Program Overview

Architectural and Engineering Technology Program

The Architectural and Engineering Technology (ARET) program is a two-year diploma program that emphasizes the design processes in building, civil, and mechanical technologies. The program involves design projects for building structures, subdivisions, municipal services, and electrical, plumbing, lighting, and HVAC systems.

Program Description

The ARET program covers a wide range of topics, including:

• Architectural design
• Statics and strength of materials
• Structural analysis
• Fluid mechanics
• Mechanical design
• Electrical design
• Steel design
• Wood design
• Reinforced concrete design
• Construction management
• Construction contracts
• Specifications
• Estimating
• Building regulations
• Technical writing
• Construction surveying

Admission Requirements

To be admitted into the program, students must meet the following criteria:

• BC Grade 12 (or equivalent) or mature student status
• Foundations of Math 12 or Pre-calculus 11 with a minimum C+ (or equivalent)
• Physics 11 (or equivalent)
• English Studies 12/English First Peoples 12 with a minimum of 73% (or equivalent)
• Note: Students need a strong background in physics and math. Applicants whose math and physics prerequisites are more than five years old or applicants whose math and physics skills are weak should consider 'refresher' courses in these subjects prior to applying for the ARET program.

Graduation Requirements

Graduation from the program is granted to students who have successfully completed all of the required courses for graduation, achieved a GPA of 2.33 or better, and have successfully completed the technical report.

Career Perspectives

Graduates of the ARET program can pursue careers as:

• Building technologist
• Mechanical technologist
• Civil technologist
• Designer
• With some work experience, graduates can progress to senior designer, job captain, specification writer, estimator, quantity surveyor, or project administrator. Typically, they are employed by professional engineers, architects, general contractors, sub-contractors, manufacturers, federal, provincial, and municipal governments, and technical/sales representatives for product suppliers.

Student Opportunities

Students in the ARET program have the opportunity to use networked CADD workstations with the latest release of Autodesk software to develop computer-aided design and drafting skills. They can also become proficient in using Civil 3D and Revit Architecture AutoCAD and customize AutoCAD software.