Renovation Construction Technician

Why Choose Renovation Construction Technician at Lambton College?

  • Small class sizes with plenty of one-to-one time with instructors
  • Real world community based and capstone projects
  • Pathway opportunities into a General Carpentry Apprenticeship and Carpenters Union Local 1256
  • Compared to other construction programs provincially Renovation Technician offers more time spent in the shop doing practical projects
  • Locally sourced instructors still active in the trade throughout the community and invested in student success

Opportunities exist for ambitious individuals to start their own renovation company, or to gain the knowledge and necessary skills to be successful working for construction companies in a multitude of disciplines which would be considered assets in any company.

In five terms - one of which is a co-op - students will cover advanced interior finishes, decks and porches, cabinets, trim, basement and bathroom renovation, as well as additional components to renovation construction with an emphasis placed on eco-friendly building practices, plumbing and electrical situations, and residential and small commercial framing and layout. Through hands-on projects utilizing Lambton College's 6,500 sq. ft. shop and 1,800 sq. ft. teaching house, theory is applied daily. Renovation Technician students will participate in community based learning projects and/or capstone projects and experiential learning either working with non-profit organizations such as, the Seaway Kiwanis Club, Inn of the Good Shepherd or Habitat for Humanity.

A list of experiential learning activities and capstone projects currently completed or ongoing by the Renovation Technician Construction program, include:

  • Seaway Kiwanis Train Station - Canatara Park
  • Storage Garage - Inn of the Good Shepherd
  • Seaway Kiwanis Carriage House - Canatara Park
  • Mackenzie Street House - Habitat for Humanity
  • Seaway Kiwanis Log Cabin - Canatara Park

Training is safety-based and business-focused. Courses in computer estimating and project management are key to the well-rounded education offered in this program. All training has a strong focus on safety and energy efficiency, construction and design. Students may also attend annual trade shows and visit local job sites in the community where they will have the opportunity to network and learn from local industry experts.

In addition, for graduates of this program, a laddering opportunity exists with the General Carpenter Apprenticeship Program. Graduates will need to find their own General Carpenter Apprenticeship with an employer, but will be exempt from the in-school basic level of the General Carpenter Apprenticeship. 

See Course List

Admission Requirements

O.S.S.D. or equivalent with:

  • Grade 12 English C or U

The admissions process is competitive and meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee admission.

Lambton College reserves the right to alter information including admission requirements and to cancel at any time a program or course; to change the location and/or term in which a program or course is offered; to change the program curriculum as necessary to meet current competencies or changes in the job market; to change the pathways third-party certification bodies; or to withdraw an offer of admission both prior to and after its acceptance by an applicant or student because of insufficient applications or registrations or over-acceptance of offers of admission. In the event Lambton College exercises such a right, Lambton College’s sole liability will be the return of monies paid by the applicant or student to Lambton College.

Technology Requirements

In order to keep pace with the requirements of each and every course in your program, Lambton College recommends that each student have access to a laptop while studying at our college.

Course List

CCT-1066: Safety, Tools and Materials (hybrid)

The student will be presented with information for the care and safe use of hand, portable and stationary power tools including saws, jointers, planners, routers, biscuit joiners and drills. Students will study the production and physical characteristics of materials used in construction including solid wood and manufactured construction products, fasteners and adhesives. Students will utilize the information given and apply it to practical wood working projects with a keen emphasis on technique, while demonstrating tasks safely.

CCT-1012: Construction Plans, Specifications and Codes

The student will develop the knowledge regarding identification and interpretation of the different types and aspects of architectural drawings and related equipment. The student will develop the ability to read and interpret drawings and sketches from oral and written information. The student will also develop the knowledge and skill in drawing and sketching plans from oral and written information.

CCT-1124: Introduction to Surveying

This course will introduce the learners to the techniques and procedures of surveying and layout for construction projects. Surveying and layout practices and calculations will be studied in class and demonstrated in field exercises. Setting up basic surveying and layout tools and performing various building layouts will be major components of this course. Learners should be prepared to complete outdoor field exercises during this course.

JSS-1001: Job Search and Success

This course is designed to give the student an understanding of how to conduct a job search and how to succeed in the work place. This includes self-reflection, effectively designing a cover letter and resume, online job searches utilizing social media, behavioural based interviewing as well as marketing oneself effectively in a job interview. Job safety, successful work strategies and harassment and discrimination plan of action is also discussed.

MTH-1303: Estimating and Calculating I

This course will develop the student's understanding of trade calculations and the ability to apply them to carpentry related problems. A student in this course reviews basic arithmetic using whole numbers, fractions, and decimals; converts metric and imperial measurement; solves triangles using ratios and trigonometry; and defines and applies the properties of various geometric shapes.

RCT-1135: Foundation Systems (hybrid)

Students will develop an understanding of the numerous components and associated installation practices that combine to produce typical residential and light commercial structures. Several residential forming systems, as well as ICF will be studied in detail. Practical activities and assignments will support the delivery of this subject matter.

BUS-1003: Intro to Business (GED)

This course introduces the student to the modern world of business. It examines the significance and composition of Canadian business, discusses current factors and trends in the business environment, explores how businesses are organized and managed, and provides a brief discussion on the topics of entrepreneurship and business etiquette.

CCT-2042: Energy Efficiencies and Sustainable Construction

This course will offer students an introduction to energy efficient building techniques, state of the art energy conserving systems and sustainable building approaches. Specific subject to be covered will include the basics of Heat Transfer, Building Envelope, Insulation Techniques, and New Technologies in electrical and heat generation.

CCT-2133: Introduction to Interior Finishing

This course introduces students to the principles, regulations, standards, systems, materials, and details of standard residential floor, wall and ceiling surface treatments, and the finishes applied to them. The focus of this course will concentrate on the areas of Drywall/Drywall Finishing Compound and Tape, Interior Doors, Stairs, Trim, and Mouldings. Students will also concentrate their efforts in quantifying and estimating materials and studying installation practices for interior finishes.

CCT-2126: Introduction to Framing

This course will introduce the learner to residential framing methods and materials. It will concentrate on modern platform framing techniques, laying out of on-centre spacings, construction of floors, walls, rafters and trusses. Gable and Hip roof construction will be studied in detail. Green construction techniques related to framing will also be discussed in depth.

CCT-2143: Introduction to Exterior Finishing

This course introduces students to the principles, regulations, standards, systems, materials, and details of standard residential exterior finishes. This course will focus on the building envelope, exterior windows, doors, vinyl/wood siding and roofing. An emphasis will be placed on choosing materials, interpreting the building code, installation techniques and quantifying materials. Students will demonstrate these methods in the lab portion of the class.

COM-1113: Workplace Communications

This course focuses on skills required in any organization or position: writing business documents, responding to realistic scenarios, and speaking in an organized and vibrant manner. Students will practice professional communications skills by producing, revising, and editing short business documents and engaging in verbal interactions and presentations.

RCT-1102: Construction Safety

This course will focus on the fundamental concepts of the Occupational Health and Safety Act with specific reference to federal and provincial legislation. Leaners will identify and recognize workplace responsibilities, health issues, hazard concerns, controls, and WHMIS. Learners will construct scaffold systems and demonstrate ladder safety. Hoisting and rigging will also be studied extensively.

CPL-XXX3: Co-op Work Term (optional)

RCT-3102: Renovation Project Management

In this course, students will become familiar with the concepts of project organization, time management, scheduling, coordinating with other trades, materials take off and estimating for construction projects.

RCT-3144: Advanced Exterior Finishes

This course builds upon the earlier skills understood in CCT-2143 Introduction to Exterior finishes. Skill development in the installation of cornices, soffit, aluminum exterior capping of windows, and doors, flashings, exterior door installation, and fibre cement siding (Hardie board) will be a focus. Estimating and quantifying materials along with terminology and installation practices will be a central theme in theory and will transition to laboratory part of the class where students will demonstrate these topics.

RCT-3313: Basement and Bathroom Renovation Construction

This course will focus on basement and bathroom renovation techniques and unique situations and solutions when renovating them. Students will obtain an understanding of current resources, technologies, and their appropriate use.

RCT-3324: Advanced Surveying and Layout

This course will introduce the learners to advanced calculations, practices, and practical applications concerning surveying and layout. Learners will set up more advanced survey tools and use them to perform advanced building layouts. Topographical map interpretation and vertical and horizontal angles layout an calculations will be studied in detail. Learners should be prepared to complete outdoor field exercises during this course.

RCT-3213: Computer Applications and Estimating

This course will introduce students to the use of word processing and spreadsheet software program. Students will build estimating databases and project estimating spreadsheets using these programs.

RCT-2103: Introduction to Design

In this course students will be able to identify, describe and compare various styles of architectural designs with a focus on residential buildings. An overview of the history of design, space planning, trends, colour, and interior and exterior detailing will be the main focus. There will be an emphasis on finishes and materials as well as determining client's needs such as patterns of foot traffic, new or additional appliances and fixtures, and new technology (home security, home theatres, and computer systems).

RCT-3124: Decks and Porches

This course will focus on the special requirements for constructing decks and other unprotected wooden structures. Students will be introduced to construction materials and methods for wood, plastic and composite decking systems.

RCT-3233: Electrical and Plumbing Techniques for Renovations

This course will introduce the learner to various plumbing and electrical issues that renovators encounter on a residential construction site. This course will provide the learner with knowledge of how residential and municipal plumbing and electrical systems operate, as well as understanding energy efficiencies that can be gained using environmentally friendly techniques and products.

GED-XXX3: General Education Elective

RCT-3233: Electrical & Plumbing Systems for Renovations

This course will introduce the learner to various plumbing and electrical issues that renovators encounter on a residential construction site. This course will provide the learner with knowledge of how residential and municipal plumbing and electrical systems operate, as well as understanding energy efficiencies that can be gained using environmentally friendly techniques and products.

RCT-3213: Computer Applications and Estimating

This course will introduce students to the use of word processing and spreadsheet software program. Students will build estimating databases and project estimating spreadsheets using these programs.

RCT-4134: Advanced Framing

This course builds upon the earlier skills understood in CCT-2133 Introduction to Interior Finishes. Skill development in the installation of advanced interior trims, mouldings, wainscotings, suspended ceilings, floorings and stairs will be a focus. Estimating and quantifying materials along with terminology and installation practices will be a central theme in theory and will transition to the laboratory part of the class where students will demonstrate these topics.

RCT-3114: Computer Assisted Drafting (SOFTPLAN)

The student will be introduced to an architectural software (Softplan) that will aid and assist them in the stages of the renovation process with a focus on layout and interior design. SoftPlan is an architectural design software purposely created to help speed up the process of making and managing home designs. With SoftPlan, students will have a platform that lets them create accurate construction documents faster than they would by hand. To performing commands, recognizing and understanding files, creating and modifying drawings, students will learn first hand how this software can transform any renovation or new build.

RCT-4134: Advanced Finishes

This course builds upon the earlier skills understood in CCT-2133 Introduction to Interior Finishes. Skill development in the installation of advanced interior trims, mouldings, wainscotings, suspended ceilings, floorings and stairs will be a focus. Estimating and quantifying materials along with terminology and installation practices will be a central theme in theory and will transition to the laboratory part of the class where students will demonstrate these topics.

GED-XXX3: General Education Elective

Program Maps

Students are required to follow their prescribed program map and are not allowed to take unscheduled breaks for any reason.

Current Students

Current students can view program maps from previous years on the mylambton website. 

You will need to login with your C# and password in order to access your program map.

Employment Opportunities

Graduates of this program may find employment in the expanding residential renovation industry, new house construction, house additions, house framing, flooring installer, drywall, interior and exterior finishing and entrepreneurship. The program could allow students to enter into the General Carpenter Apprenticeship program once they have found employment.

Due to low mortgage and government retrofit programs the construction carpentry trade is yearning for qualified trades people to perform this work. The construction sector shows significant demand and growth resulting in all graduates finding employment in a construction-related field where they put the skills acquired to work.

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    University

    Lambton College

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    Country

    Canada

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    Program Discipline

    Miscellaneous

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    Duration

    Two-Year Co-op

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    Tuition fee

    CAD 1721189.00 / Per Year

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    Cost of Living

    CAD 10000

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    Average processing time

    1 month

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    Program Category

    Undergraduate Program

IELTs Requirements:
  • Total score

    6.5

  • Writing band score

    6.5 (min)

  • Listening band score

    6.0 (min)

  • Reading band score

    6.0 (min)

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