Civil Technician
Overview
Assiniboine’s one-year Civil Technician certificate program trains graduates to carry out entry-level 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.
Civil technicians provide technical support and services to scientists, engineers and other professionals, or may work independently. As members of a multidisciplinary team, graduates work collaboratively with a range of project stakeholders to contribute to the accomplishment of civil engineering project goals in accordance with project plans, workplace health and safety practices, sustainability practices and all applicable laws, codes, industry standards and ethical practices.
Successful completion of the one-year Civil Technician program is a precursor to continuing on to the Civil Technology program, specializing in Municipal Engineering.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Participate in the design and modeling phase of civil engineering projects by applying engineering concepts, basic technical mathematics and principles of science to the review and production of project plans.
- Carry out sustainable practices in accordance with contract documents, industry standards and environmental legislative requirements.
- Collaborate with the project team and communicate effectively with project stakeholders to support projects
- Collect, process and interpret technical data to produce written and graphical project-related documents.
- Use industry-specific electronic and digital technologies to support projects, such as surveying or AutoCAD.
- Assist in the scheduling, cost estimation and monitoring of the progression of civil engineering projects by applying principles of construction project management.
- Perform quality control testing and the monitoring of equipment, materials and methods involved in the implementation and completion of projects.
- Apply teamwork, leadership and interpersonal skills when working individually or within multidisciplinary teams.
- Develop and use strategies to enhance professional growth and ongoing learning in the civil engineering field.
- Comply with workplace health and safety practices and procedures in accordance with current legislation and regulations.
- Complete duties and assist in monitoring that work is performed in compliance with contractual obligations, applicable laws, standards, bylaws, codes and ethical practices in the civil engineering field.
Examples of what jobs civil technicians can do:
- Graduates of Civil Technician programs work in a range of employment settings including municipal government engineering or operations departments, consulting engineering, civil construction and surveying firms.
- Graduates are typically employed in entry-level positions in the field as Computer-aided Design (CAD) operators, material testing technicians, surveying assistants, junior inspectors or estimators.
Success Factors
You might be a good fit for this program if you would enjoy:
- A one-year entry level program in an engineering related field
- Working in areas such as construction design and supervision, highways and transportation
- Good visualization skills, enjoys math solutions, and working with computers
- Planning, decision making and coordination of infrastructure projects
- Interested in drafting, surveying and modeling; road and highway analysis and municipal infrastructure design; concrete, soil and asphalt testing;
- A valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle is strongly recommended given the need to travel for co-op placement.
The industry and program environment require individuals to:
- Work in a variety of environments including laboratories, offices and industrial areas and working conditions may include a combination of indoor and outdoor work.
- Keep up with technological advances
- Tolerate environmental conditions, and potential hazards from heavy equipment construction materials when performing field work.
Admissions
-
A complete Manitoba Grade 12 or equivalent
-
English 40G/40S or equivalent
-
Pre-Calculus or Applied Mathematics 40S or equivalent with a minimum mark of 65%
English is the language of instruction at Assiniboine. All applicants educated outside of Canada or in a country not on the test exempt list are expected to meet the English language proficiency requirement. See assiniboine.net/elp for more information.
International Applicants
If you are an international applicant, please read our Helpful Information for International Applicants prior to applying to this program.
Careers & Connections
Career Opportunities
- Engineering and architectural firms
- Manufacturers
- Construction and development companies
- Inspection testing agencies
- Material suppliers
- Departments within government
Connections
Graduates of Assiniboine’s program may be eligible for advanced standing towards Red River College’s Civil Engineering Technology diploma program.
Assiniboine has a number of agreements with other colleges, universities and professional organizations, making it possible to apply credit taken at Assiniboine to programs at other institutions. For up-to-date information on agreements, visit the Articulation Agreements page.
Tools & Supplies
Civil Technician students learn drafting fundamentals the traditional way and then learn AutoCAD applications. This, in turn, leads into designing houses, buildings and other structures that have real-world applications. Lectures, demonstrations and hands-on learning assignments are used before setting students loose on authentic assignments that follow real-world requirements.
Textbooks, supplies and uniforms for all of our programs and courses may be purchased at the Assiniboine Bookstore at the Victoria Avenue East Campus. Booklists are available from your school office 30 days prior to the start date of your program. Visit the Bookstore website to learn more.
Our classrooms, labs and shops are equipped with the necessary equipment that you need to make the most of your experience. However, there are some tools and supplies that you will need to purchase for personal use to help you with your studies. Much of what you purchase you’ll be able to use after you graduate and begin your career.
Program Checklist and Textbooks/Supplies
Program Checklist:
Booklists:
Supplies:
Technology Requirements
Students in this program are required to bring their own laptop for use on-campus. The laptop must meet the technical needs outlined by the program. MAC computing devices are not compatible with program software. Refer to assiniboine.net/tech for detailed information.
Courses & Costs
Costs
Estimated Program Costs (Domestic students)
| Credits | Tuition | Course fees | Students' Association fees (Inc Health Premium) | Estimated textbooks, tools and supplies | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Civil Technician | 88.5 | $5,070 | $1,810 | $580 | $1,650 |
All fees are estimated and subject to change without notice.
Estimated Program Costs (International students)
| Credits | Tuition | Course Fees | Students' Association fees (Inc Health Premium) | Required Health Insurance | Textbooks, Tools, & Supplies | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Civil Technician | 88.5 | $22,780 | $1,810 | $580 | $750 | $1,650 |
All fees are estimated and are subject to change without notice. All international students must purchase health insurance. The college adds this fee to your student account and then sends your name and fee to the insurance provider on your behalf.
Courses
To graduate with a Civil Technician certificate, students must successfully complete 76.5 academic credits and 12 practical credits. Graduates are eligible to continue with their studies in the Civil Technology - Municipal Engineering specialization diploma program at Assiniboine. The minimum passing grade for each course is indicated on the course outline.
Course offerings are subject to change and may vary by intake.
Courses
| Title | Credits/CEUs | Elective | Distance | PLAR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Algebra (Civil) (MATH-0093)This course teaches the algebra skills required to be able to solve problems in other courses within the Civil Technician program. Topics include linear equations, factoring, exponents, radicals, determinants, quadratic equations and logarithms. |
6 credit(s) | No | No | No |
AutoCAD 1 (Civil) (COMP-0200)Students develop a basic understanding of personal computers, applications and technical drawing standards as they apply to the civil/architectural and mechanical disciplines. In addition they develop a comprehensive understanding of generic CAD concepts and procedures and 2D drawing and editing techniques. |
6 credit(s) | No | No | Yes |
AutoCAD 2 (Civil) (COMP-0201)Prerequisite: COMP-0200 AutoCAD 1 (Civil) |
6 credit(s) | No | No | Yes |
Chemistry 1 (Civil) (SCIE-0085)This course is an enhanced review of high school chemistry with theoretical and practical emphasis on chemical compounds and reactions. Other topics covered are nuclear radiation, energy and gases. |
3 credit(s) | No | No | No |
Chemistry 2 (Civil) (SCIE-0086)Prerequisite: SCIE-0085 Chemistry 1 (Civil) This course is a continuation of Chemistry 1 (Civil). It covers the properties of solutions, acids and bases, and includes an introduction to organic chemistry and biochemistry. |
4.5 credit(s) | No | No | No |
Co-op Work Placement - CVLTC (COOP-0014)Prerequisite: Cumulative weighted grade point average (CWGPA) of 2.0 or greater |
12 credit(s) | No | No | No |
College Foundations (PEDV-0356)This course improves students’ ability to navigate the college experience and environment, including student's rights, roles, and responsibilities. In this course, students reflect on their skills, attitudes, and expectations and develop learning strategies to help them to become successful, resilient, and self-directed learners. The course covers topics such as success in online learning, time management strategies, learning strategies, assessment taking strategies, academic integrity, information and digital literacy, and wellness, among others. It integrates elements of student orientation. |
0 credit(s) | No | No | No |
Communications (Civil) (COMM-0138)This course introduces students to effective writing techniques that enable them to complete various business documents such as letters and memoranda. Students produce a variety of informal technical reports such as mechanism, incident, progress, field trip and progress reports. |
3 credit(s) | No | No | No |
Construction Materials/Safety (ENGR-0004)Prerequisite: DRFT-0011 Drafting Fundamentals (Civil) |
6 credit(s) | No | No | No |
Drafting Fundamentals (Civil) (DRFT-0011)Students are provided the skills to use standard board drafting equipment and are introduced to basic drafting standards and conventions (architectural and engineering). These include basic lettering form, drawing layout, line-work techniques, dimensioning, sectioning, symbols, abbreviations, pictorial drawings or orthographic drawings. The drawings produced use metric and imperial units. Instruction is provided in the form of lectures, demonstrations, video presentations and practical drawing assignments. The course also introduces students to basic wood frame construction materials and systems. Students apply drafting standards and conventions in the production of working drawings for a residential project. |
9 credit(s) | No | No | Yes |
Environment, Ethics & Society (ENVR-0020)Gain insight into the importance of sustainable development and the impact of technology and industry on the environment and society. This course will also discuss various moral theories and techniques that can be used to resolve ethical dilemmas. Professionalism is promoted through the examination of the EGM and CTTAM Code of Ethics and other documents that are the basis for the professional exam required for Engineering Technologists seeking certification in Manitoba. |
3 credit(s) | No | No | Yes |
General Safety Training (WRKP-0035)This course covers basic general safety content to provide students with core information necessary for them to protect themselves in the workplace. Although some examples used in the training may consider Manitoba legislation, this course has been developed using generic information that is not province-specific. |
0 credit(s) | No | No | No |
Geometry (Civil) (MATH-0041)This is a pre-calculus mathematics course with emphasis on trigonometry and geometry. A Hewlett-Packard 48G or 48GX graphic calculator is required throughout this course. |
6 credit(s) | No | No | No |
Mechanics (Civil) (MECH-0068)This course deals with the basic concepts of statics as applied to the analysis of frames and the determination of centroids of geometric bodies. |
6 credit(s) | No | No | No |
Report Writing (Civil) (COMM-0139)Prerequisite: COMM-0138 Communications (Civil) |
3 credit(s) | No | No | No |
Strength of Materials 1 (ENGR-0003)Prerequisite: MECH-0068 Mechanics (Civil) |
3 credit(s) | No | No | No |
Surveying 1 (ENGR-0001)Students become familiar with survey equipment and its use, including horizontal measurement, levelling, calculation and measuring angles and topographic surveys. |
6 credit(s) | No | No | No |
Surveying 2 (ENGR-0009)Prerequisite: ENGR-0001 Surveying 1 |
6 credit(s) | No | No | No |
WHMIS 1 (HLTH-0047)If you work in the proximity of hazardous materials, this awareness course is for you. As an introduction to Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS), this course covers safe work habits with hazardous materials, Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), and labelling of hazardous materials. This course is presented in a straightforward, non-technical manner. |
0 credit(s) | No | No | No |
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the next program information session?
Program information sessions are completely free to attend, and we invite you to bring a guest along as well. It's a good idea to register in advance so we know you're coming.
To find the complete schedule for our program information sessions and to RSVP, visit the program information session page.