PROGRAM
Building Code Skills Development Program
SCHOOL
Community Partnerships Office and the School of Continuing Education – Technology and Trades Department
LOCATION
TBA
DURATION
20-weeks skills training and 1-year post program supports
- 8 weeks of Workplace Culture, Occupational Language Training, & Skills Training Preparation
- 12 weeks of Technical Building Code Skills Training
STARTING DATE
1 Program Intake:
Please note that admission for 2023 is now closed.
In case we run the program again in the future, please add your name to a contact list.
CREDENTIALS
Program graduates will receive a Building Officials Fundamentals Certificate from George Brown College’s Centre for Continuing Education. The curriculum is developed in collaboration with the Ontario Building Officials Association (OBOA) and prepares individuals to write the Building Code Identification Number (BCIN) exams for House 2012 and General Legal/Process 2012 to be eligible for the OBOA Building Code Qualified (BCQ) certification in Housing.
YEAR OF STUDY
2022-2023
METHOD OF STUDY
Workplace Culture, Occupational Language Training and Skills Training Preparation combined with sector-specific building code skills training taught by George Brown College’s School of Work and College Preparation and Continue Education departments.
Courses are all delivered online — some are teacher-led and others follow a hybrid, self-directed format where students review the material (power points, manuals/textbooks, and previously recorded videos) over a specified period of time combined with several hours of teacher-led review/question & answer time.
Program Description
Full Program Description
George Brown College’s Building Skills Development Program is an innovative, integrated, and supportive construction and trades program for Internationally Trained Individuals (ITIs). The purpose of the program is to equip graduates with the skills, tools, networks, opportunities, and experience to transition into and thrive in the construction and building sector.
Courses
The Building Code Skills Development Program includes:
8-Weeks of Workplace Culture, Occupational Language Training and Skills Training Preparation: To familiarize students with building code legislation and regulations, principals of building science and design, performance of materials, construction types, mechanical systems, technical and electronic communication, reading and interpreting blueprints and understanding how they must be prepared for building permit applications.
Sector-specific skills training courses include:
- General Legal Process and Powers and Duties 2012
- Building Code Regulation
- Building Science Fundamentals
- Communication for Building Officials
- Part 9 The House Building Envelope
- Part 9 The House Health and Safety
- Plan Examination
12-Months of post-program supports include:
- Free, one year student OBOA student membership
- Ongoing job coaching/employment support and workshop opportunities
Participants will have a variety of post-graduation options including being eligible to write the Building Code Identification Number (BCIN) exams.
Tuition and Fees
There are no fees associated with this program. This program is fully funded by the Province of Ontario. Students are not eligible to receive OSAP funding.
How to Qualify and Apply
Qualifications:
- Must be able to attend full-time classes for 20 weeks.
- Must be 18 years of age or older.
- Must be a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident (Minimum CLB Level 8).
- Must have access to, and working knowledge of, computers and internet use.
- Must be familiar with computer applications such as MS Office Suite, email and internet.
- Must a resident of Ontario and able to work in Ontario.
- It is strongly recommended that applicants have previous experience in the construction and/or building regulation sector(s).
- Participants must be Internationally Trained Individuals (ITIs) with a background in construction, engineering, architecture, or related field.
- Interested applicants must complete an online literacy & numeracy assessment, attend an information session, and interview.
Admissions Process:
The admissions process for the Building Code Skills Development Program consists of 4 steps:
- Submitting an online application
- Attending a program information session
- Completing an online literacy and numeracy assessment
- Participating in an interview
Once all these steps have been completed and results reviewed, candidates will be notified by email as to their acceptance status.
Contact Us
The Community Partnerships Office hosts information sessions regularly.
For more information or to book an information session at your location please contact:
General Inquiries: PreAppPrograms@georgebown.ca
Heather Edmund: 416-415-5000 x 6647 – heather.edmund@georgebrown.ca
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is the literacy & numeracy assessment required for admission to the Building Code Skills Development program and how do I prepare for the assessment?
A: Literacy and numeracy assessments are required for all candidates interested in pursuing the program because they provide us with a baseline understanding of individuals’ skills and where they may need more support.
The assessment is a measure of the transferable skills applicants already utilize in common/familiar contexts, so preparation is not a requirement.
However, if you want to have a better sense of what the assessment looks like, here is a link for the set of practice questions that will give a good idea of the kinds of contextualized questions applicants will encounter in the actual assessment: https://practice.essentialskillsgroup.com/
Q: Do I need to be a resident of Ontario to participate in this program?
A: Yes. You must be a resident of Ontario and eligible to work in the province.
