Diploma in Horticulture - Food and Farming

at Durham College - Whitby Campus Canada

Grab a wrench and jump into the high-demand skilled trade field of plumbing. This one-year certificate program will provide you with skills sought by employers and position you at the front of workers competing for entry-level jobs in the plumbing industry, including apprenticeships.

Working with our experienced professors, you will gain valuable theoretical knowledge and receive practical hands-on training in the basics of residential and commercial plumbing and hydronic heating system designs and installations.

Have you ever ridden an elevator or escalator and wondered how they work? Who builds and installs them or even who makes sure they’re safe to ride? The responsibility is that of an elevating devices mechanic and our program will prepare you to enter this trade as an apprentice. With the continued development and modernization of high-rise buildings driving growth in the elevating devices industry, employment opportunities in this area have increased in Durham Region and the Greater Toronto Area. Durham College is a public training provider for an elevating devices mechanic apprenticeship, positioning you for employment as an apprentice upon graduation. Graduates are eligible for exemption from the Level 1 and 2 of the in-school requirements for EDM 636E apprenticeship training. Graduates will also receive TSSA-mandated EDM-T Safety Training certification and meet the Ministry of Labour’s Working at Heights training requirements.

This two-year program is the only of its kind in Ontario. Students hoping to become Elevating Devices Mechanic apprentices will gain foundational knowledge with industry terms and hands-on experience on actual elevating equipment while applying sustainability best practices in the workplace.

The Mechanical Technician - Elevating Devices diploma program prepares students to enter into the elevating devices industry as an apprentice. Elevating Devices Mechanics must complete an apprenticeship training program to become a licensed constructor or service mechanic. Graduates choosing not to enter into an apprenticeship could also secure positions as sales persons or inspectors in the industry.

In just four semesters, students will have demonstrated the ability to:

• Apply quality control and quality assurance procedures to meet organizational standards and requirements.
• Use current and emerging technologies to support the implementation of mechanical and manufacturing projects.
• Interpret, prepare and modify mechanical drawings and other related technical documents.
• Manufacture, assemble, maintain and repair mechanical components according to required specifications.
• Contribute to the planning, implementation and evaluation of projects.
• Analyze and solve mechanical and electrical problems on elevating devices equipment by applying mathematics and fundamentals of electricity and electronics.

Co-operative education (co-op):

The best way to succeed in your field is to immerse yourself in it. Students will be invited to apply to the co-op option during their first year and entrance is competitive. Qualifying students will be eligible to complete a four-month, paid work term.

This program will appeal to your creative, analytical and mathematical sides with instruction in freehand sketching and computer-aided drawing, sustainability and green technology, renovation and restoration, site planning, calculations of load, structural sizing and estimating project costs, and technical communications designed to prepare you for an exciting career in architectural technology.

In the three-year Architectural Technology program you will focus on the commercial aspect of construction and renovation and gain an in-depth understanding of building and construction technology. This program, designed to prepare you for an exciting career in architectural technology, will appeal to your creative and analytical side with instruction in freehand sketching; sustainability and green technology; history of architecture; renovation and restoration; site planning; and technical communications.

You will gain knowledge and apply skills in computer aided drawing, building methods and project management using the most current computer-aided drafting programs such as AutoCAD and Building Information Modeling. In addition, you will learn construction and sustainable technologies for materials such as wood frame, steel, masonry and precast concrete and develop project management skills.

Graduates employed in this field will be skilled in analyzing building codes to determine design requirements; drafting contract and bidding documents; assisting architects with drafting construction and design plans; and constructing design models. The sustainable design skills you will gain will make you current and relevant in today’s increasingly eco-friendly architectural field. Graduates are eligible to apply for additional industry-relevant certifications, which may be a requirement for some employers.

You will further your practical knowledge through a team project/placement component in your third year, which will strengthen your work experience as well as develop your skills in building code, building specifications, estimating and structural and mechanical knowledge.

The Hospitality industry is growing fast - so fast that the industry is bracing for significant labour shortages. Thousands of jobs will be available across Canada for people with the right education, skills and attitude. From the front desk at a hotel or resort, to a food and beverage service position at a restaurant or club, or customer service positions in a wide variety of businesses, there will be many outstanding opportunities. If you enjoy travel, meeting new people, and have a passion for being a part of an industry that makes people happy, Hospitality Skills is a great place to start.

The Hospitality Skills program will provide you with an introduction to hotel, restaurant and tourism operations and the knowledge and expertise required for an entry-level position in the hospitality field. You will have the opportunity to earn industry-recognized certifications related to food and beverage service and safe food handling.

You will learn how to

• Provide hospitality service in a professional manner in order to increase customer satisfaction
• Identify and describe the various sectors of the Canadian tourism industry
• Use basic calculations to assist with daily functions of a hospitality operation
• Assist in development and implementation of a hospitality operation’s marketing plan and materials
• Follow all relevant health and safety legislation and regulations
• Plan and implement personal and professional development strategies related to the hospitality industry
• Support daily functions of a hospitality operation using current technologies and computer applications
• Perform duties of an entry-level accommodation operations team member
• Explain theories of food and beverage service and perform basic service tasks

Students in this program will benefit from working and learning in Bistro ’67, a full-service, green-certified teaching and learning restaurant operated by staff and students. 

Qualified graduates of the Hospitality Skills certificate program may have the opportunity to continue their studies by completing a second year to obtain their diploma in Hospitality - Hotel and Restaurant Operations Management.

Civil engineering influences every aspect of our physical environment or infrastructure. Civil Engineering Technologists plan, design, construct, maintain and recycle the structures in our communities such as roads, bridges, highways, airports, pipelines and tunnels. These systems keep our transportation systems operating, water flowing and gas and electricity supplied to consumers. It is one of the most established engineering disciplines and by far one of the busiest.

In this program, you will be exposed to modern civil technologies and develop skills in computer assisted design and drafting (CAD), geographic information system (GIS), building information modelling (BIM), and safe working principles in accordance with various Canadian civil engineering codes, quality control standards and regulations.

You will also have two options to gain valuable experience in the workplace and will either complete a field placement or participate in the co-operative education (co-op) option of the program. Students can also access membership to the Toronto Construction Association.

Civil Engineering influences every aspect of our physical environment or infrastructure.

Civil Engineering Technologist students will be exposed to modern civil technologies and develop skills in computer assisted design (CAD) and drafting, Geographic Information System (GIS), Building Information Modelling (BIM), and safe working principles in accordance with various Canadian Civil Engineering Codes, Quality Control Standards and Regulations.

Graduates of the Civil Engineering Technology program will be able to carry out design and technical functions related to a broad range of civil engineering fields including structural, municipal, highway and transportation engineering, water resources, geotechnical engineering, environmental protection and infrastructure rehabilitation. Skills learned in class will be honed through co-operative education or field placement options.

Co-operative education (co-op):

The best way to succeed in your field is to immerse yourself in it! Co-op is an excellent way to build your professional network, explore career paths and apply in-class teachings to real work situations. Co-op is a model of education that integrates academic learning with workplace learning in fields relevant to our students’ academic and personal goals. Similar to an academic course, work terms are a mandatory component of this form of experiential learning.

Students in the Civil Engineering Technology Advanced Diploma program will be invited to apply to the co-op option during their first academic semester. Entrance to the co-op option is limited and the processes for securing a work term are competitive. Students who qualify for co-op will be eligible to complete a four-month, paid work term between the second and third semesters of their program. After academic semester 4, students will be eligible to complete two consecutive work terms before returning to campus to complete their final academic semesters 5 and 6 before graduating.

Supports are available through the Co-op office to assist students with securing their work terms. In addition, the Co-op office is in contact with co-op students and their employers during the work terms to help with any questions.

This three-year program will prepare you for a career in multiple aspects of automation technology, spanning the electrical and mechanical engineering boundaries. It primarily focuses on industrial automation and its associated control systems, programming, design and documentation. Students in this program are the primary users of the world-class Integrated Manufacturing Centre (IMC) and Industrial Programming laboratories which provide our graduates with an edge upon graduation. For a preview of the extraordinary, industrial grade IMC laboratory, view these 360-degree video links.

As part of the industrial world leader Fanuc Robotics Certified Education training program, all graduates from Electromechanical receive Fanuc Robotics' HandlingTool Operations and Programming Level 1 Certification. Key automation technology career opportunities are available in several application areas including:

• Custom machine builders and integrators
• Building automation integrators
• Conveying and sortation systems specialists
• Food and beverage processing companies
• Nuclear Operations
• Commercial HVAC integrators
• Cosmetics industry control systems
• Automated machining companies
• Boiler control and burner management
• Punch press control systems
• Water Treatment Plant automation
• Electrical cable manufacturers
• Process Instrumentation and Control
• Renewable energy applications
• Sterilization process equipment manufacturers
• Automotive maufacturers
• Technical sales (device application)

As a graduate, you will specialize in designing, analyzing, troubleshooting, modifying, maintaining and repairing automated electromechanical equipment, components, systems and subsystems. In addition, you will be able to:

• Apply communication, documentation, computer applications and teamwork skills to support the engineering activities of an organization
• Assist with project management
• Conduct quality assurance functions
• Manage customer service quality-control
• Perform purchasing.

A superior, modern training facility, the IMC is a world-class, industrial-grade, automated facility that houses major equipment components including:

• Rockwell Automation Programmable automation Controller hardware
• Allen Bradley Human Machine Interface screens
• Automatic identification (bar code scanners and Radio Frequency ID)
• Industrial networks (including Ethernet IP)
• Fanuc Industrial robot arms
• Fanuc Roboguide 3D Simulation software
• Variable Speed Drives (motor control)
• Material handling systems
• Process instrumentation and control hardware, software, and networking
• Vision cameras
• Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) software for remote monitoring and control

Please note: You will be required to purchase safety shoes and glasses in order to participate in many laboratory settings on campus.

Co-operative education (co-op)

• The best way to succeed in your field is to immerse yourself in it! Co-op is an excellent way to build your professional network, explore career paths and apply in-class teachings to real work situations. Co-op is a model of education that integrates academic learning with workplace learning in fields relevant to our students’ academic and personal goals. Similar to an academic course, work terms are a mandatory component to this form of experiential learning.
• Students in the Electromechanical Engineering Technology Advanced Diploma program will be invited to apply to the co-op option during their second academic semester. Entrance to the co-op option is limited and the processes for securing a work term are competitive. Students who qualify for co-op will be eligible to complete two four-month, paid work terms totalling 840 hours. Work terms are scheduled between semesters three and four and four and five of the program.
• Supports are available through the Co-op office to assist students with securing their work terms. In addition, the Co-op office is in contact with co-op students and their employers during the work terms to help with any questions.

This program is unique in Ontario: our well-equipped microbiology, chemical analysis, pharmaceutical and food processing facilities provide our students with hands-on experience in the methods and instrumentation used in the pharmaceutical, cosmetics, natural health product, cannabis and food science industries.  Our students learn the theory of and perform experiments mirroring industry procedures and protocols to ensure they are equipped with the skills and knowledge they need to work in these high-demand industries.

During placement, students have the opportunity to gain experience at partner organizations, including food manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies, analytical testing facilities and ingredient suppliers.

Graduates are employed in both the public and private sectors including:

• Bakeries, confectioners, pasta and snack food manufacturers
• Brewers, winemakers and beverage manufacturers
• Dairy, meat, seafood and canning processors
• Food additives and flavour manufacturers
• Government agencies
• Packaging, ingredient, and equipment suppliers
• Pharmaceutical, cosmetics and consumer health products manufacturers
• Research establishments and universities
• Third party testing labs

This program has broad career prospects and a graduate may become a(n)

• Analytical Chemist
• Instrumentation technologist
• Microbiologist
• Food, pharmaceutical or cosmetic manufacturing technologist
• Food product development technologist
• Food safety technologist
• Pharmaceutical technologist
• Quality assurance technologist
• Quality control technologist

A diploma from the Automotive Technician – Service and Management (Motive Power Technician) program is your key to a world of opportunity in a high-tech, challenging industry. Learn the theory of mechanical procedures in a hands-on environment, guided by experienced, trade-certified professors. Graduates of this program can go on to specialize in high-demand areas of motive power including automotive, truck and coach, off-road equipment, marine and small engines, stationary equipment and diesel engines. This program also includes the essential business skills to help you find the right job with the right employer. Graduates are eligible for exemption from the Level 1 and 2 of the in-school requirements for AST 310S apprenticeship training.

This program will give you the skills and training required to pursue a variety of careers in the transportation and automotive fields. As a graduate, you will be prepared to enter the motive power trades with highly skilled trade qualifications and essential business communication, marketing and interpersonal skills. Successful completion of this program will enable you to:

• Create work orders related to the motive power trade and industry
• Diagnose motive power engines, electrical/fuel systems, motive power drive line, directional control systems (steering, suspension and brakes) and air conditioning
• Search and find parts/service information from manuals and computerized systems
• Apply proper disposal, storage and handling practices as they pertain to environmental legislation
• Understand management principles such as business structure, accounting, human resources management and parts/supply management
• Students wishing to challenge apprenticeship exemption exams are required to pay an examination fee.

The Honours Bachelor of Construction Management (HBCM) program provides students with the knowledge, skills and abilities they will need to succeed in a career in the industrial, residential, institutional, or commercial construction industries. Graduates of the HBCM program will be prepared to make meaningful contributions to the prosperity, sustainability and resiliency of Ontario’s economic future.

As Ontario’s construction sector enjoys sustained and significant expansion, the growing demand for skilled workers continues to create excellent employment opportunities for knowledgeable and well-prepared graduates to fill the estimated 118,000 new construction sector jobs that will be created over the next 15 years.

It is anticipated that demand for well-trained employees will be even more pronounced in occupations that require an advanced level of skill, such as construction managers, estimators, job site superintendents and project managers.

Be part of one of the fastest-growing industry segments in the world. Hotels, resorts, restaurants, cruise ships, casinos, entertainment venues and conference centres are all benefiting from an increasing number of travelers from around the globe. Learn the essential operational skills and management techniques that employers value in this vibrant business. Explore the diverse career paths that are available to you, as you unleash your passion for customer service excellence and profitable hospitality business operations. The world of accommodation, food and beverage, travel and tourism is yours to discover.

The program focuses on the management of hotel, restaurant and tourism enterprises and is designed to provide you with a thorough foundation of the professional skills required to begin a career in these sectors. Given the hands-on nature of the hospitality industry, all courses are designed to provide you with active learning opportunities including labs for food and beverage preparation and service and front desk operations, along with numerous case studies and simulation exercises. Built on three key themes – profitable business management, exemplary customer service and an appreciation of sustainable hospitality management practices – each course will take you on an exploration of the various business aspects of the hospitality service industry, including:

• Catering
• Customer service
• Event planning
• Financial and human resource management
• Food service
• Hotel operations
• Marketing
• Restaurant operations
• Entrepreneurship

Teamwork, effective decision-making, critical thinking and leadership skills are explored in Year 1 and also emphasized throughout the second year of the program. You will also participate in a capstone course in Semester 4 designed to provide you with an opportunity to apply the skills you have acquired throughout the program as you operate a full-service hotel through a robust simulation program.

To develop a better affiliation with industry and further your skills, you will be invited to apply to the co-op option during your first semester. Qualified students will complete a four-month, paid work term in the summer between the second and third semesters of the program.  Students can also choose to complete an 80-hour field placement to gain work experience during their fourth semester.

The Hospitality - Hotel and Restaurant Operations Management program is offered at the Whitby campus, home of the college’s new W. Galen Weston Centre for Food. This incredible new learning environment provides access to state-of-the-art labs, classrooms and meeting spaces all designed to offer you the best possible learning experience.

Co-operative education (co-op):

The best way to succeed in your field is to immerse yourself in it! Co-op is an excellent way to build your professional network, explore career paths and apply in-class teachings to real work situations. Co-op is a model of education that integrates academic learning with workplace learning in fields relevant to our students’ academic and personal goals. Similar to an academic course, work terms are a mandatory component to this form of experiential learning.

Students starting in the Hospitality - Hotel and Restaurant Operations Management Diploma program in September will be invited to apply to the co-op option during their first academic semester. Entrance to the co-op option is limited and the processes for securing a work term are competitive.  Students who qualify for co-op will be eligible to complete a four-month, paid work term between the second and third semesters of their program.

Supports are available through the Co-op office to assist students with securing their work terms. In addition, the Co-op office is in contact with co-op students and their employers during the work terms to help with any questions. Upon completing the work term, co-op students return to campus to complete their final two academic semesters of the program before graduating.