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Programs

Civil Engineering Technician

CVTNSchool of Engineering Technology

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Key Details

Program Start Dates

September 2025

Please visit Ontario College Application Service to learn more about start dates.

Program Delivery

Campus / Full-time

Credential

Ontario College Diploma

Program Duration

4 Semesters / 2 Years

Program Contacts

Jeff Walker

Program Coordinator / Professor

Send email
705-566-8101 ext.7430
International Admissions
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Program Overview

A student wearing a fluorescent vest operates surveying equipment in an outdoor setting with buildings and a fountain in the background.

Join science with technology to build the world around you

Develop the skills to get the framework of the world on solid footing by training to become a member of civil engineering teams that are responsible for the design, construction, maintenance, and rehabilitation of infrastructure. You’ll focus on improving roads, bridges, buildings, dams, storm and sanitary water systems, pipelines, deep and shallow foundations, and apply sustainability practices. 
 
Gain hands-on experience in design and drafting in our Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) laboratory, and train with state-of-the-art electronic survey equipment interfaced with survey software. You’ll be introduced to Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) scanning equipment and point cloud management. You’ll also learn automated structural detailing to meet the demand. A two-week surveying field camp at the end of the second semester is compulsory. 

Program Highlights

Program highlights

  • Two-week surveying field camp gives you work-integrated learning experience  
  • Networking opportunities within the community, including participation in the optional competitive co-op program 
  • Industry-experienced faculty 
  • Hands-on experience in a modernized lab 
  • Compete against classmates in headframe building competition in second year 
  • Graduates can seek membership with the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT) to become certified as a C.Tech. (Certified Technician) 

Admissions

Admission requirements

For graduates of the new curriculum (OSS): Ontario Secondary School Diploma (30 credits) or equivalent or mature student status, including:

  • Any grade 12 English (C) or (U)
  • Any grade 12 mathematics (C) or (U) (MCT4C is highly recommended)

International Student Admissions

Are you an international student? Learn more about additional requirements.

Learn more

Additional admission requirements

Recommendations:

  • Any grade 12 physics (C), (U)
  • Computer competency in relevant software
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Academic Upgrading

Are you missing admission requirements? Strengthen your academic skills for free at your own pace through Academic Upgrading!

Program delivery

Program delivery

2025-2026

Fall term start

  • Semester 1: Fall 2025
  • Semester 2: Winter 2026
  • Semester 3: Fall 2026
  • Semester 4: Winter 2027

Program of Study

Program of study for 2025-26 Academic Year 

Students are required to successfully complete an online Lab Safety course (in Moodle) when starting their program at Cambrian.  This course must be completed prior to entering the labs (as identified in the table below) in the Schools of Skills Training, Engineering Technology and Environmental Studies.

Plan of Study Grid
Semester 1Credits
CIV 1200Concrete & Asphalt 14
CIV 2331Construction Technology4
ENG 1002College Communications3
MTH 1050Algebra I3
SUR 1116Surveying I 15
One General Education course. 23
 Credits22
Semester 2
CAD 1001Engineering Graphics3
ENG 1754Technical Communication3
MCH 1205Mechanics5
MTH 1250Algebra II3
SUR 1220Surveying II 15
SUR 1232Survey Field Methods1
One General Education course. 13
 Credits23
Semester 3
CAD 1200Computer Aided Drafting II2
CIV 2300Soil Mechanics I 14
CIV 2302Civil Engineering Applications3
CIV 2421Basic Hydraulics3
MCH 2310Strength Of Materials I4
MTH 2325Technical Math III3
ENV 1027Sustainable Practices3
 Credits22
Semester 4
CIV 2403Structural Behaviour & Detailing4
CIV 2404Computer Aided Structural Detailing3
CIV 2431Municipal Planning4
CIV 3500Special Projects 14
CIV 3520Contracts Law & Specifications4
One General Education course. 13
 Credits22
 Total Credits89
1

 Course with Lab Component

2

For more information regarding General Education courses, click here.

Fees

Tuition Cost

Canadian Students

$4,031.29Estimated first year costView fee breakdown

International Students

$18,126.67Estimated first year costView fee breakdown

Important Notice

Fees presented are estimates based on projections for future academic year(s) of study. Actual fees charged may differ from what is published here. A full detailed listing of all fees is available in myCambrian and updated annually no later than May 1 for the following academic year. Students in Academic Upgrading are responsible for any fees listed on their invoice each term.

Tuition and ancillary fees

Please see our fees page for the breakdown of tuition and mandatory ancillary fees by program and semester for both domestic and international students.

Books and supplies

Books and supplies may be required at the course level over and above what is estimated above. Please consult your professor/instructor for further information.

College may be more affordable than you think!

Have you said, “school can wait another year”? Don’t sacrifice your future any longer – you can do it!

Whether it’s fear, financial reasons, or something else that is impacting your decision to start school, we’re here to listen to you and help in any way we can!

Work-integrated learning (WIL)

Take your education beyond the classroom!

Cambrian programs blend academic learning, hands-on training, and community involvement opportunities to help you achieve your ultimate goal – your dream career. You’ll have the opportunity to apply your knowledge to real-world scenarios within and outside of the classroom through work-integrated learning. Whether it be a capstone project, co-op, practicum, preceptorship component, or placement, you’ll benefit from a practical, job-related experience before you graduate.

Field of Study

School of Engineering Technology

Imagine a career in a cutting-edge laboratory or inside a mine 5,000 feet below the ground or on-site constructing a skyscraper. At Cambrian, learning isn’t confined to textbooks. From chemical and civil engineering to mechatronics, mechanical, and more, at our School of Engineering Technology, you’ll gain the skills you need to bring a wide range of engineering theories to life.

Learn more

Specific program pathways

Graduates of Cambrian’s CVTN program may apply to enter directly into Semester 5 of the Civil Engineering Technology (CVTY) program.  This is a competitive process.

College or university degree opportunities  

If you are a graduate of this program, you may continue your studies at a college or university and you may receive credit(s) for your prior college education. Refer to Cambrian’s college and university agreement details for further information. 

Career Outcomes

Employment opportunities

Civil Engineering Technicians usually work in surveying, material testing, drafting, design, construction, estimating, inspection, or sales and service. Graduates are prepared for employment opportunities in:

  • Consulting engineering firms 
  • Government departments 
  • Municipal engineering departments 
  • Construction firms

For more information about Civil Engineering as a career, including employment opportunities, visit Ontario Civil Construction Careers Institute.

A bearded individual wearing a cap and safety goggles skillfully works on electrical connections, holding red wires with precision.Person with safety glasses using a wrench on machinery in a workshop.A radiology student Julia working with equipment.

Need a career coach?

Explore how this program can lead to a great career! Cambrian’s Career Coach platform is a user-friendly, online tool that provides up-to-date and comprehensive labour market data to help you explore career options, salary expectations for the Greater Sudbury region, and more!

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See where you'll be learning!

Minimum technology requirements

Success in this program requires that you come equipped with some program-specific technology requirements.

Bring your own device (BYOD)

Cambrian College has implemented a BYOD principle to both enrich the student learning experience in and out of the classroom and to ensure flexibility!

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Ready to take the first step?

Start gaining the highest level of skills at Cambrian now – and you’ll be ready to take advantage of the many career opportunities waiting for you just around the corner. The future is yours!

Have Questions?
We are here to help.

If you have any questions about programs, funding, OSAP, deadlines, student services, or anything else, reach out to our support team and we are happy to help!

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