional specializations in its third year. The Networking specialization focuses on network security, voice-over-IP (VoIP) and wireless LANs. The Systems specialization focuses on mail server administration, content management systems (Collaboration), database administration and computer security. Both specializations include core courses on infrastructure virtualization (through the VMWare IT Academy) and cloud computing, along with best practices in Information Technology.

The three-year Computer Systems Technology program is designed with extensive industry input and offers two optional specializations in its third year:

The Networking specialization focuses on network security, voice-over-IP (VoIP) and wireless LANs.
The Systems specialization focuses on mail server administration, content management systems (Collaboration), database administration and computer security.
Both specializations include core courses on infrastructure virtualization (through the VMWare IT Academy) and cloud computing, along with best practices in Information Technology (IT).

George Brown College continues to invest in up-to-date networking, wireless, radio frequency, VoIP and security lab equipment, so that all students gain hands-on experience in installation and configuration of equipment ranging from small offices all the way to enterprise-class hardware and software. This investment, along with the hands-on teaching environment, was recognized by Cisco when the college was designated an Area Support Centre and Instructor Training Centre, and became part of a very select group of Cisco Networking Academies in Canada.

In the third year of the program, students will be involved, hands-on, in real-life projects or case studies. These may be completed independently, in conjunction with an industry partner, or George Brown's Office of Research and Innovation, and may include developing proposals and working in teams to plan, set schedules and achieve specific goals in the field of information technology. Through some of these projects, George Brown students have recently helped develop IT solutions for hospitals, large corporations and major IT and telecommunications service providers, including Bell Mobility, Rogers Communications, Cogeco Data Systems and many other well-known companies in the Greater Toronto Area.

This program covers all courses of the official Cisco CCNA Routing & Switching curriculum. The curriculum also prepares students to write several other examinations leading to industry certifications, such as the Certified Wireless Network Administrator (CWNA) and Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate.

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 relationship.
• 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.
• Analyze, plan, design, implement and administer computer systems and cloud solutions.
• Research, design, deploy, configure, troubleshoot, maintain, upgrade and decommission computing system infrastructures.
• Select and apply scripting tools and programming languages to automate routine tasks.
• Install, monitor, optimize and administer a database management system in response to specified requirements.
• Design, implement and administer technical support processes for computing system infrastructures that aligns with industry best practice.

The Denturism program prepares students to provide care as independent oral health care professionals.

This program is approved by the College of Denturists of Ontario (CDO). In addition the program is currently accredited by the Commission of Accreditation for Denturism (CAD).

Utilizing the Denturism model of care, students will learn to:

• assess a patient's health history and oral health conditions
• design a treatment plan
• take impressions
• complete procedures to fabricate the construction of removable partial or full dentures

Students will also provide services related to:

• denture repairs
• relines
• removable oral devices

In addition, students will learn techniques in the fabrication of implant overdentures through simulation.

The program consists of a challenging curriculum, including academic, clinical and laboratory skills. Emphasis is placed on interprofessional education, whereby students learn to function within a collaborative oral health-care team. Students are to assume responsibility for ensuring the client base required to participate in the clinical component of the program.

Graduates of this program are eligible to apply to take the CDO provincial licensing examination. (NOTE: Additional fees apply.) Successful completion of the examination is one of the requirements to be registered to practice as a Denturist in the province by the CDO. Visit the CDO for further information about the registration process in Ontario.

Your Field Education Options

• This three-year program offers valuable field experience that includes both onsite and offsite opportunities.

During the first year, students will spend time developing comprehensive lab skills that they will draw upon for the remainder of the program and throughout their future careers.

In the second year, students will build upon that foundation as they start working directly with patients, under the supervision of faculty, at our onsite state-of-the-art WAVE Dental Clinic.

In the final year, students will continue to develop their skills by treating a broad range of clients who have complex oral health care needs. Students can expect this work to be located at both our onsite WAVE Dental Clinic and offsite with a field partner.

PLEASE NOTE: Clinical hours include early mornings that can extend into the evening. Students are responsible for finding their own field experience opportunities and are required to get pre-approval of the placement site from program faculty.

Program Learning Outcomes

• The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
• Practice in a professional, competent and ethical manner within the defined scope of practice and consistent with current regulations and standards of practice.
• Assess and evaluate patients’ oral health status using determinants of health and risk analysis to identify denturism needs, support treatment decisions and provide appropriate referrals to other health care professionals as required.
• Design, implement and evaluate a range of primary, interceptive, therapeutic, preventative, and on-going oral health care services to meet the unique needs of patients.
• Design, fabricate, insert and maintain a variety of dental prostheses and oral devices.
• Identify, select, implement and evaluate quality assurance standards and protocols which contribute to a safe and effective working environment.
• Establish and maintain professional and inter-professional relationships which contribute to patient care, safety and positive health care outcomes within the scope of practice of denturists.
• Facilitate the development of specific oral health attitudes, knowledge, skills, and behaviours in patients by selecting and utilizing principles of teaching and learning.
• Develop and present a model for a denturist practice that addresses relevant business principles, current legislation and standards of practice.
• Develop ongoing reflective professional development strategies and plans related to realistic career goals in the profession.
• Integrate theory, principles, concepts and relevant research into competent denturism practice.