Red River College students interested in the technical aspects of building design will soon bring their ideas to life through a new program.

Beginning in the 2018/19 academic year the College will be offering the renewed Architectural Technology diploma program, designed to prepare students for success in careers related to the fields of architecture, engineering, and construction.

Many of the skills students will acquire through these programs are in high demand in sectors across the province.  According to recent surveys, 98 per cent of Red River College graduates choose to stay and work in Manitoba, a trend that helps meet the needs of our province’s economy.

“As industry evolves in Manitoba, it’s important that Red River College continue to redesign, and create new programs that not only anticipate the changes that are emerging in industry, but create programming that allows our students adapt to the change as they enter into a meaningful and rewarding career,” said Paul Vogt, president & CEO, Red River College.

“Staying ahead of the curve and engaging with industry ensures that we can be agile in program development and continue to provide relevant training that ensures the success of our students and the many industries that we support.”

This new program replaces the current Building Design Technology program and was developed following extensive consultation of representatives from a wide range of industry employers and participants. A new curriculum was produced to address the current and future needs the architecture, engineering, and construction industries.

“The new Architectural Technology program will more closely align with the current needs of the AEC industry, providing graduates with the knowledge, skills and capabilities to join the workforce in a contributing role, while continuing in the life-long learning experience inherent to our world,” said Stephane Chappellaz, certified architectural technologist at Crosier Kilgour & Partners Ltd. and chair of the program’s partner advisory council.

The program is a comprehensive, two year, direct entry program consisting of four 16-week semesters and a four month co-operative session between year one and year two. The co-operative will help to provide students with practical experience related to their chosen career. Graduates of this program will be job-ready through the hands-on learning delivered by highly skilled, industry-based faculty.

Rapid advances in building and construction technology have increased the need for industry professionals prepared to meet the demands of a dynamic industry. Students will experience a wide-ranging curriculum of courses that emphasize the learning and practical application of current design and construction techniques, architectural working drawings, building codes, construction specifications, contract administration, Building Information Modelling (BIM), and the mastery of modern technology used in industry.

“As the industry evolves, it’s great to see Red River College being responsive to that evolution by working with industry professionals to address the current needs of the architectural, engineering, and construction industries. Having this insight ensures that the new program caters to the many different aspects of the field students could move into, preparing graduates for the challenges they will face in their future career,” said Leighton Klassen, project manager at Colliers Project Leaders.

Registration for the Architectural Technology diploma program will be available February 1, 2018 at rrc.ca