Civil Engineering Technician (Optional Co-op)
Program details
Credential: 2-Year Ontario College DiplomaThis two-year program equips students with the essential knowledge and technical skills needed for entry-level careers in civil engineering. The curriculum combines a solid foundation in civil engineering principles with practical hands-on experience, preparing graduates to excel in technician roles through fieldwork and training in state-of-the-art labs.
Students gain practical skills in designing wood, masonry, concrete, and water-related structures, testing soils and construction materials, and using modern surveying methods, including GNSS technology. They apply knowledge gained to support land development projects, create engineering drawings with AutoCAD and Civil 3D, prepare quantity and cost estimates, and engage in contract administration and project management.
Graduates are prepared to work in engineering offices or on-site environments, handling responsibilities like design support, cost estimating, field inspections, coordinating construction schedules, conducting field surveys, performing soil exploration, and executing lab testing on construction materials and soils.
Student availability & wage data
Conestoga College facilitates recruitment on an ongoing basis - there are no hard deadlines. Typical time frames for work terms are listed below.
Postings are accepted beginning four months before the start of a term until all students have secured employment provided the minimum 12 consecutive weeks of full-time work is met.
Work/Study Sequence
| Year | Fall (Sept - Dec) | Winter (Jan - Apr) | Spring (May - Aug) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | Classes | Classes | Work Term 1: $N/A |
| Year 2 | Classes | Classes |
Conestoga College collects data on hourly wages of co-operative education students and offers suggested ranges as a service to employers for the purpose of establishing fair and competitive compensation.
Our experience has been that employers increase wages as skills increase, particularly when employing students for more advanced work terms. The Co-operative Education Office can provide assistance to employers in establishing appropriate wage rates.
Work term capabilities
Specific skills and abilities that students are typically capable of performing during a given work term are listed below.
- Assist with the surveying of a number of professional consulting service projects that include municipal drains, bridges, roads, storm-water management, sanitary sewage, and subdivisions
- Prepare simple drawings using CAD
- Perform tests on soils such as sieve analysis, compaction testing, and soil type identification
- Perform tests on concrete including slump and cylinder compression tests
- Assist in preparing cost estimates for construction and environmental remediation projects
- Perform traffic control duties for "on road" construction projects
Sample job titles
- Construction Inspector
- Entry-level position as CAD Drafter/Designer
- Estimator and Quantity Takeoffs
- Materials Technician (soils, asphalt or concrete)
- Surveying Assistant
Post a co-op job now
Setup an account or login to Conestoga's MyCareer to post a job.
Contact information
Do you need help developing a recruitment plan or job posting, accessing wage information, or connecting with a talented co-op student? Contact:
Hemant Chauhan, P.Eng., MCPM
Employer Relations Consultant
hchauhan@conestogac.on.ca
226-898-1242