BCIT launches construction microcredential program

Key Takeaways:

• The ACE Program gives teens the chance to explore architecture, construction, and engineering careers through a combination of sector aligned courses and work experience.
• 18 Students will spend the summer completing the curriculum portion of the program before they are placed with industry partners through two 6-month paid internships.
• The program aims to offer recent graduates options to explore careers that require less financial and time commitments.

The Whole Story:

The British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) has launched a new pilot program to encourage high school students to get a taste of the construction industry while they decide on a career. 

The Entry Skills for Architectural, Construction, and Engineering Fields (ACE) Microcredential program is a unique entry level educational program with integrated hands-on learning, designed to offer high school students an exposure to the spectrum of careers that exist within the architecture, construction, and engineering fields through a combination of sector aligned courses and work experience.

“The ACE program is an opportunity for high school students to learn more about careers in the Architecture, Construction, and Engineering fields while gaining paid, industry work experience,” said Laurie Therrien, manager, corporate training and industry services, BCIT. “This also allows companies in those fields to introduce more young people to these exciting careers – all of which are a tremendous win for students, industry, and education. In fact, it’s long overdue.”

This summer over 18 high school students from Burnaby, Coquitlam, Maple Ridge, New Westminster, Richmond, Surrey, and Vancouver will take part. 

The program is aimed at providing eligible high school students, specifically recent graduates, with introductory design and technical skills in the fields of architecture, construction, and engineering. Students will spend the summer completing the curriculum portion of the program before they are placed with industry partners through two six-month paid internships. Throughout the internships, students gain real-world experience working on the job while continuing their studies in a part-time, online model.

The school noted that B.C. expected to have over one million job openings in the next 10 years based on the latest Labour Market Outlook Report. The school sees the ACE microcredential as a solution in supporting the province and industries to fulfill the workforce gap. 

School officials stated that the microcredential helps remove barriers to education for the youth by requiring less financial and time commitment, and encouraging students who are unsure if a particular program/field is right for them to try a variety of career paths before committing to further academic avenues.

“BCIT is excited to be spearheading this unique ACE initiative that offers motivated high school students a deeper understanding about career opportunities in Architecture, Construction, and Engineering,” said Wayne Hand, Dean, School of Construction and the Environment. “Access to paid, industry work placements provide young learners the insight, experience, and connections needed to make informed decisions about their career and education pathways, while giving industry partners the opportunity to attract young people to their vibrant sectors.”