Building Systems Technician

Program Overview

Building Systems Technician

Certificate

School of Construction

Overview

The Building Systems Technician program is a one-year certificate program offered at Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Regina Campus. The program provides comprehensive training in maintaining and operating electrical, ventilation, refrigeration, and water treatment systems.

Start Date and Length

• Start date: September
• Length: 40 weeks

Locations

• Regina

Admissions

Admission Requirements

• Grade 12 with a minimum of 60% in Workplace and Apprenticeship Math 30 or 60% in Foundations of Math 20 or 60% in Pre-Calculus 20*
• English Language Requirement

Alternative Admission

Applicants who do not possess the academic qualifications for a program may be admitted if evidence of probable success can be established through an alternative admission assessment.

ACCUPLACER

• 250 Arithmetic
• 247 Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, and Statistics
• 250 Reading
• 245 Writing

Post-secondary

Some programs allow applicants to meet the admission grade level requirement using 15 approved post-secondary credits.

Tuition and Fees

• Estimates are based on current rates and are subject to change.
• Amounts for a program may vary by campus.
• Totals shown here include all mandatory fees as well as approximate cost for books and supplies.

Academic Year

• $8,120

International Students

View tuition rates for international students.

Courses

Semester 1

• BLDG-113: Building Applications 1 (4 credits)
• CODE-103: Legislation Codes (3 credits)
• COMP-172: Introduction to Microsoft Word and Excel (1 credit)
• ENGP-107: Power Lab 1 (4 credits)
• HEAT-100: Heating Systems (3 credits)
• MAIN-109: Building Systems Maintenance (3 credits)
• MATH-104: Applied Mathematics (3 credits)
• TCOM-105: Communications for Technicians (2 credits)
• THER-182: Thermodynamics and Mechanics (2 credits)

Semester 2

• BLDG-114: Building Applications 2 (4 credits)
• BLDG-115: Consumption and Waste Management (4 credits)
• BLDG-116: Energy Management (4 credits)
• BLDG-117: Building Automation (4 credits)
• CLTR-200: Culture and Diversity (2 credits)
• ENGP-106: Power Lab 2 (4 credits)
• PROJ-287: Project Management (2 credits)
• SEM-101: Technology Seminars (1 credit)

Semester 3

• ENRG-100: Renewable Energy (3 credits)
• PROJ-109: Capstone Project (2 credits)
• RFRG-104: Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems (4 credits)
• WORK-108: Work Experience (0 credits)

Get Credit for What You Know

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition

Saskatchewan Polytechnic recognizes that adults learn in many different ways.

Transfer Credit

Many Sask Polytech students benefit from transferring course credit.

Student Awards

Thanks to the generosity of donors and alumni, Saskatchewan Polytechnic gives away more than $2 million in student awards during the academic year.

Related Programs

• Mechanical Engineering Technology
• Power Engineering Technology
• Refrigeration and Air Conditioning

Additional Information

• Women in Trades and Technology
• School of Construction

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Objectives:

• Equip graduates with the knowledge and skills to perform maintenance and operation tasks on various building systems.
• Prepare graduates for industry certifications in 5th Class Power Engineering and Refrigeration Engineering.
• Foster critical thinking and problem-solving abilities essential for success in the field.
• Develop strong communication and teamwork skills for effective collaboration in the workplace.

Description:

The Building Systems Technician program combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on practical experience. Students gain a solid understanding of building systems principles, operation, and troubleshooting through classroom instruction, labs, and a second-semester work placement. This work placement allows students to apply their learning in a real-world setting, gain valuable industry experience, and build potential career connections.

Outline:

The program comprises three semesters, each focusing on specific aspects of building systems maintenance and operation.

Semester 1:

• Building Applications 1: Introduces students to various building systems like electrical, plumbing, interior, and exterior systems.
• Legislation Codes and Safety: Covers critical safety regulations, codes, blueprints, and fire safety practices.
• Introduction to Microsoft Word and Excel: Develops basic computer skills for document creation and spreadsheet manipulation.
• Power Lab 1: Focuses on boiler safety, components, and operation procedures.
• Heating Systems: Explores different heating systems, including hydronic, steam, electric, infrared, and warm air systems.
• Building Systems Maintenance: Introduces basic tools, fasteners, boiler fittings, piping, valves, welding, and plant layouts.
• Applied Mathematics: Develops problem-solving skills using arithmetic, linear equations, geometry, and right triangle trigonometry.
• Communications for Technicians: Enhances written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills for effective teamwork and job search strategies.
• Thermodynamics and Mechanics: Provides an introduction to thermodynamics principles, units, and basic mechanics concepts.

Semester 2:

• Building Applications 2: Advances troubleshooting skills for basic electrical and plumbing systems and interior/exterior building maintenance.
• Consumption and Waste Management: Explores water conservation measures, leak detection and repair, and waste management practices.
• Energy Management: Studies the impact of construction techniques and insulation on energy consumption and conservation, including green building principles.
• Building Automation: Introduces building control systems, controllers, central control management, and safe operation of lighting systems.
• Culture and Diversity: Examines cultural dimensions, inclusivity, Indigenous and immigrant populations, and the relationship between culture and diversity.
• Power Lab 2: Focuses on boiler inspection, maintenance, testing, and interpretation of combustion and draft data.
• Project Management: Introduces project planning, control, research techniques, and project management software usage.
• Technology Seminars: Covers the role of technicians in the workplace and society, time management, diversity, sustainability, and safety requirements.

Semester 3:

• Renewable Energy: Explores alternative energy sources and government funding opportunities in the sector.
• Capstone Project: Integrates program knowledge and skills to analyze a workplace situation and recommend potential improvements.
• Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems: Introduces refrigeration principles, components, and operation and maintenance procedures.
• Work Experience: Provides an opportunity to observe and participate in boiler operation, relate classroom theory to practical applications, and build industry contacts.

Assessment:

The program employs various assessment methods to evaluate student learning and progress. These include:

• Assignments: Regular assignments evaluate knowledge and application of concepts through written reports, calculations, and problem-solving.
• Quizzes and Tests: Periodic quizzes and tests assess understanding of key concepts and theories covered in lectures and labs.
• Practical Labs: Hands-on lab activities evaluate practical skills and application of knowledge in simulated or real-world scenarios.
• Capstone Project: This comprehensive project integrates program learning and requires students to analyze a workplace situation, propose solutions, and present their findings.
• Work Experience: The work placement is assessed based on the student's performance, participation, and ability to apply classroom knowledge in a practical setting.

Teaching:

The program utilizes a combination of teaching methods to cater to diverse learning styles and promote effective knowledge acquisition.

• Lectures: Classroom lectures present theoretical concepts and principles, using visual aids and interactive discussions.
• Labs: Hands-on laboratory sessions provide practical experience with building systems, equipment, and troubleshooting techniques.
• Group Projects: Collaborative projects encourage teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills while applying program knowledge.
• Field Trips: Visits to operational facilities and industry sites enhance understanding of real-world applications and expand industry knowledge.
• Guest Speakers: Industry professionals share their expertise and insights on the latest trends and technologies in the field.

Careers:

The Building Systems Technician program prepares graduates for various career opportunities in building systems maintenance and operation. Potential career paths include:

• Maintenance Manager/Facility Operation and Maintenance Manager: Overseeing building maintenance and operation, managing staff, and ensuring compliance with regulations.
• Property Administrator: Managing building operations, tenant relations, and property maintenance.
• Heating and Air Conditioning Mechanic: Installing, maintaining, and repairing heating and cooling systems.
• Boiler Operator: Operating and maintaining boilers in buildings and industrial facilities.
• Refrigeration Plant Operator: Operating and maintaining refrigeration systems in commercial and industrial settings.
• Building Automation Technician: Installing, programming, and maintaining building automation systems.
• Facilities Technician: Performing maintenance and repair tasks on various building systems and equipment.

Other:

• Industry Certifications: The program prepares students for industry certifications in 5th Class Power Engineering and Refrigeration Engineering, enhancing their career prospects and earning potential.
• Personal Study: Students are encouraged to study independently in preparation for industry certification exams.
• First Aid and CPR: While not admission or graduation requirements, First Aid and CPR certification is recommended for many employers and can be obtained before or during the program.