Civil Engineering is the study of the design and construction of buildings, bridges, dams and highways. In this program students learn how to use electronic surveying and global positioning equipment to produce subdivision, highway and site plans and use computer-aided-drafting and design (CADD) software to draw and design buildings, bridges and highways. Students will also learn how beams, trusses and columns are designed; perform laboratory tests on soil, concrete and other materials to determine their suitability for construction purposes and to produce graphics for the construction of bridges, buildings and dams. Also they will learn how water purification and treatment plants are designed, and how to plan and survey the layout of roads and highways. This program prepares graduates to be dynamic participants in the design and creation of the built environment ranging from the metropolitan infrastructure of bridges, airports and harbours to the neighbourhood construction of water supply measures, sewage disposal, and new residences.

This field provides career opportunities in both the public and private sector in an indoor and outdoor workplace. For those who wish employment in an office, options exist for technicians, estimators, and project coordinators. Outdoor options include preliminary and construction surveys, inspectors on civil projects and construction personnel in varied capacities. Graduates might work with a contracting firm in quality control, quantity surveying, project inspection or job co-ordination, or with a consulting engineering firm testing soils and foundations or become a sales representative for a construction equipment manufacturer.

Common Job Titles:

- AutoCAD Technician, Survey Technician,
- Material testing lab Quality Control Technicians and Construction Specialist,
- Building Materials Technician, Construction Technologist,
- Highway Technician,
- Municipal Engineering Assistant,
- Structural Design Technologist,
- Construction Estimator

Employment for this occupation is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2005. Many employers report difficulties in finding qualified workers to fill vacant positions. Due to rapidly changing technology in this field, people in these occupations should plan on periods of retraining and professional development. New entrants with co-op experience and highly developed computer expertise are likely to enjoy the best employment prospects.

• Ontario Secondary School Diploma at or above the general level, or equivalent
• Grade 12 English (general level or above)
• Grade 12 Mathematics for technology
• Proficiency with word processing and spreadsheet applications is highly recommended
  

Immigration Prospects for Canada/USA

Latest information is available upon request.