Belleville, Ontario, September 13, 2012 – Loyalist College is pleased to announce that it will offer a two-year, four semester Construction Renovation Technician program for an Ontario College Diploma, starting September 2013. Approved by the Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities, the new program combines academic excellence and hands-on training in energy-efficient residential building design and techniques. Graduates will be in high demand, as economists for the Construction Sector Council anticipate 111,000 new construction jobs will be created by 2019 while 208,000 construction workers will have retired.
“It made sense to introduce this two-year Construction Renovation Technician Diploma, given the success of our one-year Construction Renovation Techniques Certificate,” said Loyalist College President Maureen Piercy. “Our students told us they wanted to continue refining their skills in order to specialize and to assume positions of greater responsibility – and we listened. We are preparing them to be project managers, quality surveyors and estimators, building materials specialists, building inspectors, and new home builders or restoration contractors.”
The program educates students on how to address day-to-day operational issues and to be proactive in the identification of challenges and the formulation of solutions. Studies include a variety of both new construction and renovation building systems in fields such as sustainable and alternative building, carpentry, finishing, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing. The understanding of buildings as complex systems enhances graduates’ abilities to be onsite problem solvers.
“I am pleased to know that the Ministry has approved the new two-year Ontario College Diploma for the Construction Renovation Technician program,” said Brian Garrard, President of the Quinte Home Builders’ Association. “This program will definitely help to provide an educated workforce that will be better equipped to succeed in the house building, construction and renovation industry, and to help alleviate the growing deficit of skilled workers.”
As the traditional Canadian labour pool shrinks, construction organizations are increasingly turning to non-traditional labour sources such as women, Aboriginal people and new immigrants who have the required skills. Despite a challenging economy, Canada’s construction industry has remained strong with the help of stimulus money.
“With training from knowledgeable professors at Loyalist and the work experience I’ve gained, I’m now employed by a reputable local contractor,” said Kiel Chourney, who graduated from the one-year Construction Renovation Techniques program in 2012. “I’m framing everything from large family homes to the three-season Sandbanks Summer Village Cottages in Prince Edward County.”
Fellow graduate Tammy Hurrell concurred, “The program prepared me very well by giving me the basic skills of framing, design and building. At Loyalist, I gained confidence in my own knowledge and physical strength. As a woman working in a male dominated industry, I know I can hold my own and the process of building is extremely satisfying.”
Loyalist College prepares students for a rewarding career by combining rigorous academic standards with hands-on training from industry experts. Programs range from apprenticeships and certificates to diplomas and post-graduate studies. Loyalist offers more than 60 full-time programs and 77 university transfer agreements around the world. The best testament to the College’s value is from students, 97 percent of whom say they would recommend Loyalist to a friend. Loyalist is committed to helping students find great jobs, as well as supporting and enhancing the economic and social development of all individuals in its communities.
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For more information contact:
Kerry Lorimer
Manager, Corporate Communications & Media Relations
Loyalist College
613-969-1913 ext. 2536